Applied Microbiology (in English)--Fall Semester Only

LIMITED ENROLLMENT. This course is an introduction for students to basic concepts and unifying principles of microbiology. The goal of this course is to provide the student with an understanding of the general concepts in microbiology, as well as inform about the general practices used clinically to identify and treat the most common infectious agents. The course is oriented towards the clinical aspects of microbiology, but does introduce historically significant discoveries to convey important topics. The labs are designed to familiarize students with aseptic methods of microbiological techniques and with its applications in clinical and environmental microbiolgy. *Lab Fee: 80?.

***REQUIRED TEXT should be bought prior to departure to Spain:
Microbiology: A Systems Approach. M. K. Cowan, 3rd edition. 2012. McGraw-Hill

Recommended Texts:
Prescott?s Microbiology. J. Willey, S. Sherwood and C. Woolverton, 8th edition. 2010. McGraw-Hill.
Brock Biology of Microorganisms. M. T. Madigan, J. M. Martinko D. Stahl and D. P. Clark, 13th
edition. 2010. Benjamin Cummings.
Laboratory exercises in Microbiology. J. P. Harley and L. P. Prescott, 5th edittion. 2002. McGraw-
Hill

Please contact the Site Specialist with questions!

Course description
This course is an introduction for students to basic concepts and unifying principles of
Microbiology. The goal of this course is to provide the student with an understanding of basic
bacterial laboratory techniques and the general concepts in Microbiology, as well as inform about
the general practices used to identify and treat the most common infectious agents. The course is
oriented towards the clinical aspects of Microbiology, but does introduce significant discoveries to
convey important topics. The labs are designed to familiarize students with aseptic methods of
microbiological techniques and with their applications in clinical and environmental Microbiology.

Course objectives and student learning outcomes: lecture program
Upon completion of the BIO242E lecture program, students should be able to:
? Discuss important scientific discoveries that led to development of modern microbiology, the
germ theory and aseptic technique
? Compare and contrast the structure and function of microorganisms, including prokaryotes,
eukaryotes and viruses
? Describe the kinetics and patterns of microbial growth, and environmental factors that alter
growth
? Explain the major metabolic pathways used by microorganisms, and how metabolism can be
exploited for food, industry and bioremediation
? Describe key features of microbial genetics, including DNA structure and function, as well as
mechanisms of DNA replication, transcription and translation
? Explain how and why microbial gene expression is regulated, as well as how genetic mutation
affects microbial evolution, fitness and pathogenesis
? Discuss common methods of controlling microbes in our environment, and the mechanism of
action of common antimicrobial drugs
? Define and compare beneficial vs. pathogenic host-microbial interactions
? Describe major mechanisms of microbial pathogenesis and the host immune response against
infection
? Identify common nosocomial pathogens and modern methods of controlling nosocomial
infections
? Identify the pathogens commonly associated with infections of the skin, eyes, nervous system,
respiratory tract, gastrointestinal tract and genitourinary tract in humans, as well as their modes of pathogenesis and risk factors associated with each type of disease
? Describe the role of microbiomes in environmental and human health
? Demonstrate basic microbiological skills, including aseptic technique and common methods for
sampling, culturing and evaluating microbes

Course objectives and student learning outcomes: laboratory program
Upon successful completion of the BIO 242E laboratory program students will be:
? Proficient in laboratory skills and safety protocols.
? Comfortable following experimental procedures.
? Able to apply the scientific method: formulate answerable questions/hypotheses, predict
expected results, make careful observations, collect and analyze/interpret data, and draw
appropriate conclusions.
? Clear and concise in scientific writing (reports and notebook entries)
? Able to embark in active learning opportunities in the laboratory.
? Exhibit good lab citizenry and the ability to work with others.
From their knowledge base students will:
? Demonstrate proper light microscope technique for viewing microorganisms
? Compile and contrast structural and functional features of bacteria, protists, fungi, viruses, and
parasites
? Demonstrate and explain fundamental stains, basic staining techniques, and corresponding
bacterial and fungal morphology
? Demonstrate as well as critique proper aseptic technique for transferring bacteria in the
laboratory, handling and analysis of specimens, reagents, other testing materials, and the
maintenance of a sterile work area
? Explain the safe methods for isolation, maintenance, and subculture of bacterial, fungal, and
viral specimens
? Identify and compile factors which affect microbial growth in both the laboratory and natural
environment
? Compile, assess, and understand the uses of the various media and metabolic/enzymatic
testing protocols
? Analyze and distinguish between mechanisms and effectiveness of different antimicrobial
agents and drugs and the mechanisms of microbial resistance to these control agents
? Identify and explain the protection provided by human defense mechanisms against microbial
disease
? Use current literature sources to describe the epidemiology and pathogenicity of different
microbial diseases
? Analyze and determine the identity of an ?unknown? bacterial sample utilizing methods
mastered in the laboratory
? Demonstrate mastery of quantitative measures; weight, volume, concentrations

Course delivery and student evaluation
Prior to class. Students are expected to have read the textbook chapters and lab protocols before
the corresponding lectures and labs. Powerpoint presentations, lab protocols and other course
materials will be posted on WebCT at least one day prior to the lectures and labs.

Lecture sessions will include lecturing, discussion and presentation of case studies. Homework
assignments will include the discussion of case studies on the WebCT discussion forums and an
online quiz per lesson on WebCT.

Lab sessions will include the discussion of the results from the previous session, presentation of
the experimental procedures and experimental work. General lab safety rules must be kept at all
times. A quiz per lab session will be posted on WebCT.

Evaluation
Four in-class exams (the lowest score of the four is dropped) will be held during the semester, and a final cumulative exam will be held on the final week of the program. A final lab exam will be held
on the last lab session.

Lecture and lab quizzes will be graded automatically and the highest grade of two attempts will
count towards the students? grade. All homework assignments will be due by the prescribed dates.
Incomplete or late homework may receive no credit.
Participation will be evaluated on the basis of the students? contribution to in class and online
discussion of the proposed topics and case studies

Grading:
Each in-class exam 15% (drop lowest score)
Final exam (cumulative) 20%
Lecture quizzes 10%
Active participation in classroom and online case study discussion 10%
Laboratory quizzes 5%
Laboratory exam (cumulative) 10%
Total 100%

Attendance policy
Attendance in both lecture and lab are necessary and expected. Exams missed due to an excused
(medical) absence must be made up within a week of returning to classes. It is each student?s
responsibility to be informed of exam dates, paper due dates, required course activities, etc. before
making any travel plans during the semester.