Course Syllabus

Elements of Microbiology

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Course Description

This course offers the student an opportunity to examine organisms that are too small to see with the naked eye and is a comprehensive study of the basic principles of microbiology. A brief survey of the history of the science is given. Emphasis is placed on understanding the variety and differences of microbes and their relationship to humans. Prior successful completion of BIO-2012, Human Anatomy and Physiology II, is recommended.

Essential Objectives

1. Compare the theoretical aspects of historical development in the field of microbiology to current concepts of microbiology.
2. Identify macroscopic and microscopic morphology of common microbial isolates.
3. Apply the theoretical and practical aspects of physical and chemical methods used to control microorganisms.
4. Explain the relationships that can exist between host and microorganism.
5. Discuss the disease process as it relates to common microbial pathologies.
6. Model and explain the theoretical and practical aspects of culturing and staining bacteria.
7. Demonstrate proficiency in understanding, interpreting, evaluating, and applying quantitative data and information.
8. Explain how knowledge created in the natural sciences has contributed to the creation, maintenance and dismantling of social inequalities and discuss the impacts of diversity and inclusion on scientific research and practice.
Lab Objectives:
1. Apply knowledge of the scientific method to:
a. formulate and evaluate real-world scientific questions;
b. ethically plan and implement accurate data collection;
c. analyze and evaluate data;
d. generate conclusions based on analysis and justify claims with evidence;
e. integrate the related work of other scientists; and
f. propose ideas for further inquiry.
2. Communicate findings in a format appropriate to the discipline and type of investigation, such as a laboratory notebook, laboratory report, observational study, field investigation report, poster, or presentation using appropriate evidence to support these findings.
3. Understand the structure and purpose of peer-reviewed publications.
4. Evaluate scientific information for validity, accuracy, reliability, and methodology.
5. Identify and follow lab safety techniques that are aligned with CCV’s Chemical Hygiene Plan, Lab Safety Agreements, and chemical Safety Data Sheets (SDS).

Required Technology

More information on general computer and internet recommendations is available on the CCV computer recommendations Support page.

Please see CCV's Digital Equity Statement (pg. 45) to learn more about CCV's commitment to supporting all students access the technology they need to successfully finish their courses.

Required Textbooks and Resources

This course uses one or more textbooks/books/simulations.

Spring 2025 textbook details will be available on 2024-12-06. On that date a link will be available below that will take you to eCampus, CCV's bookstore. The information provided there will be specific to this class. Please see this page for more information regarding the purchase of textbooks/books.

The last day to use a Financial Aid Advance to purchase textbooks/books is the 3rd Tuesday of the semester. See your financial aid counselor at your academic center if you have any questions.

Methods

Reading - Each week, you will read chapters in the text. You will have a choice of reading from the eText or through McGraw-Hill Connect Learnsmart, an adaptive learning system that quizzes you on the material as you read. Learnsmart also structures the reading of chapters so you move from big ideas gradually into more detailed information.

Labs - Most weeks you will be required to complete a virtual lab within McGraw-Hill Connect Virtual Labs. There will be a total of 6 lab report assignments, but only one of these assignments requires you to write a complete lab report.

Discussion Forums – There will be several discussion forums in this course. Your participation in these forums is required early in the week (initial post due on Friday) and then ongoing through the weekend and Monday replying to your classmates' posts. There are two extra credit discussion forum assignments to boost this portion of your grade should you get sick or miss a discussion forum for another reason.

Videos and Simulations - These are selected to help add depth and further elucidate material presented within the text and lab, or as prompts for the discussion forum assignments.

Evaluation Criteria

• 20% Textbook Reading

• 20% Exams

• 20% Labs

• 20% Lab Report Assignments

• 20% Discussion Forums

Grading Criteria

CCV Letter Grades as outlined in the Evaluation System Policy are assigned according to the following chart:

	High	Low
A+	100	98
A	Less than 98	93
A-	Less than 93	90
B+	Less than 90	88
B	Less than 88	83
B-	Less than 83	80
C+	Less than 80	78
C	Less than 78	73
C-	Less than 73	70
D+	Less than 70	68
D	Less than 68	63
D-	Less than 63	60
F	Less than 60
P	100	60
NP	Less than 60	0

Weekly Schedule

Attendance Policy

Regular attendance and participation in classes are essential for success in and are completion requirements for courses at CCV. A student's failure to meet attendance requirements as specified in course descriptions will normally result in a non-satisfactory grade.

• In general, missing more than 20% of a course due to absences, lateness or early departures may jeopardize a student's ability to earn a satisfactory final grade.
• Attending an on-ground or synchronous course means a student appeared in the live classroom for at least a meaningful portion of a given class meeting. Attending an online course means a student posted a discussion forum response, completed a quiz or attempted some other academically required activity. Simply viewing a course item or module does not count as attendance.
• Meeting the minimum attendance requirement for a course does not mean a student has satisfied the academic requirements for participation, which require students to go above and beyond simply attending a portion of the class. Faculty members will individually determine what constitutes participation in each course they teach and explain in their course descriptions how participation factors into a student's final grade.

Missing & Late Work Policy

Extensions will be granted: 1) when verifiable extenuating circumstances exist and; 2) when a request is made at least 24 hours before the due date.

Accessibility Services for Students with Disabilities:

1. Provide disability documentation to the Accessibility Coordinator at your academic center. https://ccv.edu/discover-resources/students-with-disabilities/
2. Request an appointment to meet with accessibility coordinator to discuss your request and create an accommodation plan.
3. Once created, students will share the accommodation plan with faculty. Please note, faculty cannot make disability accommodations outside of this process.

Academic Integrity

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