RED DEER COLLEGE
MICROBIOLOGY 365
Introductory Microbiology
FALL 2015
Section A: Tues – Thur - Fri: 9:00 – 9:50 Room B501
Instructor:
Office:
Phone:
Email:
Will Marchuk
1607D
403-342-3110
[email protected] OR via Blackboard
Log in to Blackboard - find this outline
and READ IT please! You are
responsible for all the information
provided. If you have ANY questions or
concerns, please see Will.
1.
Prerequisites: Biology 217 and Chemistry 251or 351. Chemistry 251 or 351 may be taken as corequisites.
2.
Course Description:
This course will focus on the structure and physiology of free-living prokaryotes and pathogenic
bacteria. The diversity of their metabolic activities, systematics, the interaction of microbes with their
environment, symbiotic relationships, epidemiology and medical microbiology are major topics.
Lectures and laboratory exercises are coordinated to explore topics in basic microbiology,
environmental microbiology, molecular microbiology, and the production of economically or
medically important products through microbial biotechnology. Credit hours: 4.
3.
Learning Activities:
The nature of the course requires that the majority of the class material will be delivered by lecture,
but time is always available in every lecture for questions and class discussion. Most of the lecture
material will be available on-line via Blackboard (https://portal.rdc.ab.ca/cp/home/loginf). Course
material on-line will play a major role in all learning activities.
4.
Learning Outcomes:
After successfully completing this course, students should be able to:
Compare the nutritional and metabolic diversity of selected Prokaryotic lineages.
Explain how cell structure relates to function in pathogenic and free-living microorganisms.
Discuss the general concepts of microbial classification, microbial evolution, and systematics.
Analyze the role selected groups of microorganisms play in their environment – both past and
present.
Explain how selected groups of microorganisms have been used in the field of biotechnology.
Discuss the medical relevance of studying microorganisms.
Discuss the significance of selected microorganisms in the natural environment and to humans.
Employ basic microbiological techniques to isolate and identify a select group of
microorganisms.
Employ theoretical principles in performing a series of tests to determine physiological
properties of a select group of microorganisms.
5.
Texts / Primary References:
th
1. Madigan, M.T., et al. 2015. Brock biology of microorganisms. 14 edition. Upper Saddle River,
NJ. Prentice-Hall. Recommended. If you buy this book you will have access to its website via:
http://www.pearsonmylabandmastering.com/northamerica/masteringmicrobiology/
th
If you can find a used version of the 13 edition on line – buy it. Amazon and eBay are just two
of many sites to find used AND new texts. Here is a good website that sells new and used textbooks
(you can RENT texts here as well):
http://www.alibris.com/booksearch?title=brock+biology+of+microorganisms&mtype=B
An interesting “take” on the education system:
http://www.theonion.com/video/in-the-know-are-tests-biased-against-students-who,17966/
-22. Microbiology 365 – Microbiology 365 laboratory manual on Blackboard - FREE ONLINE.
3. Marchuk, W. N. 2014. Microbiology 365 Website on Blackboard.
4. Todar’s textbook of bacteriology/microbiology - FREE ONLINE. Use the search function for
specific topics discussed in class: http://textbookofbacteriology.net/kt_toc.html
6.
Laboratories: Lab 02 Wed 2:00 – 4:50.
Attendance in all lab sessions is mandatory. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the
laboratory component of this course please contact Shannon Brown ([email protected]).
Shannon also has a 365 Website on Blackboard. A lab coat and lab manual are mandatory for ALL
microbiology lab sessions. The lab manual is available online via Blackboard.
7.
Blackboard (Bb) Log In Procedure:
1.
Open up a web browser – Google Chrome is BY FAR the best browser to use with Blackboard.
2.
Type in the address: https://portal.rdc.ab.ca/cp/home/loginf (there is NO www) OR just go to the
RDC website http://www.rdc.ab.ca/ and click on “the loop”.
3.
Type in your username and Password. Your username is your first initial followed by your last
name (all low case, no spaces). Your password is your birth date in YYMMDD format. For example,
if your birthday is July 6, 1999, your password is 990706. After your initial log in, you can change
your password if you wish.
4. Click on the specific course name to enter the course homepage.
If you are unable to log in, Email the College Helpdesk @: [email protected] or phone: 3423580 with the following information:

Your full name (first, middle, last) and student ID

Your birth date

The name, number, and section of the course you are trying to access

Your instructor’s name (if you have one)
Blackboard (Bb) has a great Mobile App for your
Smartphone. It’s FREE on iTunes. It’s FREE for
your iPad and just a few dollars for your phone.
ALL Bb course material is available via this QR Code
8.
Assessment of Student Performance:
Throughout the term your abilities will be formally assessed in lecture by your performance on one
midterm exam; two quizzes (or assignments) and one cumulative final exam. At the end of the term,
the marks earned will be the major determinant in assigning a letter grade reflecting your overall
performance. Refer to the chart on page 4 for how percentages are converted to a letter grade.
Lecture Quizzes and/or Assignments
(Due dates will be posted on Bb)
Lecture Midterm exam
(Mid-October)
Lecture Final exam
(Cumulative)
(date announced by registrar)
Laboratory
(See Shannon’s lab outline for details)
PLEASE NOTE: You are required to pass the lab
component in order to receive credit for this course.
2 @ 10% each
1 @ 20%
1 @ 30%
30%
-3There will be several very short unannounced “pop” quizzes throughout the term that may
earn you valuable “BANK” marks. If you skip class – you lose out. Details about these will
be discussed in class. All earned bank marks will be applied to your raw final exam score.
Lecture notes (in-class and/or website) are the primary source of information for all exams.
“Suggested readings” are to refresh your memory, allow you to keep up with or ahead of lectures,
but are not all testable. Reading Assignments that are announced in class or indicated on the
class website are testable (as are, of course, all lecture notes!)
Lecture exams will consist of a combination short answer and longer discussion-based questions.
Multiple choice questions are not used. All grades will be assigned according to the Red Deer
College grading system. Details about this grading system may be found here:
http://rdc.ab.ca/current-students/class-info/grades-exams/grading-system
Please keep ALL marked assignments, exams, and bank marks in a safe place. They are proof of
your academic performance should a discrepancy arise. If your exam is written in pencil and
returned to you – NO grade adjustments will be considered.
PLEASE NOTE: For ALL in-class exams, the following are NOT permitted:
Baseball-style hats
Electronic devices of ANY kind (e.g. computers, cell phones, iPods, iPads, dictionaries,
translators, etc.) unless required for medical reasons or for documented learning disabilities.
Anyone observed using an electronic device during a quiz/exam will receive a ZERO on
the exam and asked to leave the exam.
Late Assignments/Missed Exams: Accommodations will be made for late assignments and/or
missed quizzes/exams ONLY when a legitimate reason is provided (written documentation
required). A grade of ZERO will be assigned otherwise. The letter (hardcopy) must be submitted to
the instructor within one week from the date the exam was written or one week from the due date of
the assignment. Please contact your instructor if you have any questions or concerns regarding
these accommodations.
The RDC final exam policy (available at: http://rdc.ab.ca/search/gss/final%20exam%20policy) will be
followed with respect to final examinations. Please review this document to ensure that you
understand the contents and implications of the policy.
Deferred Exams: A student who has missed or will miss a final exam because of illness, domestic
affliction, or other compelling reason must apply to the registrar for a deferred final exam. Be
prepared to supply a letter from a medical doctor or other verification.
Supplemental Exams: If a student feels that s/he has not performed as well as expected on the
final exam, s/he may apply for a supplemental exam subject to the following conditions: 1) if the final
exam was attempted and the final exam grade was 40% or greater; 2) a fee will be charged; and 3)
each student is allowed to write a maximum of two supplemental exams per year. You must apply
to the registrar for a supplemental exam.
STUDENT RECOGNITION OF PLAGIARISM*
Standards of Proof
Plagiarism can be judged to have occurred if the instructor has both the material presented by the
student and the original source from which this material was taken.
Also, plagiarism can be judged to have occurred:
if the student is incapable of explaining the terminology or ideas in the submitted material
if such terminology or ideas cannot be shown to originate in the works contained in the
Bibliography, References, or Works Cited page accompanying the submitted material (or, for oral
presentations, if the student cannot produce the notes or texts used to prepare the presentation).
-4Consequences: A student charged with plagiarism may
be given a reduced mark or no mark (that is, a grade of 0 or F) for the plagiarized assignment, or
be assigned a final grade of F, or
be expelled from the course and assigned a final grade of F.
In all of the above cases, the instance of academic dishonesty will be recorded on the student’s
academic file.
PROCEDURE
1. If an instructor discovers or suspects academic misconduct, the instructor provides evidence of
the misconduct to the student and takes disciplinary action up to and including the assignment of
a failing grade for the work involved in the misconduct.
2. If the instructor feels that the misconduct warrants more serious consequences, the Program
Chair is informed. The decision to remove the student from the course or to assign a failing grade
in the course as a consequence of the misconduct may be taken by the Program Chair in
consultation with the Associate Dean upon reviewing the evidence of the misconduct and
determination that the violation warrants such action.
3. If the instructor and Program Chair determine that the violation requires more significant action
such as removal from a program or from the College, the evidence is presented to the Associate
Dean for a decision.
4. In each case, the decision and disciplinary action are communicated to the student in writing and
a copy is provided to the Registrar who places it in the student’s file.
(*adapted from RDC’s policy on Student Misconduct: Academic and Non-academic)
College Policies
Students should be familiar with what constitutes misconduct, as well as its consequences. This may include
academic misconduct, which includes plagiarism and cheating, or non-academic misconduct, where student
behavior is deemed unsafe or disruptive. Plagiarism may involve the act of submitting work in which some or all
of the phrasing, ideas, or line of reasoning are alleged to be the submitter’s own but in fact were created by
someone else. Cheating involves attempts to obtain unsanctioned assistance in a formal academic exercise.
Students should familiarize themselves with the Policy on Academic Misconduct: academic and non-academic.
Penalties for such misconduct range from academic sanctions on assignments or a course to removal from the
College.
Students should refer to the Student Appeal, Formal and Informal Resolution Process Policy should
they have questions or concerns about the course outline that cannot be resolved with the instructor.
This course may be eligible for Prior Learning Assessment. Students should refer to the RDC
Calendar for a list of excluded courses.
Classroom learning resources may be available to students in alternative formats.
The various RDC Academic Policies described above can also be found here.
Academic Resources on Campus
Students should be aware that Personal Counselling, Career, Learning, and Disability Services are
provided by RDC. Students may inquire about locations at the Information Desk. It is the student’s
responsibility to discuss their specific learning needs with the appropriate service provider.
Learning Support (Library: 403-342-3264, [email protected] )
•
Writing Skills Centre ([email protected])
•
Math Learning Centre ([email protected])
•
Learning Strategies (note-taking, studying and exam-writing strategies)
•
Peer-Assisted Study / Tutoring (one-on-one tutoring by students)
Disability Services (Library: 403-357-3629, [email protected])
•
Coordination of services (tutoring, alternate format text, note-taking and so on.)
•
Academic accommodations, including exam accommodations
Counselling and Career Centre (Room 1402: 403-343-4064, [email protected])
-5-
The following chart is used to convert percent grades to letter grades. PLEASE NOTE: This chart
applies to Will’s lecture section(s) only and MAY NOT apply to any other course at RDC. This
conversion scale is based on the AB. Government’s Post Secondary Education Transfer Guide.
Performance Level
RDC Grade
Exceptional Performance
A+
Approximate
%
Equivalency
96 – 100
Excellent Performance
A
A-
90 – 95
85 – 89
4.0
3.7
B+
80-84
3.3
B
75 – 79
3.0
B-
70-74
2.7
C+
64-69
2.3
C
60 – 63
2.0
C-*
(see below)
56 – 59
1.7
Good Performance
Satisfactory Performance
RDC
Grade
Points
4.0
Pass
D+
D
53-55
50 – 52
1.3
1.0
Fail
F
0 – 49
0.0
C- is the minimum acceptable passing grade at the University of Alberta (if that’s
where you plan on going).
Important dates for fall 2015:
9.
09 Sept
12 Oct
11 Nov
12 -13 Nov
13 Nov
10 Dec
First Day of Classes
Thanksgiving Day. College closed.
Remembrance Day. College Closed
College Open. No credit classes
Final exam schedule posted for Fall term 2015
Last day to withdraw from Fall Term 2015 courses and
receive a WD on transcript
10 Dec
14 Dec
19 Dec
24 Dec
25 – 31 Dec
Last day of classes for Fall Term 2015 courses
First day of final examinations for Fall Term 2015 courses
Last day of final examinations for Fall Term 2015 courses
College closed at noon
College closed
Absences:
You are strongly urged to attend and actively participate in all classes, as there is a very strong
correlation between attendance and grades. However, if you do miss a class, you should arrange to
borrow notes from other students in class because you are still responsible for all information
(including assignment due dates, etc.) covered in this class.
-610. Cell Phone and Computer Use in Lecture:
Unless otherwise indicated by the instructor, cell phone use in lecture is generally not accepted. You
will be asked to leave the class if cell phone use becomes an issue. If a personal emergency arises
during class and you must us your phone – quietly leave the room.
Computer use in lectures is welcome – as long as it is being used for lecture purposes. Facebook,
Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, Whisper, vine, YouTube, email, games, etc. are generally not relevant to
lecture material in this course!
11. Consultation/Office hours:
My door is always open!!! Please feel free to stop by my office (1607D) anytime – if I’m in – we
can talk! If you would like to make a specific appointment, see me after class or email me.
If you are having any difficulty with the course material and not understanding what is being asked
please see me ASAP. Don’t be afraid to ask for help! Your instructor and advisors are here to help
in any way we can.
12. Lecture Topic Outline:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Introduction/Preview to Microbiology
Microbial Cell Structure, chemistry and Function
Microbial Origins, Evolution, and Systematics
The Nutritional Needs and Growth of Prokaryotes
Metabolic Diversity of Prokaryotes
Microbial Symbioses
The “other” Microbes: Protists, Fungi, and Viruses
Epidemiology and an Introduction to Medical Microbiology
Selected Topics – student oral presentations (tentative)
It is the student’s responsibility to be familiar with the information contained in this outline and to
clarify any areas of concern with the instructor.
Students should refer to the Student Dispute, Appeal and Misconduct Processes Policy and
Standard Practice should questions or concerns about the course outline not be resolved directly
with the instructor (http://rdc.ab.ca/about/policies-publications/policies/academic).
No changes will be made to this course outline without the consent of the class and the approval of
the Associate Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences.
Students should refer to the Student Dispute, Appeal and Misconduct Processes Policy and Standard
Practice here should questions or concerns about the course outline not be resolved directly with the
instructor.
Jane MacNeil, Ph.D.
Associate Dean | School of Arts and Sciences
_________________________________________________
Signature