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MICRB 106: Elementary Microbiology
PSU-York (Spring 2003)
Elementary Microbiology (MICRB 106)
Spring 2003
Lecture Room 40 MCB MWF 1:00 – 1:50 p.m.
Microbiology Laboratory (MICRB 107) is mandatory.
Instructor: Dr. Matthew P. Hoch E-mail:
Campus Phone: 4016 Website: www.yk.psu.edu/~mph13/
Office/Lab: MCB Rm 6 / MCB Rm 124 “Biology Lab”
Office Hours: W 4:00-5:00 p.m., F 3:00-4:00 p.m., or by appointment
Required Textbook: Microbiology: An Introduction, 7th ed. Tortora, G.J., B.R.Funke, and C.L. Case. Benjamin Cummings, 2002.
Course Perspective:
Microorganisms play an omnipotent role in our human lives. They have influenced the atmosphere and climate of Earth for billion and years and continue to do so today. They obviously have immense influence of individual human health as well as that of whole communities. Human societies have been shaped by both the deleterious and beneficial functions of microbes, from changing the course of history via epidemic infectious disease to defining cultural elements like unique foods and beverages. Today, new biotechnologies employ microorganisms for industrial production of chemicals, including pharmaceuticals. To understand and appreciate how microbes have done and do all these things, we must establish a fundamental understanding of the relevant chemistry and biology of microbes and gain appreciation for their diversity. A specific focus is then placed on bacterial and viral involvement in the infectious disease process of humans, from the perspectives of microbial pathogenicity and human defenses and medical intervention.
Course Goals and Objectives:
v Understand the theory and application of microscopy technology for studying microbes.
Ø Students will describe the basic differences between light and electron microscopes and various versions of each.
v Understand basic chemical principles pertinent to elementary microbiology.
Ø Students will learn basic principles of chemical bonds and reaction thermodynamics.
Ø Students will learn the major biomolecules and their involvement in cellular function.
v Learn basic prokaryotic cell biology terminology and concepts.
Ø Students will master the form and function of prokaryotic cell structures to the molecular level.
Ø Given environmental conditions, student will correctly predict the degree of growth for particular physiological categories of prokaryotes.
Ø Students will correctly list, in order, metabolic pathways used for energy yield and cell growth for a bacterium fed particular substrates in the presence of absence of oxygen.
Ø Students will determine the regulation and flow of genetic information within and between prokaryotic cells at the molecular level.
v To become familiar with the phylogenetic and physiological diversity of prokaryotes.
Ø Students will offer accurate examples of how microbes are used by man for industrial and biotechnical applications.
Ø Based on the current system of prokaryotic taxonomy, student will provide characteristics (structural, biochemical, and genetic) and techniques used to identify bacteria.
Ø Using knowledge of microbial physiology, students will correctly determine the microbes involved in the biogeochemical cycling of major elements in different natural communities.
v Understand basic concepts in virology
Ø Students will correctly distinguish prokaryotic viruses (phage) based on lytic and lysogenic replication cycles, viral particle structure, information storage molecules.
Ø Students will correctly distinguish eukaryotic viruses (phage) based on replication cycles, viral particle structure, information storage molecules, and unique viral enzymes.
v Understand terminology and unifying concepts of host defenses and infectious disease.
Ø Using principles of epidemiology, students will make predictions on the spread and prevention of infectious disease.
Ø Given details of pathogenicity and host symptoms and signs, students will correctly identify specific microbial infections.
Ø Students will accurately determine mechanisms of non-specific host defenses.
Ø Student will correctly differentiate between humeral and cellular immunity and how they relate to each other in there role of containing and stopping microbial infections.
Student Evaluation:
The majority (88%) of your course evaluation will be based on quiz and exam performance, and the remainder of the evaluation will be on an oral presentation and your individual class participation. The oral presentation, “Bad Bug” Talk, is an opportunity for you to independently learn about a particular pathogenic microorganism of interest to you and then share your knowledge with the class. Course participation will be based on weekly lecture attendance (body and brain) and other criteria (see below for details).
Participation / 9 %4 Quizes (2% each) / 8 %
Exam I / 15 %
Exam II / 20 %
Exam III / 20 %
Exam IV / 20 %
Bad Bug Talk / 8 %
Total / 100 %
Individual quizzes and exams will be marked on varying numbers of points. For example a quiz worth 3% of the final course grade may be marked out of a total of 10 points, where as an exam worth 20% of the final course grade may be out of a total of 50 points. When you keep track of progress, please make certain you are tracking your total earned course percentage, not points or average letter grades. Throughout the semester, I will report your current standing, as a percentage and letter grade, based on the total course percent that has been evaluated.
Participation: (9%) Participation will be based on your inside and outside of class involvement and observation of all class requirements (see below), which includes the following areas: lecture attendance, email communication, in-class attitude, in-class questions or answers, looking at microbiology news on the web, and being conscientious regarding your course performance (i.e. seeking help when grades slip). Your participation evaluation will be based on a weekly self-evaluation and the instructor’s independent record. Your weekly self-evaluation sheet must be submitted at the end of Friday lecture. Attach to your weekly self-evaluation a printed copy of any microbiology news you have read that week and the source website URL. Suggested URLs to try can be found on the course website.
Quizzes: (8%; 2% each) There is one quiz prior to each exam, for a total of 4 quizzes during the semester. Quizzes are unannounced on a Monday at the start of class. You need to keep up on the textbook reading and review notes on a weekly bases for success in the course. The intent of Monday quizzes is to help you keep up with course materials. A weekly review sheet of major concepts and terms is submitted at the end of each Friday lecture. A Monday quiz is based on the previous Friday’s weekly review sheet content. Content covered on a quiz does not influence the content of the next exam, i.e. question content on a quiz could appear on the exam.
Exams: Course content for each exam is given in the lecture schedule (below). Questions are largely derived from lecture material, but may include content covered in assigned chapter readings. Use the weekly review sheets as a study guide. Exams 1-3 will be administered during the normal scheduled lecture period and location. Students are provided a minimum of 50 minutes for each of these exams. Date, time and location of Exam 4 will be scheduled for sometime during finals week. Although the last exam during finals week is not cumulative in regard to details from earlier course content, students are expected to master core concepts and vocabulary presented earlier in the course, as these are required to understand later content. I advise that you review earlier course content, particularly problem topics, when preparing for the final.
Bad Bug Talks: Pairs of students will present a 10 to 15 minute presentation on a specific pathogen. More details on this assignment and my expectations will be discussed in lecture and presented as a handout.
Grades:
Letter grades are based on the total percentage of course marks accumulated as indicated below. Plus (+) or minus (-) designations will be assigned only at final grade submission, and will be based on the distribution of marks, i.e. "the curve", within each posted letter grade range. [E.g.: total course marks equal to or above 89, the A-range, will always be either an A-, A, or A+; which +/- designation received within the A-range will depend on the distribution and number of students within the A-range.
A / 89 - 100 %B / 77 - 88 %
C / 65 - 76 %
D / 53 - 64 %
F / < 52 %
"Make-Up" and Testing Policy:
Missed exams, quizzes, labs, or assignments can only be made-up, or waived, by prior arrangement and/or with proof of an excusable absence (e.g., documented medical reason, sanctioned University function). A different set of questions may be used for any make-up assignments or exams.
Exams and quizzes will be administered at the beginning of class on their scheduled dates. Late arrival to class on a quiz or exam day is extremely disruptive and inconsiderate to your other classmates. You also run the risk of not being allowed to take the exam. If any student completes and submits the exam prior to your arrival in class, you will not be permitted to take the quiz or exam, and you will forfeit your grade (receive a 0%). Please show up on time!
Lecture Topic Syllabus and Reading Assignments:
Lecture # / Dates / Topic* / Assigned Reading1 / Jan 13 / Course Introduction / Ch 1
2 / Jan 15 / Microscopy / Ch 3
3 / Jan 17 / Chemistry Primer / Ch 2
4 / Jan 20 / Major Biomolecules / Ch 2
5 / Jan 22 / Anatomy of Organisms I / Ch 4
6 / Jan 24 / Anatomy of Organisms II / Ch 4
7 / Jan 29 / Anatomy of Organisms III / Ch 4
8 / Jan 31 / Metabolism I / Ch 5
9 / Feb 3 / Metabolism II / Ch 5
10 / Feb 5 / Metabolism III / Ch 5
11 / Feb 7 / Microbial Growth & Its Control / Parts of Ch 6 & 7
EXAM 1 / Monday, Feb 10 / Covers content of Jan 13 through Feb 5.
12 / Feb 12 / Genetics I / Ch 8
13 / Feb 14 / Genetics II / Ch 8
14 / Feb 17 / Genetics III / Ch 8
15 / Feb 19 / Biotechnology I / Ch 9
16 / Feb 21 / Biotechnology II / Ch 9
17 / Feb 24 / Microbial Taxonomy / Ch 10
18 / Feb 26 / Bacteria Diversity / Ch 11
19 / Feb 28 / Archaea Diversity / Ch 11
20 / Mar 3 / Microbial Eukaryote Diversity / Ch 12
21 / Mar 5 / Microbial Diversity Review (Extra Credit)
EXAM 2 / Friday, Mar 7 / Covers the content of Feb 7 through Mar 3.
Mar 10-14 / SPRING BREAK WEEK
22 / Mar 17 / Viruses I / Ch 13
23 / Mar 19 / Viruses II / Ch 13
24 / Mar 21 / Viruses III / Ch 13
25 / Mar 24 / Infectious Disease / Ch 14
26 / Mar 26 / Epidemiology / Ch 14
27 / Mar 28 / Pathogenicity I / Ch 15
28 / Mar 31 / Pathogenicity II / Ch 15
29 / Apr 2 / Host Defense: Non-specific Resistance / Ch 16
30 / Apr 4 / Host Defense: Non-specific Resistance / Ch 16
31 / Apr 7 / Host Defense: Immunity I / Ch 17
EXAM 3 / Wednesday, Apr 9 / Covers content of Mar 17 through Apr 4.
33 / Apr 11 / Host Defense: Immunity II / Ch 17
34 / Apr 14 / Immune System Disorders / Ch 19
35 / Apr 16 / Antibiotics I / Ch 20
36 / Apr 18 / Antibiotics II / Ch 20
37 / Apr 21 / Medical Microbiology I / Parts of Ch 21-26
38 / Apr 23 / Medical Microbiology II / Parts of Ch 21-26
39 / Apr 25 / Medical Microbiology III / Parts of Ch 21-26
40 / Apr 28 / Bad Bug Talks (Pairs # 1 – 3) / Parts of Ch 21-26
41 / Apr 30 / Bad Bug Talks (Pairs # 4 – 6) / Parts of Ch 21-26
42 / May 2 / Bad Bug Talks (Pairs # 7 – 11)‡ / Parts of Ch 21-26
EXAM 4 / Finals Week / Covers content of Apr 7 through May 2.
* Presentation dates for specific topics may change during the semester. Please be advised that all updates of the syllabus will be posted on the course website (www.yk.psu.edu/~mph13/)
‡ Scheduled laboratory time for MICRB 107 will be used for the last pairs of speakers.
Snow Closure Policy:
We are expected to have a snowy winter this semester, and cancellation of class meetings is very likely. Please be advised that the “course” will not be cancelled in the case of such a snow closure. Yes, this is to say you will be responsible for topics or assignments covered on cancelled days. How to approach this situation will be at the instructor’s discretion, and you will be notified via email to your PSU account. Such approaches may include rescheduling the lost class meeting(s) at another time (possibly during weekends or evenings) or giving you an “at-home” assignment.
Course Requirements:
1. Observe all class guidelines (see below) and bring your most positive attitude.
2. A PSU Access Account. Go to IST Rm 106 and make the request for your user-ID and password. It will take about 24 hours for activation, at which time I recommend you change your password.
3. A single Email address. I will send all course announcements and notes to your PSU user-ID address. This is also the easiest address for other PSU students to use in reaching you, as it is on the PSU Directory. I suggest you use the PSU Webmail, which can be accessed from your home
4. You will keep in touch with me and other students in the class by Email. Check your Email frequently (i.e. daily) so you don’t miss important announcements.