Medical Microbiology BIOM 400

Instructor information:

Stephanie Lathrop, PhD

Office: TBD

Email: Don’t hesitate to email me, and please put BIOM400 in your subject line so your messagedoesn’t get overlooked! Remember that an official UM email address must be used for our correspondence, per university policy. Also remember that grades cannot be discussed by email, per FERPA.

Office hours: Mon and Wed from 2-3 PM, or by appointment – email to set up a time.

Course description:

This course in Medical Microbiology covers the classification of microorganisms, common properties of their structure and functions, and their interactions with humans. We will study common medically relevant bacterial, viral, fungal and parasitic pathogens, as well as the human immune response. We will also touch on thecommunity of non-pathogenic organisms that colonize humans (the “microbiota”), and its role in human health.

Text:

Jawetz, MelnickAdelberg’s Medical Microbiology, 26th Ed. (ISBN 978-0-07-179031-4)

Learning Outcomes:

After completing this course, it is expected that students will:

  1. Understand the classification of microorganisms, and be able to compare their general structures and lifestyles.
  2. Know the properties of common microbial surface structures, and how they impact the organism’s ability to cause disease.
  3. Understand the major components of the human immune response to microorganisms
  4. Know several examples of pathogenic microorganisms that cause human disease, and the diseases they cause.
  5. Be familiar with typical symptoms, diagnostic tests, and treatments for common human infections.

Course Calendar:

A separate, detailed calendar of lecture topics, reading assignments, and exams will be posted in Moodle. I reserve the right to adjust this schedule as needed during the semester. I will try to alert you of any changes, but also check the latest version in Moodle to be certain!

Prerequisites:

There are no formal prerequisite courses for this class. However, I expect that students taking this class have had some basic chemistry and biology instruction previously. We will begin the semester by quickly reviewing some fundamentals of cellular and molecular biology, and the relevant chemistry. Please arrange a meeting with me as soon as possible if you are having trouble with the material in these early lectures.

Assignments and tests:

Evaluation of student participation and performance will consist of:

  1. Four in-class exams, worth 100 points each
  2. One semi-cumulative final exam, worth 150 points
  3. Twelve homework assignments worth 10 points each, 2 lowest dropped, for a total of 100 points.

Exams will cover material from the lecture and assigned reading. (Hint: If we didn’t cover it in class, it’s unlikely to be featured on the exam.)The exams will be held during regular class time, and consist of a combination of multiple choice and short-answer questions. You must buy and bring a SCANTRON form to each exam.All exams are closed book, with no outside materials allowed. Electronic devices (cell phones, calculators, MP3 players, etc) are not allowed. If a phone or other device disrupts the exam in any way, you will lose 20 points from your exam – SO TURN IT OFF!

Rescheduling of missed exams will be allowed only if you’ve talked to me in advance, aside from rare, exceptional circumstances in which this was not possible. Contact me ASAP if you will be missing an exam. (If you are too sick to email me, you should probably be in the hospital). Be aware that rescheduled exams will likely differ from the original.

An optional review sessionwill be held later in the afternoon or evening of the class day prior to the exam. I will do my best to find a time that works for most students. This is your chance to clarify things, and get a sense of what will be covered on the exam. Come prepared to ask questions, this is not a lecture!!

Homework assignments will be posted on Moodle, and will consist of questions covering approximately a week’s worth of material. For example, an assignment may beposted on a Monday,covering material from that day as well as Wednesday and Friday, and then will be due by 11 PMthe following Monday.These should be turned in by uploading the document in Moodle. Late assignments will not be accepted,and will receive a grade of zero. These assignments serve 3 purposes: 1) ensure you keep up with studying for this class, 2) pinpoint deficits in your understanding so you can seek assistance, and 3) allow me to see whether students are understanding the material as we go. As mentioned above, the lowest 2 homework grades will be dropped.

An extra credit assignmentworth up to 50 points will be available to students wishing to enhance their grade through additional study. This assignment will consist of a short research paper centered on a medically relevant microorganism of interest. A list of possible topics and detailed instructions will be provided on Moodle by the end of the second week of class. This paper will be due the first week of December.

Grading policy:

Grades will be posted in Moodle, so you will always have access to your most current grade. Your final course grade will be determined by the percentage of your points out of the possible 650.

92-100% = A90-91% = A-

88-89% = B+82-88% = B80-81% = B-

78-79% = C+72-77% = C70-71% = C-

68-69% = D+62-68% = D60-61% = D-

<60% = Fail

Classroom:

I will not be keeping track of your attendance, nor will it factor into your grade. I have the philosophy that most students will greatly benefit from class attendance, and therefore your grade will automatically reflect this!Being in class will give you the best idea of what concepts I am stressing (and what is likely to turn up on an exam…).

Be courteous to your fellow students! During class time, TURN OFF OR SILENCE YOUR PHONES. Entering late or leaving early is very disruptive, so please plan to be in class for the entire period. Please raise your hand and be acknowledged before speaking. While I love a good discussion, this is a large class, and following the rules will keep our time together productive!

Student Conduct Code:

Academic misconduct will be reported and handled as described in the University of Montana Student Conduct Code. All students must practice academic honesty. Academic misconduct is subject to an academic penalty by the course instructor and/or disciplinary sanction by the University. All students need to be familiar with the Student Conduct Code.

Course withdrawal/changes in grading status:

The university policy and procedures described in the catalog will be followed. Be aware that withdrawl from the course has the potential to affect your eligibility for financial aid if you have not met the requirement of participation in at least 60% of the course. This equals participation through about the 45th day of the semester. Logging into Moodle and taking exams are ways in which your participation past this date can be verified.

Disability modifications:

The University of Montana assures equal access to instruction through collaboration between students with disabilities, instructors, and Disability Services for Students (DSS).Accommodations for exams will be arranged through DSS, and require you to be registered with them. If you think you may have a disability adversely affecting your academic performance, and you have not already registered with Disability Services, please contact Disability Services in Lommasson Center 154 or call 406.243.2243. I will happily work with you and Disability Services to provide an appropriate modification.