MICRB 106: Elementary Microbiology
MICRB 106 and 107 are our Microbiology courses for non-Science majors. To receive General Education credits in Natural Sciences (GN), both the lecture and the lab must be taken.
Required Text: Tortora, Funke and Case “Microbiology: an Introduction”, 11th edition.
Overview and objectives: Microorganisms are everywhere we look. Many people often associate microorganisms with disease, with good reason. Epidemics have shaped our culture, our society and even our genes. This class will introduce you to the major groups of pathogenic microbes. We start with an exploration of the cell structure and basic biochemistry of microbes, followed by an examination of their metabolic pathways and growth requirements. Upon learning these foundations for microbial life, we will then delve into the major groups of microbes, highlighting pathogenic ‘species’, their life cycles and associations with disease. Group presentations will highlight certain pathogens of concern and weekly “microbes in the news” blurbs will help solidify the notion that microbes are indeed everywhere. We will end this semester learning about disease epidemiology and the components of our immune system.
After this course, you should be able to:
– Understand chemical bonds and the basis for chemical reactions (and why this is important for microbiology)
– Differentiate the cell structures of prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
– Define the importance of pH, temperature and osmotic pressure for microbial growth and understand how these can be used to control microbial growth
– Differentiate the main groups of bacteria
– Identify different viral, bacterial and parasite infections based upon case study descriptions and life cycles.
– Differentiate between Innate and Adaptive immunity and how each helps protect us from disease
– Differentiate different groups of antibiotics and their uses.
– Understand the foundations of disease epidemiology and how scientists use this science to understand disease outbreaks.
MICRB 107: Elementary Microbiology Lab
Required Text: Leboffe and Pierce, “Microbiology Laboratory Theory and Application” Brief Edition.
Student Materials: Each student will need: 1 large binder for the lab manual, 1 composition notebook, pens and pencils, calculator (not your cell phone).
Overview and objectives: In this lab course, you will become proficient in the use of the microscope, identification techniques for bacteria, and aseptic technique. You will learn how simple stains and cultures can help differentiate between bacteria species. In addition, you will gain experience in differential tests used in microbiology and clinical labs to identify pathogenic bacteria.