Course Description

Course Description:

An introductory microbiology course emphasizing characteristics and modes of transmission of the microorganisms that cause human disease. The overall objectives of this course are to acquaint the students with fundamental principles of microbiology and common laboratory techniques.

Specific Objectives:

An intoduction to the difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
understand the principles of sterilization and disinfection. understand the cause and mode of transmission of infectious diseases.
understand the mechanisms of antibiotics and antibiotic resistance.
understand the role of microorganisms in the environment.

Evaluation:

3 lecture tests (50 points each)	150 points
2 laboratory tests (25 points each)	50 points
6 lab quizzes (10 points each, one can be dropped)	50 points
6 lecture quizzes (10 points each, one can be dropped)	50 points
Taking care of ”pet”	50 points
Written report of unknown “pet”	50 points
Comprehensive final exam	100 points
Total	500 points

Attendance:

Regular lab attendance is required to reach the course goals. After missing the laboratory twice without excuse, 10 points per non-attendance will be subtracted from your total score.

Quizzes:

The 6 laboratory quizzes are not announced (50 points). The worst score or no score can be dropped. Make-up quizzes only with written excuses.

“Pet”:

You will be assigned a microorganism, which you should care for and keep alive (50 points). From these 50 points, 10 points will be given for a correct Gram stain 4 weeks after you received your “pet”, 20 points are for the correct “pet” and 20 points are for a correct purification streak. A type-written report (~ 3 pages) about identification of the unknown pet is expected (50 points, due Monday, April 10, at scheduled laboratory time). Moreover, 20 bonus points are available for a 5 – 10 minute talk about a specific infectious disease.

Grading Scale:

(300 points are available from lecture section)

Grade	Points	Percentage
A	470-500	> 94%
BA	440-469	88-93%
B	410-439	82-87%
CB	380-409	76-81%
C	350-379	70-75%
DC	320-349	64-69%
D	290-319	58-63%
E	< 290	< 58%

Academic Honesty:

Academic ethical standards regarding cheating, fabrication, plagiarism, facilitating academic dishonesty, and consequences of these actions are all described in the WMU Undergraduate Catalog. Please familiarize yourself with these University regulations.