10007174Applied Microbiology
Course Information
Description
This survey course includes the structure, function, ecology, nutrition, physiology, and genetics of microorganisms in industrial, agricultural, food and medical microbiology. It also includes an introduction to standard techniques and procedures used in the microbiology laboratory.
Total Credits
4
Course Competencies
  1. Examine the scope, evolution, and usefulness of microbiology
    Assessment Strategies
    Written Product, Exam, and/or Oral Assessment
    Criteria
    Outline the properties of a living system
    Examine the use of microorganisms in researching natures’ life processes
    Explain the importance of microorganisms in medicine, agriculture, and biotechnological industry
    Explain the development of diseases caused by microorganisms

  2. Explain microbial growth requirements and microbial metabolic processes
    Assessment Strategies
    Written Product, Exam
    Criteria
    Explain the growth behavior of bacterial cultures
    Identify factors which influence growth behavior
    Explain varying growth rates depending on different media types
    Identify aerobic, obligate anaerobes, aerotolerant anaerobes, facultative anaerobes
    Differentiate between metabolic and environmental requirements for microorganisms

  3. Correlate viruses with human infectious disease
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral Assessment
    Criteria
    Describe the classification criteria and hosts for viruses
    Introduce the mechanism of viral replication and route of infection
    Demonstrate the viral morphology and the processes of viral replication
    Describe the diseases and other significances of viral infections to humans

  4. Use a microscope to observe microbial cells
    Assessment Strategies
    Written Product, Skill Demonstration in Lab
    Criteria
    Demonstrate the various parts of the microscope and their functions
    Document microscopic observations on prepared slides at various magnifications
    Demonstrate care and clean-up of microscopes

  5. Identify bacteria
    Assessment Strategies
    Written Product, Exam, Skill Demonstration in Lab
    Criteria
    Identify classification methods and techniques
    Perform simple and differential stains
    Evaluate the results of stain techniques
    Identify bacteria based on microscopic and macroscopic morphology

  6. Examine methods to control microbial populations
    Assessment Strategies
    Written Product, Exam, Skill Demonstration in Lab
    Criteria
    Explain the difference between disinfection and sterilization
    Identify methods of disinfection and sterilization
    Investigate the effect of antibiotic resistance

  7. Perform the standard laboratory procedures employed when working with microorganisms
    Assessment Strategies
    Written Product, Exam, Skill Demonstration in Lab
    Criteria
    Identify hazards and safety equipment used in the microbiology lab
    Select personal protective equipment appropriate to the hazard
    Follow all laboratory practice expectations following biosafety procedures
    Prepare growth media
    Perform wet-mount slide preparations
    Perform aseptic culturing procedures
    Obtain microbial samples for culture
    Identify pure and mixed cultures
    Perform direct and indirect cell counting procedures
    Identify an unknown microbial sample through microscopic observation and biochemical assays