20806274General Microbiology
Course Information
Description
General Microbiology is an advanced 5-credit lecture/laboratory course focusing on microorganisms, especially bacteria, in our environment. Topics include microbial structure, metabolism, control of microbial growth, microbial genetics and applied microbiology. Laboratory activities provide hands-on experience in proper handling of microbes, microbial isolation and identification plus topics in applied microbiology and microbial genetics.
Total Credits
5
Course Competencies
  1. Outline the range and variety of organisms that constitute the microbial world
    Assessment Strategies
    on lecture exam by calculating the relative sizes/volumes of microbial cells
    on lab quiz by identifying various forms of microorganisms
    on lecture quiz by labelling and describing functions of cell parts
    Criteria
    you correctly identify size as the main criterion
    you calculate the relative volumes of yourself and a typical bacterium
    you identify and clearly describe differences in cell size, complexity and number for each category
    you can compare/contrast the cellular structures found within each type of cell
    you compare/contrast the chemical make-up of these two microbial types
    you identify various types of microorganism on microscope slide

  2. Distinguish between eukaryotic and prokaryotic microorganisms
    Assessment Strategies
    on written exam by making/labelling diagram illustrating cell parts
    on lab quiz by identifying each cell type through microscopic observation
    Criteria
    you can list and describe at least 5 features distinguishing these cell types
    you can label diagrams illustrating common cellular structures of each cell type
    you can list and describe the cellular structures characteristic of each cell type
    you can provide examples of organisms exhibiting each cell type
    you can distinguish the basic cell types by microscopic observations

  3. Distinguish between cellular and viral microorganisms
    Assessment Strategies
    on a quiz or exam
    Criteria
    you can clearly describe the 6 chemical differences and the difference in size between these microorganisms
    you can distinguish viruses from cells on the basis of the "life styles"
    you can compare cells with viruses based on the relative sizes

  4. Describe structural features that are characteristically found in prokaryotic cells
    Assessment Strategies
    on a lecture exam or quiz
    Criteria
    you can identify and explain the role of each structure illustrated on a diagram
    you can list six features characteristic of prokaryotic cells
    you can provide detailed descriptions of each cellular structure
    you can explain the functions associated with each cellular structure

  5. Compare and contrast the structural anatomy of prokaryotic cells with those of eukaryotic cells
    Assessment Strategies
    on a lecture exam
    on written responses to study questions
    Criteria
    you describe the similarities and differences in the organization of the DNA of these cell types
    you distinguish between cell wall composition and structure of cells in these two basic categories
    you can explain the role of compartmentalization in the two cell types

  6. Explain how vegetative cells differ from endospores
    Assessment Strategies
    by providing answers to study questions
    by adequate performance on a lecture exam
    by exhibiting appropriate technic in laboratory procedures
    Criteria
    you can distinguish between vegetative cells and endospores based on the survival abilities
    you can describe how endospores are formed in vegetative cells
    you can explain how endospores can return to a vegetative state
    you can explain how endospores enhance survival of organisms that form them
    you can provide examples of the significance of endospores in medical and laboratory situations
    you can provide practical methods of controlling the spread of endospores into media and other environments

  7. Identify the four nutritional categories of bacteria based on their sources of carbon and energy
    Assessment Strategies
    on a lecture exam by identifying two criteria used to establish nutritional categories
    in a lab by performing necessary tests to establish nutritional category of microbe
    Criteria
    you can combine nutritional criteria to establish four nutritional categories
    you can distinguish two types of chemotrophy with nutritional categories
    you can design a laboratory experiment to identify which nutritional category a microbe belongs to

  8. Distinguish between defined and complex growth media
    Assessment Strategies
    in lecture exam by listing difference between the two types of media
    in lecture exam by identifying the circumstances where each type of medium would be typically used
    Criteria
    you prepare each type of medium
    you can choose the appropriate medium for use in a specific situation

  9. Distinguish between differential, selective and enrichment media
    Assessment Strategies
    in lecture exam by distinguishing between selective and differential media
    in lecture exam by explaining the uses of each type of medium
    in lab quiz by choosing media components that would be used to produce each type of medium
    Criteria
    you choose a medium that is selective and explain how is accomplishes this activity
    you choose a medium that is differential and explain how it accomplishes this activity

  10. Describe five categories of bacteria based on their oxygen requirements
    Assessment Strategies
    on lecture exam by listing the five oxygen categories
    on lecture exam by describing how you could identify the category a particular organism is a member of
    on lab quiz by identifying oxygen category of an unknown organism
    Criteria
    you explain the differences between the five oxygen categories
    you design an experiment that will determine the oxygen category of an unknown organism
    you use results of thioglycolate medium to identify oxygen category of an organism

  11. Distinguish between the various categories of bacteria based on their temperature ranges and pH ranges
    Assessment Strategies
    on lecture exam you define the microbial categories based on temperature and pH
    on lab quiz be designing an experiment to establish temperature or pH category
    Criteria
    you use lab data to determine the proper temperature or pH category
    you design an experiment to determine the cardinal values of temperature and pH for an unknown organism

  12. Compare binary fission with cell division in eukaryotic cells
    Assessment Strategies
    on lecture exam by identifying basic similarities between division processes of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells
    on lecture exam by identifying major distinctions between division processes in the two cell types
    Criteria
    you describe the basic purpose of cell division
    you describe the duplication of DNA as it occurs in both cell types
    you compare the rates of cell reproduction of the two cell types
    you describe the basic differences between binary fission and mitotic cell division

  13. Diagram the bacterial growth curve in a closed system; label and describe each stage in the curve
    Assessment Strategies
    on lecture exam you produce a graph illustrating the four main stages in the bacterial growth process in a closed system
    on lecture exam you describe the environmental conditions existing at each growth stage
    on lecture exam you explain what occurs when a limiting factor is exhausted
    Criteria
    you can explain the difference between a closed and open system
    you can explain the significance of a limiting factor
    you can make a diagram illustrating the basic growth curve in a closed system
    you can explain the changes occuring as growth proceeds through each stage of the growth curve

  14. Compare the following methods of cell counting: microscopic, electronic, viable count and turbidity
    Assessment Strategies
    on lecture exam you identify the advantages and disadvantages of each counting method
    on lab quiz you perform each procedure accurately
    Criteria
    you can explain when the use of a particular counting method is appropriate
    you explain the advantages of each counting method
    you explain the short-comings of each counting method
    you can perform each counting procedure accurately

  15. Calculate the values of N(o), N(t), n, g, or k during exponential growth
    Assessment Strategies
    on lecture exam you accurately calculate the values of N(o)), N(t), n, g, and k
    in lab you can use appropriate lab data to determine the values of N(o), N
    Criteria
    you can state the appropriate formulae needed to calculate the values on N(o), N(t), n, g, and k
    you can perform the necessary lab operations to identify the values of N(o), N(t), n, g, and k

  16. Distinguish between metabolism, anabolism and catabolism
    Assessment Strategies
    on lecture exam by identifying the distinctions between the three areas of cellular activity
    on lecture exam by describing the interaction between anabolism and catabolism
    on lecture exam provide formulae for the major anabolic and catabolic activities
    Criteria
    you can define the terms metabolism, anabolism and catabolism
    you can describe the general catabolic/anabolic interactions relating to energy flow and compounds formed
    you give the general chemical formulae for the respiratory catabolic pathway
    you give the general chemical formulae for the photosynthetic anabolic pathway

  17. Describe the following features of an enzyme: chemical nature, active site, specificity and function
    Assessment Strategies
    on lecture exam you provide the general features of an enzyme
    on lecture exam you explain the role of enzymes in lowering the activation energy of reaction
    Criteria
    you identify the chemical nature of enzymes
    you explain the function of an active site
    you describe the lock-and-key model of enzyme function
    you draw a graph that traces the energy changes in an enzyme-regulated reaction vs. an uncatalyzed reaction

  18. Distinguish between enzymes and coenzymes based on their chemical nature and function
    Assessment Strategies
    on lecture exam define the relative roles of enzymes and coenzymes in metabolic reactions
    on lecture exam distinguish enzymes and coenzymes based on their chemical composition
    Criteria
    you explain the necessity of enzymes at each metabolic reaction
    you identify the use of coenzymes only at specific reactions
    you explain the interaction of enzymes and coenzymes in raction requiring both

  19. Describe the differences between oxidation and reduction
    Assessment Strategies
    on lecture exam you define oxidation and reduction
    on lecture exam you explain why redox is used in defining certain reactions
    Criteria
    you provide three activities that occur during a oxidation process
    you provide three activities that occur during a reduction process
    you combine the oxidation/reduction activities to explain the redox usage

  20. Outline the major steps in cellular respiration and fermentation
    Assessment Strategies
    on lecture exam provide the overall chemical equation defining respiration
    on lecture exam you subdivide respiration into four major stages
    on lecture exam you identify the starting material and products formed during each major stage
    on lecture exam you explain conditions that distinguish aerobic respiration from fermentation
    Criteria
    you identify the substrates acting as starting materials in aerobic respiration
    you identify the products formed as a result of aerobic respiration
    you divide the respiratory process into glycolysis, pyruvic acid oxidation, the krebs cycle and oxidative phosphorylation
    you identify the starting materials and products of each major respiratory stage
    you explain the role of molecular oxygen in the decision to respire or ferment

  21. Describe four types of fermentation and the products formed
    Assessment Strategies
    on lecture exam describe the lactic acid, ethanol, mixed acid, butandiol and propiaonioc acid fermentations
    on lecture exam diagram the steps in the five fermentation processes
    on lecture exam provide examples of organisms that perform each type of fermentation
    on lecture exam provide examples of uses of each fermentation process
    Criteria
    you draw the chemical structures involved in each fermentation process
    you provide examples of specific organisms that perform each type of fermentation
    you describe the human use of each fermentation process

  22. Distinguish between aerobic and anaerobic respiration
    Assessment Strategies
    on lecture exam distinguish between aerobic and anaerobic respiration
    on lecture exam explain the phrase "final electron acceptor"
    on lecture exam compare the two forms of respiration based on the final electron acceptors used
    Criteria
    you identify the role of the final electron acceptor
    you identify the final electron acceptors used in aerobic anaerobic respiration
    you list compounds used as final electron acceptors in anaerobic respiration

  23. Calculate the energy efficiency of an energy-yielding metabolic process
    Assessment Strategies
    on lecture exam you calculate the energy efficiencies of aerobic respiration and fermentation
    on lecture exam you calculate the efficiency of a non-respiratory pathway
    Criteria
    you provide the equation used in calculating the energy efficiency of a metabolic process
    you perform a calculation given the necessary energy values of the chemical involved

  24. Describe four heat-utilizing procedures used in controlling microbial activity
    Assessment Strategies
    on lecture exam describe four sterilization methods using heat
    Criteria
    you can identify the temperature range used in each of four heat-based sterilization techniques
    you can identify the types of materials that can be safely sterilized using each sterilization method
    you can describe the potential damage done using an improper heat-based sterilization technique

  25. Analyze data to determine the TDT and D value for a heat-sterilizing procedure
    Assessment Strategies
    on lab quiz use data from lab experiment to determine the TDT and D value of a heat-based sterilization technique
    on lecture exam explain the uses of the TDT and D values
    Criteria
    you can use lab data to plot a thermal death curve
    you can identify the time representing the TDT value on the thermal death curve
    you can use two points on the thermal death curve to determine the D value
    you can use TDT and D values to determine how long a sterilization procedure must continue to be successful

  26. Distinguish between disinfectants and antiseptics
    Assessment Strategies
    on lecture exam you can distinguish between antiseptics and disinfectants
    on lecture exam you can describe the features of an ideal disinfectant or antiseptic
    Criteria
    you can provide the basic rationale for distinguishing an antiseptic from a disinfectant
    you distinguish chemicals that are disinfectants from those used as antiseptics
    you can list five criteria for an ideal disinfectant or antiseptic

  27. Distinguish between synthetic and natural chemotherapeutic agents
    Assessment Strategies
    on lecture exam you can describe the primary difference between chemotherapeutic agents and antiseptics
    on lecture exam you can describe the difference between natural and synthetic chemotherapeutic agents
    on lecture exam you can describe the changes made in the basic penicillin structure to improve its usefullness
    Criteria
    you can describe the bodily locations where antiseptics and chemotherapeutic agents are used
    you can identify the changes made in the basic penicillin structure resulting in improved usefullness
    you can identify natural from synthetic forms of penicillin

  28. Determine the MIC and MBC values of an antibiotic
    Assessment Strategies
    on lecture exam you can use data to determine the MIC and MBC values for a particular antibiotic
    on lecture exam you can use data provided to determine if a particular antibiotic would be useful in treating an infection
    Criteria
    you can deisgn an experiment to determine the MIC and MBC values of a particular antibiotic
    you can analyze the results of the experiment to establish MIC and MBC
    you can use the MBC and clinical values to determine if MIC can be reached when treating a patient

  29. Identify 5 criteria used in deciding which antibiotic to use in treating an infection
    Assessment Strategies
    on lecture exam you can list in descending order of importance five criteria used to select an appropriate antibiotic to treat an infection
    Criteria
    you can identify situations where antibiotic use is inappropriate
    you can use results from the Kirby-Bauer procedure to select a useful antibiotic
    you can provide three examples of side effects from use of antibiotics

  30. Distinguish between horizontal and vertical genetic transfer
    Assessment Strategies
    on lecture exam produce a flow chart illustrating the two modes of genetic transfer
    on lecture exam provide specific examples of the two modes of genetic transfer
    Criteria
    you distinguish between transfer within a population vs. transfer from generation to generation
    you explain the mechanisms involved in each type of transfer
    you compare the transmission modes of eukaryotes with those of prokaryotes

  31. Describe the roles of Miescher, Griffith and Avery in establishing the role of DNA in cells/organisms
    Assessment Strategies
    on lecture exam you provide a timeline of the discoveries leading to the identification of DNA as the genetic material
    on lecture exam you can role of transformation in identifying DNA as the stuff of genes
    Criteria
    you can identify the contributions of the scientists discussed in the identification of DNA as the material of genes
    you can provide a detailed description of the experiments of Griffith leading to the hypothesis of a transforming principle
    you can describe the experiements of Avery leading to the identification of DNA as the transforming principle

  32. Describe the three key events occurring in a transformation process
    Assessment Strategies
    identify three events required for a successful tranformation event
    describe the biochemical features of each required event
    describe what will occur after each required event is completed
    Criteria
    you provide answers to study questions
    you perform adequately on a lecture rexcam
    you successfully perform a transformation procedure in lab

  33. Compare the major features of transformation with those of conjugation and transduction
    Assessment Strategies
    on a lecture exam make a chart listing features that can be used as points of comparison between the three forms of horizontal transfer
    Criteria
    you can identify those transfer methods requiring cell-to-cell contact
    you can identify those methods using viruses as DNA vectors
    you can identify those methods that occur under natural conditions

  34. Distinguish between a F+ and an Hfr strain of bacterium
    Assessment Strategies
    on lecture exam you can characterize DNA transfer between F+ and F- cells
    on lecture exam distinguish between the limited DNA transfer of an F+ vs. the potentially full DNA transfer of an Hfr
    on lecture exam you can distinguish between the effects of a free F-factor vs. an integrated F-factor.
    Criteria
    you explain the role of the F-factor in controlling the one-way flow of DNA
    you explain the integartion process occurring when an Hfr is formed
    you can draw a diagram illustrating how integration can lead to flow of donor DNA into a recipient cell

  35. Distinguish between generalized and specialized transduction
    Assessment Strategies
    on lecture exam distinguish between the range of genetic exchange occurring in generalized vs specialized transduction
    on lecture exam you compare a lytic infection to a lysogenic infection
    on lecture exam you can explain why lytic infection lead to general transfer while lysogenic infection leads to specialized transfer
    Criteria
    you can diagram in detail the steps in a lytic infection and in a lysogenic infection

  36. Describe the role of restriction enzymes in the bacterial system of defence against viral infection
    Assessment Strategies
    on lecture exam you explain how a bacterium can protect itself from infection by a bacteriophage
    on lecture exam you define the role of methylation in protecting DNA from degradation
    on lecture exam you explain the role of restriction endonucleases in protecting cells from viral attack
    on lecture exam you can explain what "hybrid" DNA is
    Criteria
    you describe the methylation-restriction system used to degrade foreign DNA in a bacterial cell
    you can use a ECo RI to explain the fuctioning of restriction endonucleases in DNA degradation
    you can use an example to decribe the phenomenon of "sticky ends" formed as ECO RI degardes DNA
    you can diagram an experiment where Eco RI can be used to make hybrid DNA

  37. Distinguish between a food-borne infection and a food poisoning
    Assessment Strategies
    describe why the phrase "food poisoning" is often misused
    distinguish true poisonings from food-borne infections
    provide three examples of each type of food-borne illness
    describe the effects of botulinum toxin and staphylococcal enterotoxin
    make a table comapring the features of a true toxicity with an infection
    Criteria
    you perform adequately on a lecture exam

  38. Outline the basic steps in the production of: cheeses, beers, wines and sauerkraut
    Assessment Strategies
    make a flow chart identifying the key steps in the production of each listed product
    Criteria
    you perform adequately on a lecture exam
    you successfully produce a fermented product during a lab exercise

  39. Distinguish between a water purification process and a waste water treatment process
    Assessment Strategies
    identify the purpose of each treatment procedure
    outline the steps involved in each treatment procedure
    perform an MPN procedure to determine if a water treatment is successful
    calculate the MPN value for a water sample that is not potable
    Criteria
    you perform adequately on a lecture exam
    you successfully analyze a water sample to determine its MPN value
    you calculate the MPN value of a sample given the required data

  40. Describe the stages in the nitrogen cycle emphasizing the role of bacteria in each stage
    Assessment Strategies
    make a diagram illustrating each step in the nitrogen cycle
    identify the steps in the cycle that depend on bacteria for their completion
    describe the role of Rhizobium, Azotobacter, Nitrosomonas, Nitrobacter and dentrifying bacteria in the cycle
    Criteria
    you perform adequately on a lecture exam
    you successfully perform lab tests to determine if N-fixation, nitrification, ammonification or denitrification have occurred

  41. Identify the key features associated with a pathogenic species of bacteria
    Assessment Strategies
    describe the following: carrier, vector, route of infection, infection portal, invasiveness and virulence factors associate with pathogenicity
    compare exotoxins with endotoxins
    distinguish between infection and disease
    distinguish between signs and symptoms
    Criteria
    you perform adequately on a lecture exam

  42. Distinguish between an LD50 and an ID50 values
    Assessment Strategies
    identify the procedural feature used to distinguish these measures of virulence
    make a graphic representation of data used to determine an LD50/ID50
    Criteria
    you adequately perform on a lecture exam
    you can determine the LD50/ID50 values, given adequate laboratory data

  43. Describe how an LD50 and an ID50 can be determined
    Assessment Strategies
    describe the steps used in performing an LD50
    identify the distinguishing feature in the determination of these two values
    Criteria
    you perform adequately on a lecture exam