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Explore the history and scope of the field of microbiology
Assessment Strategies
Oral, Written or Graphic Assessment
Criteria
describe the range of organisms studied by microbiologists
relate historical events to the current understanding of microbiology
evaluate the relationship between humans and microbes
describe the scope of microbes within industrial and environmental applications
use correct writing conventions of binomial nomenclature
describe classification methods used for grouping organisms
recognize the role of microbes in nutrient cycling
associate laboratory tools and techniques of microbiology with their use in studying microbes
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Use safe laboratory practices
Assessment Strategies
Written, Graphic, Oral or Skill Demonstration
Criteria
identify hazards and safety equipment in the microbiology lab
select personal protective equipment appropriate to the hazard
follow all laboratory practice expectations of the college
abide by the O.S.H.A. Guidelines, including Blood-Borne Pathogens Standards
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Perform microbiological laboratory procedures according to appropriate safety standards
Assessment Strategies
Written, Graphic, Oral or Skill Demonstration
Criteria
perform slide preparation
perform Gram stains
perform aseptic transfers
obtain microbial samples for culture
isolate colonies and/or plaques
recognize pure and mixed cultures
use biochemical test media or other means of organism identification
record observations and test results
use appropriate laboratory equipment
use enumeration methods to calculate population density
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Use a bright-field microscope to examine microbial cells
Assessment Strategies
Written, Graphic, Oral or Skill Demonstration
Criteria
identify parts of the microscope and their functions
adjust microscope for optimal viewing
focus on a prepared slide sample using the low, high, and oil immersion lenses
interpret microscopic observations
demonstrate care and clean-up of microscopes
contrast other types of microscopy with bright-field microscopy
use safe laboratory practices
perform microbiological laboratory procedures and techniques according to appropriate safety standards
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Compare prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell structures and their functions
Assessment Strategies
Oral, Written or Graphic Assessment
Criteria
identify components of prokaryotic cells
identify components of eukaryotic cells
describe the functions of cellular components
contrast cellular structure and functions of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells
contrast the size and morphology of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells
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Explain microbial growth requirements and key microbial metabolic processes
Assessment Strategies
Oral, Written or Graphic Assessment
Criteria
describe the phases of microbial growth
describe factors which affect microbial growth
describe microbial growth characteristics on various media including general enriched, selective, and differential media
describe the role of enzymes in living organisms
differentiate among organisms on the basis of their ability to metabolize different substances
define the role and output of glycolysis, fermentation, aerobic and anaerobic respiration in organism metabolism
define aerobic, anaerobic, capnophilic, microaerphilic and facultatively anaerobic
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Classify bacteria based on differentiating characteristics
Assessment Strategies
Oral, Written or Graphic Assessment
Criteria
evaluate the results of differential stain techniques
describe bacteria based on microscopic and macroscopic morphology
evaluate the growth of organisms on enriched, selective and differential media
recognize environments necessary for growth
describe the use of differential tests in identifying bacteria
assign bacteria to taxonomic groups based on characteristics
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Assess the impact of microbial genetics on humans and the environment
Assessment Strategies
Oral, Written or Graphic Assessment
Criteria
outline the processes of DNA replication, transcription and translation
differentiate among types of mutation and their impact
describe how bacteria can acquire new genetic information
describe the role of microbial genetics in biotechnology and molecular diagnostics
explain the impact of gene transfer on the spread of antibiotic resistance
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Evaluate processes to control the growth of microbes in the body and in the environment
Assessment Strategies
Oral, Written or Graphic Assessment
Criteria
differentiate between disinfection and sterilization
compare methods of disinfection and sterilization
describe modes of action of antibacterial agents
differentiate between broad-spectrum and narrow-spectrum agents
describe mechanisms of antibiotic resistance
identify issues to consider in administering antimicrobial therapies
interpret the results of susceptibility testing procedures
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Summarize pathogenic and non-pathogenic host-microbe interactions
Assessment Strategies
Oral, Written or Graphic Assessment
Criteria
examine symbiotic relationships between humans and microbes
identify mechanisms by which microbes cause disease
identify the stages of an infectious disease
identify the causes of hospital-acquired infections
describe the methods of infection control in clinical settings
describe the ubiquity of microbes
examine the role of opportunists in human disease
differentiate among terms used to explain characteristics of infectious disease
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Analyze patterns of microbial disease transmission using principles of epidemiology
Assessment Strategies
Oral, Written or Graphic Assessment
Criteria
compare communicable and noncommunicable diseases
identify possible reservoirs of infection
examine various modes of disease transmission
differentiate between sporadic, endemic, epidemic, and pandemic conditions
evaluate the effect of herd immunity on disease transmission
describe methods of controlling disease outbreaks
explore new and re-emerging infectious disease agents
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Summarize host defense mechanisms
Assessment Strategies
Oral, Written or Graphic Assessment
Criteria
distinguish between specific and non-specific host defenses
identify non-specific host defense mechanisms
identify the processes of natural, artificial, passive, and active immunity
describe use of vaccines and immune globulins to confer specific immunity
describe antigen-antibody interactions
differentiate between humoral and cell-mediated immunity
explain the role of memory cells in lasting immunity
describe the consequences of immune system dysfunction
identify immunological methods of diagnosing infectious disease
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Correlate select bacteria with human infectious disease
Assessment Strategies
Oral, Written or Graphic Assessment
Criteria
describe microbial characteristics for select organisms
describe disease signs and symptoms for select organisms
describe disease transmission, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention for select organisms
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Correlate select fungi and parasites with human infectious disease
Assessment Strategies
Oral, Written or Graphic Assessment
Criteria
define eukaryotic parasites
describe characteristics of select fungi
describe characteristics of select protists and helminths
describe disease signs and symptoms for select organisms
describe disease transmission, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of select organisms
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Correlate select viruses and prions with human infectious disease
Assessment Strategies
Oral, Written or Graphic Assessment
Criteria
describe viral morphology and the processes of viral replication
analyze the impact of viruses on a host organism
describe disease signs and symptoms for select viruses
describe disease transmission, diagnosis, treatment and prevention for select viruses
describe prions and associated diseases