Course

10-806-197 Microbiology
Course Information
Description
Examines microbial structure, metabolism, genetics, growth and the relationship between humans and microbes. Addresses disease production, epidemiology, host defense mechanisms and the medical impact of microbes. Presents the role of microbes in the environment, industry, and biotechnology. Includes laboratory practices and procedures. 
Total Credits
4
Course Competencies
  1. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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

  9. 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

  10. 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

  11. 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

  12. 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

  13. 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

  14. 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

  15. 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