BIOL& 260 - Microbiology

Credits: 5
LEC hours per week: 3
LAB hours per week: 4
This course involves the study of the general biology of microorganisms. While this course is primarily intended for Nursing and Allied Health majors, it may also be used in fulfillment of a general education lab science requirement. Topics include the classification, morphology, and physiology of microorganisms emphasizing the importance of microorganisms causing infectious diseases. Lab work focuses on the culturing and characterization of microorganisms. Formerly: BIO 230.
Prerequisite(s): Grade of C or higher in BIOL& 160 or BIOL& 211.
Course Outcomes:

Apply major terms, vocabulary, methods and concepts relevant to microbiology.
Describe the structure, reproduction and metabolic processes of cellular and acellular microbes.
Compare how these processes are similar and how they differ from those of macro organisms.
List the basic requirements for microbial growth and evaluate the use of chemical and physical means to control that growth.
Conclude how microorganisms impact human lives in both positive and negative ways.
Apply basic concepts of epidemiology and the spread of disease, within and out of healthcare settings.
Describe the mechanisms of action by which antibiotics kill bacteria and the mechanisms used by bacteria which result in antibiotic resistance.
Demonstrate sterile technique and describes its significance in a clinical setting.
Explain how microorganisms can create disease states in humans.
Describe the symptoms and etiology of some specific infectious diseases caused by certain microorganisms.
List the basic elements of human host defense mechanisms.
Demonstrate how staining techniques, along with the evaluation of bacterial cell metabolism, is used to identify unknown bacteria.
Use discipline-specific laboratory materials and equipment safely and with technical skill.

Course Attribute(s): Lab Course, Natural Science