BIOL 323 - Microbiology

Description:
Principles of microbiological practice, including isolation, cultivation, identification, physiology, evolution, and ecology. Two hours lecture and six hours laboratory per week. Does not count toward any biology major if student has successfully completed BIOL 322.

Prerequisites:
Prerequisites: BIOL 213 and either BIOL 183 or BIOL 220.

Credits: (5)

Learner Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

Microbiological Knowledge

Microbial cell biology
- Microbial cellular structure and function
- Microbial growth and reproduction
- Cellular energy production and metabolism
- Structure and reproduction of infectious particles (viruses and prions)
Microbial genetics, evolution and diversity
- Inheritance of genetic information
- Information flow within a cell
- Exchange and acquisition of genetic information
- Causes, consequences and uses of mutations
- Evolution of microbial genetic and physiological diversity
- Microbial ecology
Interactions and impact of microorganisms and humans
- Microbial-human relationships
- Microbial pathogenicity mechanisms
- Disease transmission
- Antibiotics and chemotherapy
- Genetic engineering
- Biotechnology

Laboratory Skills

Use a bright field light microscope to view and interpret slides, including
- Correctly setting up and focusing the microscope
- Proper handling, cleaning, and storage of the microscope
- Correct use of all lenses
- Recording microscopic observations
Properly prepare slides for microbiological examination, including
- Cleaning and disposing of slides
- Preparing smears from solid and liquid cultures
- Performing wet mount and/or hanging drop preparations
- Performing Gram stains
Properly use aseptic techniques for the transfer and handling of microorganisms and instruments, including
- Sterilizing and maintaining sterility of transfer instruments
- Performing aseptic transfer
- Obtaining microbial samples
Use appropriate microbiological media and test systems, including
- Isolating colonies and/or plaques
- Maintaining pure cultures
- Using biochemical test media
- Accurately recording macroscopic observations
Estimate the number of microbes in a sample using serial dilution techniques, including
- Correctly choosing and using pipettes and pipetting devices
- Correctly spreading diluted samples for counting
- Estimating appropriate dilutions
- Extrapolating plate counts to obtain the correct CFU or PFU in the starting sample
Use standard microbiology laboratory equipment correctly, including
- Using the standard metric system for weights, lengths, diameters, and volumes
- Lighting and adjusting a laboratory burner
- Using an incubator
Interpersonal and citizenry skills, including
- Working effectively in teams or groups so that the task, results and analysis are shared
- Effectively managing time and tasks allowing concurrent and/or overlapping tasks to be done simultaneously, by individuals and within a group
- Integrating knowledge and making informed judgments about microbiology in everyday life
Employ proper microbiological lab safety protocols and aseptic technique

Learner Outcomes Approval Date:
3/18/10

Anticipated Course Offering Terms and Locations: