Microbiology

BSC2010 Microbiology

Instructor: Tom Arnold, Ph.D.

Office: 1-135, ext. 1197 (hours to be announced) tarnold@valenciacc.edu

Text: Microbiology: Principles and Explorations; Wiley, 2004 J.G. Black

Microbiology text link:

http://jws-edcv.wiley.com/college/bcs/redesign/student/0,,_0471420840_BKS_2094____,00.html

Lab manual: Laboratory Exercises in Microbiology; Pollack et al. Wiley, 2002

Guide Book: Pathogens by Dr. E.L Rhamstine. EMM 2003.

Nature of study: This course is designed to expose the student to the essentials of Microbiology. A broad overview will be presented in lectures corresponding to the text. Clinical correlations and applications are emphasized. Students are required to come to lectures prepared to discuss the material scheduled.

In addition a co-requisite laboratory will be required.

Grading and exams: There will be progress exams given on the dates listed.

Each exam will be worth 20% (1/5) of your final grade. Make up exams will only be given only if a legitimate excuse (by my appraisal) is rendered in advance. Make up exams will be of the essay format and will be considerably more difficult on both student and instructor and will not include extra credit questions. One make up per student per semester. The make up exam is not to be used as a convenience option. Exams may not be dropped or skipped altogether. (I would prefer that a student take an exam ahead of time if the situation is appropriate.)

There will be a cumulative final exam given at the end of the quarter. The exam will include 75 cumulative questions and 25 questions on chapters 32-34. This exam will account for 20% of your final grade.

The laboratory will constitute 20% of your final grade. Performance will be appraised as follows: Each lab will be written up in a lab work-book; this will be collected at midterm and end of the semester for 30 points. In addition 2 exams will be given in lab at times to be announced each worth 10 points. 10 labs will be graded by performance for 5 points each Lab coats are required; long hair must be tied back. The lab work book, textbook, paper and pencils are adequate for most assignments. I will let you know in advance of any special needs. There are no make-ups in lab

Grade scale: 450-500 A, 400-449 B, 350-399 C, 300-349 D,<300 F

Grades are confidential and only discussed with the student in person in my office.

Attendance: Students are expected to maintain good attendance. Greater than 5 hours absence in lecture or 2 scheduled labs will be grounds for academic withdrawal.

Attitude: No: Fighting, talking, eating, drinking, note passing, beepers, cell phones, walkman/radios, pets or children in class. Any activities which disrupt class will be dealt with as follows: Any disruptive behaviors will cost you 10 for the first occurrence and 25 points for each subsequent one. If your cell phone rings it will cost you 25 points from your final grade. If you answer it, it will cost you 50 points. Each unexcused absence (by my appraisal) will cost you 25 points; each tardy will cost you 10 points. Serious and repeat offences will be dealt with by withdrawal! Tape recorders are allowed providing they do not need to be attended. If you have special needs, see me. Cheating will not be tolerated and may be grounds for withdrawal or a grade of F. It is the responsibility of the student to keep track of their own progress and observe all relevant dates and deadlines (withdrawal, finals etc.).

4. Understanding of the role of the microbes in physical and mental health and diseases.

5. Science involves mathematics applications. Math skills will be applied where appropriate