BIOL 2250L - Microbiology for the Health Sciences Laboratory
Course Syllabus – Spring 2009

Individuals with disabilities who need to request accommodations should contact the Disability Services Coordinator, Student Center 214, 678-466-5445, disabilityservices@mail.clayton.edu.

Course Description:

Number and Title:

BIOL 2250L (CRN 24391, 24442, and 24453)
Microbiology for the Health Sciences Laboratory

Credit Hours:

1.0 semester credit hours

Course Description:

Emphasis of the course is on basic microbial methods, such as staining microorganisms, enumeration of bacteria, and analysis of physical and chemical effects on bacteria. Students will learn aseptic techniques and how to isolate and identify bacteria.

Course prerequisite and co-requisite:

• Prerequisites: Successful completion (with a D or higher) of BIOL 1151 and 1151L
• Co-requisite: BIOL 2250

Note: Due to the co-requisite nature of BIOL 2250 and BIOL 2250L, if you withdraw from one of these two courses, you must withdraw from the other also.

Computer Requirement:

Each CSU student is required to have ready access throughout the semester to a notebook computer that meets faculty-approved hardware and software requirements for the student's academic program. Students will sign a statement attesting to such access.  For further information on CSU's Official Notebook Computer Policy, please go to http://itpchoice.clayton.edu/policy.htm .

Computer Skill Prerequisites:

• Able to use the Windows^TM operating system
• Able to use Microsoft Word^TM
• Able to send and receive e-mail from their CSU mail account.
• Able to attach and retrieve attached files via email
• Able to use a Web browser.
• Able to use the student tutorial CD that accompanies the text.

In-class Use of Student Notebook Computers:

• Student notebook computers will not be used in the classroom in this course. Computers will be required to access course materials and to communicate with your instructor. Use of notebook computers will not be allowed. Any other uses of notebook computers such as checking email, surfing the internet, and instant messaging will result in loss of points.

Course Objectives:

• To understand that microorganisms are an integral part of the environment.
• To learn how to use a microscope to observe bacteria and fungi.
• To understand and learn methods of sterile techniques.
• To learn to evaluate the effectiveness disinfectants, antiseptics, and antimicrobials.
• To learn the basics of identification of microorganisms.

Student Learning Outcomes/Standards

• Health Science Outcomes:
  • Students will be required to demonstrate workplace readiness and interpersonal communications by working in teams on laboratory projects and communicating with their team members.
  • The students will also be required to demonstrate computer literacy in the lab since the unknown identification/case study project will involve working from a CD and presenting their data in a spreadsheet format.
  • Students will be required to synthesize critical thinking strategies with a theoretical base in Microbiology to make decisions concerning diseases caused by microorganisms.
  • Students will be required to use strategies of illness prevention and illness care, for diseases caused by microorganisms, to maximize healthy outcomes of individuals.
  • Students will be required to demonstrate commitment to ongoing professional development as a life long learner.
  • Condition of the oral cavity and identity of microorganisms that cause tooth decay will be discussed.

• Nursing Standards:
  • In order to assist the students in preparation to meet some of the standards required by the CSU nursing program this course will give students the opportunity to fine tune their critical thinking and visual skills.
    • The students will be required to practice critical thinking methods to identify unknown microorganisms.
    • The students will be required to make judgments based on their visual observations of bacteria.

Term:

Spring Semester 2009

Instructor Information:

YOU MUST ATTEND THE LAB SECTION THAT YOU SIGNED UP FOR.  EXCEPTIONS CAN BE MADE ONE FOR SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES, BUT ARRANGEMENTS HAVE TO BE MADE WITH THE INSTRUCTOR IN ADVANCE.

Text Information:

Text:

There will be no textbook for this class.  All laboratory information will posted on the class web site.

You will need colored pencils or markers.  In particular, you will need pink, purple, green and blue.

You may also need 1-2 lab notebooks (depending on your instructor).  Shown below is a picture of an appropriate notebook.

Evaluation:

**This grade and the assignments will be based on the instructor that you have.  Please consult your instructor’s web page (or go to class) to determine what is required.

Grading:

Mid-term Progress Report

Due to the relatively small number of laboratory reports that will have been returned by mid-term, no mid-term grade will be reported for this course.  Students making unsatisfactory progress will be contacted individually by the instructor before mid-term.

Course Schedule:

The course schedule is listed on a separate page.  Be sure to check the schedule often for changes in the due dates of assignments throughout the semester.  Due dates for assignments may be changed at the instructor's discretion.  You are responsible for keeping track of due dates and turning in your work when it is required.

Important Dates:

Practical 1 is scheduled for March 2.

The skills test is scheduled for March 4.

Practical 2 is scheduled for April 27

Last day to drop without academic penalty is 3/6/09.

Martin Luther King Holiday:  January 21, lab will not meet.

Spring break:  March 9 – 15, lab will not meet.

Course Policies:

Students must abide by policies in the Clayton State University Student Handbook, and the Basic Undergraduate Student Responsibilities.

University Attendance Policy

Students are expected to attend and participate in every class meeting. Instructors establish specific policies relating to absences in their courses and communicate these policies to the students through the course syllabi. Individual instructors, based upon the nature of the course, determine what effect excused and unexcused absences have in determining grades and upon students’ ability to remain enrolled in their courses. The university reserves the right to determine that excessive absences, whether justified or not, are sufficient cause for institutional withdrawals or failing grades.

Course Attendance Policy

Laboratories begin at the time listed in the Schedule of Classes; students must be present at the beginning of the lab.  You are expected to attend all class meetings and be on time. 

Students must read ALL course policies as stated below on the first day of lab class. FAILURE TO SHOW UP TO LAB ON JANUARY 14 FOR LABORATORY SAFETY WILL RESULT IN AUTOMATIC WITHDRAWAL FROM LAB CLASS (AND HENCE LECTURE CLASS AS WELL)!

Attendance is expected for all class periods.  Attendance is required for ANY assignments and practicals.  Any absence from  exams must be accompanied by a written excuse from a doctor or other competent authority the next class period student returns to class (not 2 weeks later). 

 Missed Work

• If you miss a lab without a proper excuse you will receive a zero for any assignments due during that lab.
• No make-up practicals, skill tests or quizzes will be given regardless of the excuse.
• If you miss a practical or skills test, a proper excuse (i.e. severe illness, court obligations, etc.) with written documentation (i.e. doctor's note or subpoena or jury-duty letter) is needed the next class period when student returns to class (not 2 weeks later). A note from your mother is not a proper excuse. If you miss the practical or skills test without a proper excuse you will receive a zero.
• If you have a valid excuse and miss the skills test but take practical 1, then your score on practical 1 will be divided by 80 and then multiplied by 100.  This score will be used as your grade for both practical 1 and the skills test.
• If you have a valid excuse and take the skills test but miss practical 1, then you score on practical 2 will count once for practical 2 and this same score will be multiplied by 0.8 and will also count for the 80 points for practical 1.
• If you have a valid excuse and missed practical 2 then your combined grade on practical 1 + the skills test will count twice.
• If you have a valid excuse for the lab practical or skills test but do not bring it to class the day that you returned to lab, you will receive a grade of 0 on the lab practical or skills test.  It is your responsibility to bring me the note.  I will not be asking you for it.

·       If you have a valid excuse, you may miss the skills test only, practical 1 only, the skills test and practical 1 or practical 2.  You may not miss both lab practicals or the skills test and practical 2.  If you do, you will be asked to apply for a hardship withdrawal.  If this is not approved, then you will be given a grade of zero on the assignment.  It does not matter if you have an excuse. Missing all or parts of both lab practicals is excessive and you will have missed too much material in the class.

 

Academic Dishonesty 

Cheating is defined as copying anything that is not your own and turning it in as your own work.  Be sure to hand in your own work. Cheating will not be accepted for any of the following violations:

    a. If you work on an assignment with a classmate and you write your answers with the same wording as your classmate then you will be accused of cheating (and so will your fellow classmate).  

    b. If you copy ANYTHING out of a book or off of a web page then you will be accused of cheating.  

    c. If you copy answers off of another person's paper during a test then you will be accused of cheating.  

    d. If you are caught with an inappropriate device on your desk during an exam

Cheating in any form will result in a minimum of zero on the assignment and academic misconduct forms will be filed with the Office of Judicial Affairs for any violation.  Judicial procedures are described at http://adminservices.clayton.edu/judicial/.

Disruption of the Learning Environment

Behavior which disrupts the teaching–learning process during class activities will not tolerated.  While a variety of behaviors can be disruptive in a classroom setting, more serious examples include belligerent, abusive, profane, and/or threatening behavior.  A student who fails to respond to reasonable faculty direction regarding classroom behavior and/or behavior while participating in classroom activities may be dismissed from class.  A student who is dismissed is entitled to due process and will be afforded such rights as soon as possible following dismissal.  If found in violation, a student may be administratively withdrawn and may receive a grade of WF.

A more detailed description of examples of disruptive behavior and appeal procedures is provided at: 

http://a-s.clayton.edu/DisruptiveClassroomBehavior.htm

Other Policies

• You must come prepared for each lab. Make sure you read the material before coming to class. 
• Lab notebook must be completed with each objective in order to receive full points for notebook.
• Visitors (friends, children, etc.) are strictly prohibited from attending lab.
• Student's hair must be restrained (NO EXCEPTIONS!!) so that it does not come in contact with Bunsen burners or microorganisms. It is the student's responsibility to bring a hair clip, rubber band, etc.
• All lab benches must be disinfected at the start and end of each lab. Students must wash their hands before leaving the lab.
• Students are responsible for the care of laboratory equipment. Deductions from grades will be taken for improper microscope care, etc.
• You will be working with pathogenic organisms.  If you are seen acting careless with these cultures you will be excused from the lab for that day and receive a zero for any work due during that lab.
• No smoking, eating or drinking is permitted at any time in the laboratory.
• No electronic devices may be out or in use during exams or other graded assignments.
• All students must establish and maintain their CSU e-mail accounts, and be able to contact their professor and classmates. 
• TURN OFF ALL CELL PHONES when entering the classroom.  CELL PHONE USAGE MUST OCCUR OUTSIDE OF CLASSROOM! Failure to follow this policy will result in a zero for any work due or quiz taken during that lab or ultimately your course grade.

Last update: 12/19/08