BIOL 3250- Introductory Microbiology
Course Syllabus- Spring 2007

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 3250 (CRN 24561)
Introductory Microbiology

Credit Hours:

3.0 Semester credit hours

Catalog Description:

Single celled organisms have always been the most populous form of life. This course explores the complex lives of these simple organisms. Students will examine biochemical, genetic and pathological aspects of microbiology. Industrial, ecological, and cultural aspects of human microbiology will be addressed.

Course prerequisite and co-requisite:

Prerequisites: BIOL 1108; CHEM 2412
Corequisite: BIOL 3250L

Note: Due to the corequisite nature of BIOL 3250 and BIOL 3250L, if you withdraw from one of these two courses, you must withdraw from the other also.

Computer Requirement:

Each CCSU 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 CCSU's Official Notebook Computer Policy, please go to http://itpchoice.clayton.edu/policy.htm .

Computer Skill Prerequisites:

• Able to use the Windows operating system
• Able to use Microsoft Word
• Able to send and receive e-mail from their CCSU 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 lecture course; however, the student will be expected to use their notebook computer to complete classroom assignments and to communicate with the instructor via email.

Course Objectives:

• Microbial physiology: To understand how microorganisms utilize nutrients to create new biomass and survive in natural and laboratory ecosystems.
• Microbial genetics: To understand the genetic machinery of prokaryotic microorganisms
• Pathogenesis: To understand the mechanisms microorganisms use to cause disease in a variety of different hosts, and to be introduced to host responses to these invaders (immunology).
• Microbial ecology: To understand how microorganisms live in a variety of different habitats and how they interact in those environments.
• Microbial structure and biochemistry: To understand the composition of microorganisms (enzymes, structures, and various biochemical reactions).
• Microbial diversity: To understand methods used to assess diversity and to learn how such immense diversity affects our every day lives.
• Applications:  You must be able to use your critical thinking skills to apply your knowledge to realistic problems.

Student Learning Outcomes:

• Applied Biology Outcomes

BIOL3250 supports outcomes 1, 4 and 7 of the biology major:

• Outcome 1:  Knowledge of the basic principles of major fields of biology.
• Outcome 4:  Ability to communicate orally and in writing in a clear, concise manner. 
• Outcome 7:  Appreciation for the impact of biological and physical science on the environment and society. 

Term:

Spring Semester 2007

Instructor:

Dr. Fran Norflus
Office: Arts and Sciences Building , Room G-110G
Phone: (678) 466-4852
email: FrancineNorflus@clayton.edu
Internet address: http://a-s.clayton.edu/fnorflus/

Office hours: Office Hours: M 11:00 – 5:00 (Room G-110G or C21), T 10:00 – 10:30, Room C29, Th, 12:00 – 1:30, Room G-110G or C21

Class Meetings:

Classroom: University Center U-265

Class Times: T/R 9:00 – 10:15 AM

Text Information:

Biology of Microorganisms, (11th edition), by Madigan, Martinko & Parker
Chapters covered 1-2, 4-10, 18-20, 21, 22, 23.1

Evaluation:

To calculate your final grade, you must take the average of all of your quizzes and assignments. This will count the same as one exam grade.  In this class, there will be many quizzes given.  I will drop your two lowest grades on these quizzes.  There will be no makeup quizzes.  If you miss a quiz (even with a documented excuse), then this quiz will not be counted in your final grade.  If you miss more than two quizzes, then a grade of 0 will be assigned for each quiz after the second one missed.   If you arrive late for class, you will not be allowed to take the quiz and will be assigned a grade of 0.

 Grading

Mid-term Progress Report

The mid-term grade in this course which will be issued before the midterm, To calculate this grade, I will take an average of your quizzes, add this number to the grade on your fist exam and divide by 2. Based on this grade, students may choose to withdraw from the course and receive a grade of "W."  Students pursuing this option must fill out an official withdrawal form, available in the Office of the Registrar, by mid-term, which occurs on March 2.

Course policies:

• Students must abide by policies in the Clayton College & State University Student Handbook, and the Basic Undergraduate Student Responsibilities.
• Attendance is expected for all class periods.  Attendance is required for examination periods.  
•  Any absence on an exam must be accompanied by a written excuse from a doctor or other competent authority.  
• Without a written excuse, a grade of zero points will be assigned for the missed exam.
• If a valid excuse is provided you will be excused from the exam and your final exam will count double (i.e. 40% instead of 20%). A MAKE UP EXAM WILL NOT BE GIVEN UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES.   If you subsequently miss the final exam without a proper excuse you will receive a 0 on the exam you missed and on the final.  
• If you miss more than one exam with excused absences, then you will be given a zero on each subsequent exam you missed after the first (you should probably drop or consider a hardship withdrawal if you qualify for one (see academic catalog).  
• Assignments are due on time.  10% will be deducted each day from any assignment turned in late.  If an assignment is up to 24 hours late then you lost 10%.  If an assignment is 25-48 hours late then you lost 20%.  If an assignment is over 48 hours late then it will NOT BE ACCEPTED and you will receive a zero. 
• Students must follow all policies stated in the Clayton College & State University Student Handbook.
• Visitors (friends, children, etc.) are strictly prohibited from attending class without the permission of the instructor.
• Any type of activity that is considered dishonest by reasonable standards may constitute academic misconduct. The most common forms of academic misconduct are cheating and plagiarism.  All instances of academic dishonesty will result in a grade of zero for the work involved.  All instances of academic dishonesty will be reported to the Office of Student Life/Judicial Affairs.   Judicial procedures are described at
  http://adminservices.clayton.edu/judicial/  
• Specific examples of academic dishonesty:
• Copying a classmates work on exams or assignments (even if you change a couple of words).
• Copying things directly out of the book, a website, an article (even if you change a couple of words).
• Turning somebody else's work in as your own work.  
• Using electronic devices (examples:  cell phones, Blackberries, Palm Pilots, computers of any sort) or notes that are not approved by the instructor on exams.

Important Dates:

EXAM DATES:  Tentative Dates are set in the schedule.  These are subject to change.

MIDTERM (LAST DAY TO DROP WITHOUT ACADEMIC PENALTY): March 2