BIOL 3250L- Introductory Microbiology Lab
Course Syllabus- Fall 2008

Individuals with disabilities who need to request accommodations should contact 
the Disability Services Coordinator, Student Center 255, 678-466-5445, disabilityservices@mail.clayton.edu. 

Course Description:

Number and Title:

BIOL 3250 (CRN 87089)
Introductory Microbiology Lab

Credit Hours:

1.0 Semester credit hours (0-3-1)

Catalog Description:

Laboratory experiences which address topics including, sterile technique, microscopy, identification of microorganisms, microbial metabolism, and microbial genetics. Molecular and culture techniques will be taught.

Course prerequisite and co-requisite:

Corequisite: BIOL 3250

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 ^TM operating system
• Able to use Microsoft Word ^TM
• 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.

In-class Use of Student Notebook Computers:

• Student notebook computers will be used periodically in the lab in this laboratory course and  the student will be expected to use their notebook computer to complete classroom assignments and to communicate with the instructor via email.

---

Course Objectives:

After completing this laboratory course the student will know how to...

• identify microorganisms using various methods.
• describe the physiology and growth requirements of common bacteria.
• use a microscope to observe microorganisms.
• solve complex problems using research methods in microbiology
• properly stain bacterial cultures using the acid fast stain, Gram stain and endospore stain. 
• properly perform the aseptic technique and how to apply it to a variety of laboratory techniques.
• obtain a pure culture of bacteria.
• control the growth of bacteria using antibiotics, antiseptics and disinfectants.

Student Learning Outcomes:

• Applied Biology Outcomes
  • Outcome 1:  Knowledge of the basic principles of major fields of biology.
  • Outcome 2:  Mastery of a broad range of basic lab skills applicable to biology.
  • Outcome 3:  Knowledge of physical science, mathematics, and statistics required to support an understanding of biology.
  • Outcome 4:  Ability to communicate orally and in writing in a clear, concise manner.
  • Outcome 5:  Ability to collect, evaluate and interpret scientific data, and employ critical thinking to solve problems in biological science and supporting fields.
  • Outcome 6:  Ability to function effectively on team-oriented projects.
  • Outcome 7:  Appreciation for the impact of biological science on the environment and society.

Term:

Fall Semester 2008

Instructor Information:

Class Meetings:

Classroom: Business Health Sciences C-21

Class Times: 

CRN	Days	Time	Instructor
87089	TR	9:45 a.m. - 11:10 a.m.	Furlong

Text Information:

Techniques in Microbiology, John M. Lammert, Pearson Benjamin Cummings, 2007.

Evaluation:

Assessment	Points	Percentage
2 practicals (points vary for each)	180 points	67%
Skills test	20 points	7%
5 quizzes @ 10 points each (6 will be given and 1 can be dropped)	50 points	19%
Project Report	20 points	7%
Totals	270 points	100%

Grading:

Grade	Points	Percentage
A	243-270	90-100
B	216-242	80-89
C	189-215	70-79
D	162-188	60-69
F	Below 162	below 60

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 Policies:

• • Students must abide by policies in the Clayton State University Student Handbook (adminservices.clayton.edu/studentaffairs/StudentHandbook/foreword.htm), and the Basic Undergraduate Student Responsibilities (http://a-s.clayton.edu/BasicUndergraduateStudentResponsibilities.htm ).

  • 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:  Attendance is expected for all lab periods.  Attendance is required for examination and quiz periods.   Any absence must be accompanied by a written excuse from a doctor or other competent authority. 

    •  Without excuse, a grade of zero points will be assigned for any  missed work, INCLUDING EXAMS.
    • If a valid excuse is provided you will be excused from the practical and your other practical will count double.  A MAKE UP PRACTICAL WILL NOT BE GIVEN UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES.   If you miss the second practical 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 practical with excused absences, then you will receive a zero and should probably drop or consider a hardship withdrawal if you qualify for one (see academic catalog).  
    • There are no make-up quizzes.  Only 5 quizzes will count and 6 are given (you can drop the lowest).  If you have an excused absence and you miss two quizzes then one will be dropped and the other will not count in the point total.  If you miss over two quizzes (with an excuse) you will receive a zero on every quiz over two that you miss and you should consider dropping the course. 
  • 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.  Assignments can be emailed if you cannot make it to campus.  
  • 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).  Copying a person's thoughts word-for-word is dishonest EVEN if you include a citation.  Putting quotes around the thought does not make it OKAY.  Paraphrase it!
      • 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 or quizzes. 

  • Disruption of the Learning Environment:  Behavior which disrupts the teaching–learning process during class activities will not be 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 

Important Dates:

Midterm:  October 10 (last day to drop without academic penalty)

Practicals: Oct. 7 and Dec. 2

Skills Test:   Oct. 9

Important Links:

Detailed Course Schedule

Lab Review Page