BIOL 4620: AEM

BIOL 4620- Applied and Environmental Microbiology
Course Syllabus- Spring 2007

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 4620 (CRN 24573)
Applied and Environmental Microbiology

Credit Hours:

3.0 Semester credit hours

Catalog Description:

This course is designed to expose students to the importance of microorganisms in industrial processes and in the environment. The course will also focus on the applications of microorganisms to solve environmental problems and public health aspects of environmental microbiology.

Course prerequisite and co-requisite:

Prerequisites: BIOL 3250 and BIOL 3250L.

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:

bulletAble to use the Windows operating system
bulletAble to use Microsoft Word
bulletAble to send and receive e-mail using your CCSU account
bulletAble to attach and retrieve attached files via email
bulletAble to use a Web browser.

In-class Use of Student Notebook Computers:

bulletStudent notebook computers will be used occasionally in this course.

Course Objectives:

bulletTo learn concepts in in environmental microbiology and microbial ecology.
bulletTo learn how microbiology is applied to benefit mankind.
bulletTo learn the applied aspects o f microbiology in public health and industry.
bulletTo learn how to read, understand and present data from journal articles pertaining to applied and environmental aspects of microbiology.  
bulletTo isolate bacteria that produce antibiotics and study them, create food products using microorganisms, and how to test water quality.  

Student Learning Outcomes:

bullet Biology Outcomes

        BIOL3100 supports outcomes 1, 4, 5, 6 and 7 of the biology major:
bulletOutcome 1:  Knowledge of the basic principles of major fields of biology.
bullet

Outcome 4: Ability to communicate orally and in writing in a clear, concise manner.  

bullet

Outcome 5:  Ability to collect, evaluate and interpret scientific data, and employ critical thinking to solve problems in biological science and supporting fields.

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Outcome 6:  Ability to function effectively on team-oriented projects.

bulletOutcome 7:  Appreciation for the impact of biological and physical science on the environment and society. 

Term:

Spring Semester 2007

Instructors:

Dr. Michelle Furlong
phone: (678) 466-4778
e-mail:
MichelleFurlong@mail.clayton.edu
internet:
http://a-s.clayton.edu/furlong/FurlongHome1.htm
Office: Arts and Sciences G-105D

Office hours:  Monday/Wednesday 1:40 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. in C-21 (Micro Lab) or G-105D and Friday 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. in G-105D.  Other times can also be arranged by appointment (contact me via email).  

Class Meetings:

Classroom: University Center U-331

Class Times: MWF 9:30 a.m. - 10:20 a.m.

Text Information:

Biology of Microorganisms, (11th edition), by Madigan, Martinko & Parker
Chapters covered 15, 17-20, 28-31.

Evaluation:

Assignments and presentations (points vary for each) 35%
2 exams (midterm and final) @ 100 points each 45%
1 Final Project 20%
Total 100%

Grading:

Grade

Points

Percentage of Points

A

358-400

90%-100%

B

318-357

80%-89%

C

278-317

70%-79%

D

238-277

60%-69%

F

Below 238

below 60%

Important Dates:

Last day to drop without academic penalty:  March 2

Midterm Exam: Feb. 26

Final Presentation: April 25-30

Final Exam: TBA

Tentative Course Schedule--click here

Course policies:

bulletStudents must abide by policies in the Clayton College & State University Student Handbook,, and the Basic Undergraduate Student Responsibilities.
bulletAll "handouts" and assignments will either be emailed to you or will be available on the course website. If you need a printed copy of the handouts, you must print it yourself. Each homework assignment must be completed on a word processor, printed and turned in on the due date, which will be announced in class and will be on the course web site.  
bulletAttendance is required. Come to every class prepared. 
bulletAny absence from a class must be accompanied by a written excuse from a medical doctor or a judge. 
bulletIf you have an EXCUSED absence and you miss a test, then you must arrange to take a special ESSAY make-up exam within 1 week of missing the exam.  If you miss a presentation then your other presentations will count more heavily in your grade.  
bulletAssignments are to be turned in on time (by 5:00 p.m. on the day it is due).  Ten percent of the grade will be deducted each business day (m-f) the assignment is late. If it is turned in after 5:00 p.m. on the day it is due then 10% will be deducted.  If it is turned in after 5:00 p.m. on the day after it is due then 20% will be deducted.   You can email your assignment to get it in on time.  Be careful and please don't forget to  turn them in (they can really help your grade).
bulletYou must be present and READY for your presentations.  If you come to class late on a presentation day then you will lose 10% of the points for that presentation.  
bulletStudents must follow all policies stated in the Clayton College & State University Student Handbook.
bulletVisitors (friends, children, etc.) are strictly prohibited from attending class without the permission of the instructor.
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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/.