Course Syllabus

BIOL 2065 Introductory Microbiology Laboratory

Course Description

The laboratory component allows for student application of microbiological principles with an emphasis on investigative learning and collaboration. It must be taken concurrently with BIOL 2060. (Lab fee required)

Justification

The Introductory Microbiology Lab satisfies the science laboratory GE requirement for Snow College, nursing, and other health science prerequisites. Some majors at the four-year colleges and universities require the laboratory component.

General Education Outcomes

1. A student who completes the GE curriculum has a fundamental knowledge of human cultures and the natural world. Students are required to complete lab exercises that teach them about the world of microbes. Lab experiences are designed to allow students hands-on and practical application of techniques and subjects discussed in the concurrent class (BIOL 2060). Students also explore experientially the ubiquity of microbes in the world as well as some common techniques to control the growth of microbes. Students will be assessed through completing written lab assignments, quizzes, and tests.
2. A student who completes the GE curriculum can read and research effectively within disciplines. Students must read and follow prepared laboratory exercises that teach proper techniques for growing, staining, viewing, and identifying microbes. Assignments include questions that require information gathered from sources such as the textbook and the internet, etc. Students will be assessed through completing written lab assignments, quizzes, and tests.
3. A student who completes the GE curriculum can draw from multiple disciplines to address complex problems. Through a series of labs, students will combine multiple disciplines and use the scientific method to generate and analyze data and prepare lab reports. Students will be assessed through completing written lab assignments, quizzes, and tests.
4. A student who completes the GE curriculum can reason analytically, critically, and creatively. As students complete the labs, they will be asked to analyze and solve problems that are close to real life settings. Students will be assessed through completing written lab assignments, quizzes, and tests.

General Education Knowledge Area Outcomes

1. Students will complete a number of experiments throughout the semester. Results of experiments will be observed, recorded and interpreted. As students complete laboratory reports, set up experiments, collect data, complete quizzes, participate in lab discussions, and complete the final exam, they will gain a deeper understanding of applicable microbiological processes. Students will be assessed through completing written lab assignments, quizzes, and tests. Students will complete a number of experiments throughout the semester. Results of experiments will be observed, recorded and interpreted. As students complete laboratory reports, set up experiments, collect data, complete quizzes, participate in lab discussions, and complete the final exam, they will gain a deeper understanding of applicable microbiological processes. Students will be assessed through completing written lab assignments, quizzes, and tests.

Course Content

Through laboratory experiments, the course will reinforce topics discussed in lecture course. The lab will focus specifically on: laboratory safety; the use and care of the compound light microscope; distribution of bacteria; microbial diversity: an investigation of the properties of bacteria, fungi, protists, and algae; staining of bacterial cells using simple, Gram, acid fast, negative, and spore stains; growth and cultivation of bacteria using routine, selective, and differential media; control of microbial growth using antibiotics, antiseptics, disinfectants, and radiation; transformation of bacteria with plasmid DNA; principles of diagnostic microbiology with an emphasis of the normal flora of the human body; enumeration of microorganisms in water, waste water, and milk samples; enumeration of microorganisms in soils.

In connection with the corequisite lecture BIOL 2060, diversity of the microbial world will be discussed. In addition, there will be discussions on how microbes affect humans in regard to age, race, other social-economic backgrounds and overall general health.