Introduction to Microbiology Syllabus

Office Phone: 816-936-1467 

Office Hours in room S123: Office Hours in room S123: Days 1-10: 2:15-3:05 (except day 5)

-To develop specific strategies and techniques to read, write and speak using scientific terminology and methods

-To discuss and collaborate in small groups working effectively to manage time and task

1) 3 ring binder EXCLUSIVELY FOR MICROBIOLOGY * (1 ½" width recommended)

2) scientific calculator (scientific notation key usually has "exp," "EE," or "sci" on a button)

3) colored pencils for observations

4) textbook: Tortora, Gerald, et al. An Introduction to Microbiology. New York: Benjamin Cummings, 2003.

*Be on time to class. Using the restroom and going to your locker for required materials should be done during passing.

You will have free 2 unexcused tardies per quarter. If you are tardy a third time, you will be assigned a detention.

*ABSENCES: You have two days for each day you were absent to make-up in-class and homework assignments. It is your responsibility to "catch up" after an absence. Please see me before or after school, NOT DURING CLASS regarding make-up work.

*TESTS: If you are absent the day of the test, you will take a different version of the test. You will have two days to

take the test. If you do not take the test by the end of the two days, each day that follows will result in a 10% deduction.

There are primarily eight ways in which you will be evaluated this semester.

1) PROJECTS: There will be 4 major projects you will be doing throughout the semester. 1^st quarter: Bacteria model presentation 2^nd quarter: Unknown bacteria Identification

2) LABS: Laboratory experiments are a vital component to a microbiology course. You can expect 2-3 labs a week.

You will be exposed to several microbiology techniques throughout this semester. Due to the precision and complexity of

most of the labs, it is vital to read the labs the night before the day of the lab. You can expect a pre-lab quiz or a pre-lab

write-up. Lab reports will vary from informal (observations and analysis) to more formal (introduction, hypothesis,

materials, procedure, results in tables and graphs and conclusion). At the beginning of the semester, most labs will be very

"cookbook in nature" or step by step. However, towards the end of the semester, you can expect more open-ended labs.

*LAB FOLDER: All labs will be organized and hole-punched into a 3-ring paper folder. This organization is essential as

most procedures are repeated throughout the semester. This folder will make a great reference for identifying your unknown bacteria at the end of the semester. You will be provided with a handout of the requirements necessary for a formal lab report.

3) HOMEWORK: Point values for each assignment will vary depending on the level of difficulty.

4) PARTICIPATION: Your active involvement in discussions, activities and labs is key to your success in any class. You will receive a daily participation grade.

5) QUIZZES: 2 or 3 short quizzes can be expected each week. These quizzes may be announced or unannounced. These quizzes are put in place to motivate you to study on a daily basis over a prolonged period of time rather than cramming all the information in the night before a test.

6) CLASS NOTEBOOK: Keep all handouts, discussion notes and any other relevant class material organized and hole-punched into a 3-ring notebook. There will be periodic announced and unannounced notebook checks throughout the year. Notebooks will be graded on professional appearance, organization, completion and quality. This organization you will find to be invaluable when reviewing for quizzes, tests and especially semester exams

7) EXAMINATIONS: All tests will be announced and will usually occur at the end of several chapters.

8) SEMESTER EXAM: There will be a cumulative exam given at the end of the semester.