PAUL D. CAMP COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Course Statement for Introductory Microbiology (BIO 150) Summer 2008

Instructor: Carl W. Vermeulen, PhD (adjunct for Summer 2008)

The Instructor's Style

    Learning is best done when there is a goal or need in mind. The course - both lab and lecture - will often revolve around three projects that have never been done before, or are yet in great need of furtherance. The projects have been selected as requiring skills in almost every fundamental aspect of microbiology. Thus the student will pick up the fundamentals along the path toward their project goals.

    It has been said that true science is not the stuffing of facts in skulls, but the art of exploration and discovery. Microbiology, being at the heart of so many other biological sciences, lends itself easily to discussing what is not known for sure and how its tools can be used in exploration that pushes the cutting edge forward. It is thus hoped that by the end of the summer the students will have gained a new sense of enthusiasm and wonder at the world around them. Last summer's students will be presenting their work on "Fast Potable Water for Disaster Areas" in Boston to an international conference.

    The projects being considered for this summer are:

The Origin and Characterization of Honey Antibacterial Agents
Neonatal Bacteriology
Lactation and Sweat Gland Microbiology

    For those reading this who are advisors and already sophisticated microbiologists, let it be said that Dr V is of the van Niel School of microbiology where the first focus is on using microbes as tools for learning about life and all its processes. It is from van Neil's line of thinking that molecular biology and much of biochemistry has developed. The preëxisting and still popular school is that of clinical microbiology, which focuses on microbes as microbes rather than as van Neil's simple models of life-systems.

A Major Thread in the Course:

    Because a large portion of the students enrolled intend to be future nurses, a great emphasis will be on topics pertaining to "infection control." This will, of course, be valuable to all students.

Course Overview: Studies the general characteristics of microorganisms. Emphasizes their relationships to individual and community health, as well as being tools for the study of life processes. Lecture 3 hours. Recitation and laboratory 4 hours. Total 7 hours per week. (4 credits).

BEFORE EVERY LAB AND LECTURE
Print out the necessary handouts and instructions at this website:
http://www.science-projects.com/PDCCC/Schedule.htm

Required Texts and Materials:

Course Objectives

This course is designed for both students in the allied health professions and those pursuing a major and later advanced degrees in the sciences. In addition to gaining a broad understanding of the general concepts in microbiology, students are expected to learn the laboratory skills and develop the professional dexterity specially needed for microbiology. The importance of laboratory techniques and exploratory thinking in microbiology can not be overemphasized.

Course Information:

Students are responsible for being aware of all policies, procedures, AND students' responsibilities contained within the current edition of the: Paul D. Camp Community College Catalog, and Student Handbook. Students should be familiar with College policy regarding academic misconduct and inclement weather. It is also advisable that students be aware of the current Summer Semester Class Schedule.

Attendance Policy

Grading / Assessment

Grading Scale

    Raw grades from quizzes, tests and the final exam will be curved via standard deviation with the class average set at 80 and σ equalling a span of 10 curved points. At least 30% of the offered raw points on any quiz, test or exam must be answered correctly to be eligible for curving. Less than 30% will be deemed a zero. The lowest quiz score will be dropped.

Curved
Numerical Average		Grade
≥90A
80-89B
70-79C
60-69D
<60F

All major test copies and answer sheets, including the final exam are retained by the instructor. The instructor will review the test results with the class, and on an individual basis when requested by the student. The student may keep the quizzes. Questions and answers will be posted on-line at the appropriate times.

Written Work

    All written work is to be original and performed by the student. This includes all tests, quizzes, laboratory reports, and any other written work assigned by the instructor. Collaborative work is NOT acceptable unless assigned by the instructor. (Also see Cheating and/or Plagiarism Policy below.)

Reading Assignments

Cheating and/or Plagiarism Policy

    Any evidence of cheating on a test will result in the student receiving a "0" for the test. The instructor will be the final authority on whether cheating or plagiarism has occurred.  Plagiarism is defined as "the appropriation or imitation of the language, ideas and thoughts of another author and the representation of them as one's original work". (The Random House College Dictionary, Revised Edition. 1984). One must be particularly careful of plagiarism when doing writing assignments.  Make sure that your answers are in your own words. If you are going to copy information to support your answer then cite your source. If you are unsure about how to do citations or plagiarism in general, then consult resources such as The Wadsworth Handbook, 7th Edition, 2005.

Makeup Work / Tests

    The student will be allowed to make up a missed lecture or lab test ONLY if the instructor is informed of the absence on or prior to the day the test is given. Documentary evidence may be required to validate any excuse for missed tests. Makeup tests must be taken within seven days after the absence, otherwise a zero grade will be issued for the test. Note: Due to their very nature some laboratory tests may not be made up. If the instructor is not notified, the student will receive a grade of "0" for the missed test

Cellular (mobile) Phones, iPods, and any other portable electronic equipment

    Because of inappropriate use of cell phones and other portable electronic equipment and their disruption of the educational process in the classroom it is requested that all of the above be turned off during the lecture and laboratory periods. We realize that emergencies do occur, and all students can be contacted by having emergency calls placed to the college switchboard and a college representative will come to the classroom and contact the student. (Franklin - 757.569.6700, Suffolk - 757.925.6300, and Smithfield - 757.925.6340). If there is a legitimate reason for having cell phones, etc. turned on during class, i.e. after 7 pm when nobody is at the switchboard, then please make sure you notify the instructor. The use of laptop computers for taking notes is allowed as long as that is the only function for which it is  being use. Failure to follow this directive may result in removal from or permanent withdrawal from the class.

Student & Classroom Behavior

    Students are expected to act in a civil manner and respect the rights and opinions of other students and the instructor. Student/instructor interaction is a function of the learning experience and should be approached in a manner conducive to the learning process. Disruptive behavior in class and lab will not be tolerated and will result in administrative withdrawal from class.

Extra Credit Projects

    NO extra credit projects will be considered. (Special treatment is contrary to "equal treatment" clauses under the law.)

Field Trips

    This course may require a few field trips.

Learning Resources

    The use of the Learning Resources Center (LRC), World Wide Web (WWW), and BlackBoard, are an integral part of this course. Many assignments and materials for lecture and lab will be made via Blackboard or on the course's Web site. Electronic access is available in the computer lab, science lab and the library. If you have a home computer with Internet access, these learning resources can be utilized from home. (http://www.pc.vccs.edu/Science)

ADA Compliance

    In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities ACT (ADA) regulations, adjustments to courses have been addressed and are on file in the Vice President of Financial and Administrative Services Office.

Laboratory Safety Information

    A professional manner of conduct is expected of every one participating in laboratory exercises. The student will follow all of the guidelines established for the safety and efficiency of the laboratory portion of this course. These guidelines are in the lab manual and a handout will be given to the student. Students must wear long pants, lab coat or substitute; shoes (no open or sandals); and socks. While pathogenic organisms will not be used in this course, there are physical dangers in handling hot items and glass. Proper procedures and handling must be followed to protect yourself and others working in the laboratory.  The safety of the individual student and fellow classmates is very important. Failure to follow the established guidelines may result in the student being prohibited from participating in lab activities and administrative withdrawal from the course.

Testing Schedule

    This testing schedule shown on the lecture schedule table is subject to modification by the instructor for the benefit of the classroom experience.

Lecture

    The lecture is extremely important. It is the basic source of material for the course. It is where you will be introduced to new information, be involved in discussions with your instructor and peers, and have the opportunity to asked questions. Attendance is therefore important!

Lecture / Laboratory Schedule
This schedule is subject to modification by the instructor for the benefit of the laboratory experience. While the value of lecture is obvious to any subject, laboratory work is an essential part of the study of any of the sciences. This is especially true for semi-quantitative sciences of biology and microbiology, in particular. In the laboratory and field, student biologists apply much of what they have learned during the lecture portion. A more detailed content of the course will be found by clicking button.

Laboratory

    NOTE: Because of the compact nature of the summer schedule and complexity of the laboratory exercises NO MAKE UP LABS WILL BE PROVIDED. You are expected to be at all assigned laboratory sessions unless other provisions are made in very exceptional cases.