Syllabus

Science Prerequisites for Health Professionals

BIOL 1020: Microbiology for the Health Professions – Spring 2024

Credits - 3 (Lecture) and 1 (Lab)

Description

This course is designed to meet the microbiology prerequisite for students who are applying for admission to health profession programs. Most students taking this course will have an undergraduate degree and will be in the process of a career change. Online Microbiology is a one-semester course.  It will emphasize the concepts that are a necessary groundwork for courses the student will take in his/her professional program.

Topics covered in this course include: the history of microbiology, microbial morphology and physiology, bacterial metabolism, genetics, ecology, and the classification of microorganisms, particularly bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Therapeutic agents used to disrupt and control microbial growth are considered and a body systems approach is utilized in the coverage of diseases.   

Materials

Learning Objectives and Outcomes

Learning Outcomes for Science Prerequisites for Health Professions Program

In lecture courses, students should be able to:

1. Communicate scientific concepts and information clearly.
2. Illustrate fundamental laws, theories, and principles of scientific disciplines.
3. Apply knowledge and critical thinking skills to scientific problems.

In lab courses, students should be able to:

1. Ask a question or define a problem that can be tested.
2. Hypothesize possible result(s).
3. Plan and/or conduct an investigation individually and/or collaboratively to produce data to serve as the basis for evidence.
4. Analyze data using tools, technologies, and/or models (i.e. computational, mathematical, graphical, etc.) in order to make valid and reliable scientific claims or determine an optimal design solution.
5. Communicate the results by constructing an explanation based on multiple pieces of valid and reliable evidence obtained from a variety of sources (including students’ own investigations, models, theories, simulations, peer review) and the assumption that theories and laws that describe the natural world operate today as they did in the past and will continue to do so in the future.
6. Apply scientific ideas, principles, and/or evidence gained from various experiments, as well as other observations and/or research, to provide an explanation of phenomena and solve design problems, taking into account possible unanticipated effects.

Course Objectives

Upon successful completion of the course students will be able to:

1. Define basic structure/function of microorganisms including prokaryotes, eukaryotes and viruses, with emphasis on their relationships to human disease and treatment modalities
2. Describe the kinetics and patterns of microbial growth, and environmental factors that alter growth
3. Describe key features of microbial genetics, including DNA structure and function, as well as mechanisms of DNA replication, transcription and translation
4. Explain how and why microbial gene expression is regulated, as well as how genetic mutation and DNA transfer mechanisms affect microbial evolution, fitness and pathogenesis
5. Define and compare beneficial versus pathogenic host-microbial interactions
6. Explain fundamental stains, basic staining techniques, and corresponding bacterial and fungal morphology
7. Describe the clinical manifestations associated with common bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic diseases
8. Describe the uses of the various media and metabolic/enzymatic testing protocols
9. Identify bacterial/fungal toxic and invasive factors and their relationship to the pathogenesis of disease
10. Classify the mechanisms of antibiotic (antibacterial/antifungal), antiparasitic, and antiviral activity, as well as resistance strategies employed by target microorganisms
11. Identify the pathogens commonly associated with infections of the skin, eyes, nervous system, respiratory tract, gastrointestinal tract and genitourinary tract in humans, as well as their modes of pathogenesis and risk factors associated with each type of disease
12. Identify common healthcare-associated (nosocomial) pathogens
13. Identify disease and likely etiology on the basis of patient signs and symptoms, pertinent history, and lab findings
14. Create a case study outline.

SELF-PACED DESIGN

On the course start date, students will have access to orientation. This must be completed to be able to gain access to the first module in the course. Students must complete the first module to gain access to the next one. We recommend that students spend about 15 hours per week to complete a course in 16 weeks. When trying to complete the course in less than 16 weeks, we typically see students do this successfully within 12-14 weeks. Instructors will be timely in grading and feedback, but it will not be instant.

Assignments

Lectures and Laboratories

Laboratory information for students enrolled in the lab portion:

For the laboratory portion of this course, you will be purchasing a LabPaq lab kit from the Hands-On Labs (HOL)/Science Interactive. For help ordering your HOL/Science Interactive Kit, please follow the “Getting Started with Hands-On Labs” guide within the course.

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Laboratory Assignments

For students enrolled in the laboratory component, most weeks have an associated laboratory assignment. Complete each assignment online using the HOL/Science Interactive Online link provided by your instructor.

Using the HOL/Science Interactive resource material, your notes, and in some cases outside research, answer all of the questions in each lab exercise. Your answers must be in the form of complete and grammatically correct sentences with proper spelling, grammar, and capitalization. Be mindful of the spelling for bacterial genus and species names (capitalize genus names, lower case for species names, eg., Streptococcus pyogenes). If a question is asking for terms you are not familiar with, be sure to define and understand those before you answer the question. Reference your facts using in-text citations and AMA format for your outside references.

Once you complete the lab, use the text submission field for this assignment within the course to write a message to your instructor to say that you have completed the assignment. This will serve as an alert to your instructor that your assignment is ready to be reviewed and graded.

For customer service concerns, please use the HOL/Science Interactive dedicated phone line: (720)360-4034

Chapter Tests, Vocabulary Quizzes, and Unit Exams

Chapter Tests

The chapter tests are multiple-choice and matching. The tests can be accessed by clicking on the link within the course. The chapter tests are open-book and are intended to help you review for the unit exams. They are timed and you have one single attempt at each test; the questions for each attempt cover the same material, although they may be different. To prepare for the chapter tests, complete the readings, view the lecture material and other study helps posted in the chapter module. Also, review the end-of-chapter questions and other study aids in your textbook. When you are ready, take the test.

Module Vocabulary Quizzes

Each module has a 20-term vocabulary quiz. The terms are selected from the chapter vocabulary lists. The quizzes are taken online within the course learning management system. Each quiz is accessed by clicking on the link within the course. The quizzes are open book and are intended to help you review for the unit exams. To prepare for the vocabulary quizzes read through the lists of terms for each chapter within the module. Fit the terms into the context of the learning objectives for each chapter. 

Unit exams

The five unit exams are timed exams (120 minutes) consisting of multiple choice and matching; with all questions graded automatically upon the completion of the unit exam.  These unit exams are single-attempt (with no pauses allowed during the 2-hour time frame) and may be taken only once. The unit exams will be available only after all the quizzes, tests and other assessments in the unit are completed. The exams will include topics covered in the textbook, learning objectives, and lectures for each unit. These exams are open notes and open book; however, you should review the material as though you will not have the notes or book available. There will not be time during the exam to look up every answer. Of the 5 unit exams, your 4 highest exams will count toward your final grade (the lowest score will be dropped). NOTE: Do not schedule your unit exams with ProctorU. Only two exams are proctored: the HOL/Science Interactive Laboratory Final Exam (if you are taking the lab) and the lecture Final Exam.

There is a highly recommended Practice Proctored Exam available to all students. The first attempt is free. This exam does not cover course material and is not included in your overall course grade. It prepares test takers for what the testing environment will be like, what forms of identification are needed, and provides a chance to test your external webcam with a live proctor. This is a great way to become familiar with and prepare for your exam!

The Microbiology Case Study

You will create a case study for a microbial infection selected from the current pathogen list which your instructor will provide to you. Your case study will be assembled using a detailed rubric. Upon completion, and by a specified due date (within Unit 5), your case study will be submitted within the course.

Video Assignments (2) 

In approximately five minutes, you will present a brief verbal summary of an assigned topic using provided resources and submit the video to your instructor.  

Final Exam (Lecture)

You must use a UNE Compliant External Webcam to take your proctored examinations. Remember to order your webcam at least three weeks prior to scheduling your first proctored exam.

The cumulative BIOL 1020 lecture final is a proctored test so plan for at least a three-hour exam period consisting of multiple choice and short answer questions. It is closed book and closed notes. No electronic memory devices may be used, including but not limited to the internet, other files on a computer, cell phones, tablet devices, smartphones, e-books, etc.

You may use the Resource PDF on your exam by opening it in front of the proctor prior to starting the test. It must be a digital copy; no printed copies will be allowed. There are no exceptions to this policy. You are also permitted the use of a UNE-authorized whiteboard. You must show your proctor that your whiteboard is clear at the beginning of your testing session, and you must erase your whiteboard in front of the proctor before disconnecting from your session. If you do not do this, your exam will not be credited.

This exam is closed for review. You will not be able to review this exam at any time. Please contact your instructor for specific feedback.

For all exams, you must review the Proctored Examinations information and requirements in the Policies section of this syllabus.

HOL/Science Interactive Laboratory Final Exam For Students Enrolled in the Laboratory 

The cumulative BIOL 1020 laboratory final is a proctored test. Plan for at least a three-hour exam period consisting of multiple choice, matching, and short answer questions. It is closed book and closed notes. No electronic memory devices may be used, including but not limited to the internet, other files on a computer, cell phones, tablet devices, smartphones, e-books, etc.

Take advantage of this list of Topics for Final Lab Exam Review.

This exam is closed for review. You will not be able to review this exam at any time. Please contact your instructor for specific feedback.

For all exams, you must review the Proctored Examinations information and requirements in the Policies section of this syllabus.

Discussion Board Posts

Discussion questions cover interesting current events or materials that contribute to a deeper understanding of key concepts and allow you to interact with your classmates and the instructor. Most of the discussion questions are designed to accompany particular chapters (see specific discussion questions for more information). Each question will require you to conduct internet research, read additional materials (a short journal or magazine article), visit a specific webpage, or view a short video. Then you will write a response following the guidelines in the assignment.

To earn full credit: you will need to post a response, respond to the original posts of at least two other students, and then contribute to an ongoing discussion. For special cases where one or two students are accelerating faster through the course, the instructor will participate in the discussion so that everyone has the opportunity to interact.

Discussion Question Guidelines

1. Read the prompt carefully so that you are familiar with the materials that you need to cover and how to craft your post.
2. Respect each other’s ideas, feelings, and experience. Some of the questions involve areas of disagreement and multiple perspectives. Expect your classmates to have different opinions.
3. Use proper writing style. Correct spelling and sentence structure are expected just as if you were writing a regular paper. Use spell check and grammar check before you submit.
4. Write your posting in a word document! That way you can save a copy and use spell check and grammar check.
5. Cite the sources that you use to write your response. Follow the AMA guidelines.
6. Avoid posting large blocks of text. Break your writing into paragraphs and use a space between paragraphs to make your posting easier to read on the screen.
7. Subscribe to the discussion, so that you get email updates when there is activity.
8. Use the “reply” button when responding to someone else’s post.
9. When responding to a classmate, address them by name.
10. Do not use postings such as “I agree,” “I don’t know either,” or “ditto.” They do not add to the discussion, take up space on the discussion threads, and will not be counted.
11. Everyone benefits from an active discussion. Check back in frequently to see what others are saying.
12. Plan your time carefully. You will need to give your classmates time to respond to your postings. This is an asynchronous class where students will be in different points of the class.
13. Contact your instructor if there are schedule problems or other issues that need to be resolved.

Examinations and Grading Information

For students taking the lecture course only, the final course grade will be determined as follows:

Chapter Tests and Module Vocabulary Quizzes	7.5% of the final grade
5 Unit Exams (drop lowest score; 4 in total)	11.25% of the final grade
Final Exam	20% of the final grade
Case Study	18.75% of the final grade
Video Assignments	6.25% of the final grade
Discussion Boards	11.25% of the final grade
Total Course Grade	100%

For students taking the lecture course with the laboratory, your final grade will be determined as follows:

Chapter Tests and Module Vocabulary Quizzes	7.5% of the lecture grade
5 Unit Exams (lowest score is dropped, 4 total)	11.25% of the lecture grade
Final Exam	20% of the lecture grade
Case Study	18.75% of the lecture grade
Video Assignments	6.25% of the lecture grade
Discussion Boards	11.25% of the lecture grade
Total Lecture Weight in Final Grade	75%
12 Laboratory Exercise Assessments	50% of the laboratory grade
Lab Report	20% of the laboratory grade
HOL/Science Interactive Laboratory Final Exam	30% of the laboratory grade
Total Lab Weight in the Final Grade	25%

 

Final Grade
Lecture Grade	75% of Final Grade
Laboratory Grade	25% of Final Grade
Total Course Grade	100%

A letter grade is assigned according to the scheme below. The final course grade will not be posted until all the quizzes, tests, exams, video assignments, and case study, are completed. For those students taking the laboratory, all lab exercise assessments, Lab Report, and the laboratory Final Exam must be also be submitted.

Grade Scale

Grade	Points Grade	Point Average (GPA)
A	94 – 100%	4.00
A-	90 – 93%	3.75
B+	87 – 89%	3.50
B	84 – 86%	3.00
B-	80 – 83%	2.75
C+	77 – 79%	2.50
C	74 – 76%	2.00
C-	70 – 73%	1.75
D	64 – 69%	1.00
F	00 – 63%	0.00