BIOL 2420 - Medical Microbiology

4 Credits (3 hrs. lec., 3 hrs. lab.) This course is designed for health science majors. This course is a study of microorganisms including a description of basic cell structure, biochemistry, metabolism, nutrition, reproduction and genetics. Mechanisms of transmission, microbial entry, pathogenesis, prophylaxis, epidemiology and microbial control of selected human pathogens will be explored. Basic body defense mechanisms and immunological responses to pathological conditions will be examined. Laboratory exercises will include aseptic techniques, microscopy, culture techniques, determination of bacterial morphology, staining, and biochemical differentiation. This course is designed for allied health students. (2605035103) Prerequisite: College Level Readiness in Reading AND Writing; BIOL 1406 or BIOL 2401; MATH 0308
Course Outcomes
1 - Describe distinctive characteristics and diverse growth requirements of prokaryotic organisms compared to eukaryotic organisms.
2 - Provide examples of the impact of microorganisms on agriculture, environment, ecosystem, energy, and human health, including biofilms.
3 - Distinguish between mechanisms of physical and chemical agents to control microbial populations.
4 - Explain the unique characteristics of bacterial metabolism and bacterial genetics.
5 - Describe evidence for the evolution of cells, organelles, and major metabolic pathways from early prokaryotes and how phylogenetic trees reflect evolutionary relationships.
6 - Compare characteristics and replication of acellular infectious agents (viruses and prions) with characteristics and reproduction of cellular infectious agents (prokaryotes and eukaryotes).
7 - Describe functions of host defenses and the immune system in combating infectious diseases and explain how immunizations protect against specific diseases
8 - Explain transmission and virulence mechanisms of cellular and acellular infectious agents.
9 - Use and comply with laboratory safety rules, procedures, and universal precautions.
10 - Demonstrate proficient use of a compound light microscope.
11 - Describe and prepare widely used stains and wet mounts, and discuss their significance in identification of microorganisms.
12 - Perform basic microbiology procedures using aseptic techniques for transfer, isolation and observation of commonly encountered, clinically significant bacteria.
13 - Use different types of bacterial culture media to grow, isolate, and identify microorganisms.
14 - Perform basic bacterial identification procedures using biochemical tests.
15 - Estimate the number of microorganisms in a sample using methods such as direct counts, viable plate counts, or spectrophotometric measurements.
16 - Demonstrate basic identification protocols based on microscopic morphology of some common fungi and parasites.
17 - Demonstrate knowledge of the basic principles of epidemiology.
18 - Establish an understanding of the major historical events in microbiology and their impact on medical science.
19 - Employ teamwork for a shared purpose or goal.