Course Number and Title:
BIO 125 Introductory Microbiology
Campus Location
- Dover
- Georgetown
- Wilmington
- Stanton
Prerequisites
Prerequisite: BIO 120 or VET 102 or concurrent
Course Credits and Hours
4 credit(s)
3 lecture hours/week
2 lab hours/week
Course Description
This is an introduction to microbiology designed for individuals in the health sciences. It explores the morphology, physiology, cultivation, and control of microorganisms, a survey of human pathogens and the fundamental concepts of immunity. Laboratory experiments are an integral part of this course.
Additional Materials
None
Core Course Performance Objectives (CCPOs)
Examine microbial morphology and cell function with emphasis on the relationship of cell structure to pathogenicity. (CCC 6)
Analyze the interactions and impact of microorganisms on humans. (CCC 6)
Explain selected infectious diseases. (CCC 1,5,6)
Explain microbial growth processes, requirements, and means of control. (CCC 6)
Explain general procedures for the collection, testing, and preservation of specimens as an aid in infectious disease diagnosis. (CCC 6)
Perform and analyze various lab activities related to microbiology and healthcare while following proper safety procedures. (CCC 3, 6)
See Core Curriculum Competencies and Program Graduate Competencies at the end of the syllabus. CCPOs are linked to every competency they develop.
Measurable Performance Objectives (MPOs)
Upon completion of this course, the student will:
- Examine microbial morphology and cell function with emphasis on the relationship of cell structure to pathogenicity.
- Apply rules of scientific nomenclature.
- List the important characteristics of the three domains of life.
- Differentiate between bacteria, fungi, algae, protozoa, viruses, and subviral agents.
- Describe the various types of microscopes, their uses and define terms related to microscopy.
- Describe techniques and processes necessary for the microscopic study of bacteria.
- Describe the importance of the Gram stain as a tool used to screen specimen quality, identify microbes and initiate empiric therapy.
- Differentiate prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
- Describe bacterial morphology.
- Describe the function of microbial cell structures.
- Relate the composition of Gram positive and Gram negative cell walls and their relationship to the Gram stain reaction.
- List the factors related to the pathogenicity of microbes.
- Differentiate virulence, virulence factors and pathogenicity.
- Analyze the interactions and impact of microorganisms on humans.
- Describe the development of normal flora of the body and its role in preventing infection.
- Differentiate normal flora, opportunists, parasites, pathogens and carriers/hosts.
- Describe the mechanisms and responses of nonspecific and specific immunity.
- Explain the principles of epidemiology.
- Explain selected infectious diseases.
- Differentiate infection and disease.
- Describe different types of infections and diseases.
- Describe the stages in the disease development process.
- Describe examples of infectious diseases affecting each body system including: etiologic agent, reservoir, modes of transmission, pathogenesis, treatment, and control measures.
- Explain microbial growth processes, requirements, and means of control.
- Categorize microbes according to their energy and carbon sources.
- Describe essential chemical and physical requirements for microbial growth.
- Describe the importance of growth control methods related to prevention and treatment of infectious diseases.
- Explain the four phases of the bacterial growth curve.
- Define key terms related to antimicrobial controls and sepsis, antisepsis and asepsis.
- Describe the effects of antimicrobial agents on hosts and infectious organisms.
- Explain mechanisms of action of antimicrobial drugs.
- Explain drug resistance and ways to minimize its development.
- Explain general procedures for the collection, testing, and preservation of specimens as an aid in infectious disease diagnosis.
- Explain the variables that can affect the quality of a specimen.
- Compare the relationship between generation time to specimen collection and processing.
- Explain specimen collection and handling procedures to assist in the diagnosis of an infectious disease.
- Describe metabolic and enzymatic testing protocols.
- Perform and analyze various lab activities related to microbiology and healthcare while following proper safety procedures.
- Explain the parts of a light microscope.
- Evaluate bacterial morphology using Gram stain procedure.
- Compare and contrast bacterial growth using differential media.
- Compare and contrast several means of microbiological control.
Evaluation Criteria/Policies
The grade will be determined using the Delaware Tech grading system:
90-100 |
= |
A |
80-89 |
= |
B |
70-79 |
= |
C |
0-69 |
= |
F |
Students should refer to the
Catalog/Student Handbook for information on the Academic Standing Policy, the Academic Integrity Policy, Student Rights and Responsibilities, and other policies relevant to their academic progress.
Final Course Grade
Calculated using the following weighted average
FINAL COURSE GRADE
(Calculated using the following weighted average)
Evaluation Measure | Percentage of final grade |
Summative Assessments |
Exams (equally weighted) | 70% |
Lab Skills Assessments (equally weighted) | 10% |
Formative Assessments |
Homework | 5% |
Lab assessments (post-lab questions and lab quizzes) | 15% |
TOTAL | 100% |
Core Curriculum Competencies (CCCs are the competencies every graduate will develop)
- Apply clear and effective communication skills.
- Use critical thinking to solve problems.
- Collaborate to achieve a common goal.
- Demonstrate professional and ethical conduct.
- Use information literacy for effective vocational and/or academic research.
- Apply quantitative reasoning and/or scientific inquiry to solve practical problems.
Students in Need of Accommodations Due to a Disability
We value all individuals and provide an inclusive environment that fosters equity and student success. The College is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities. Students are encouraged to schedule an appointment with the campus Disabilities Support Counselor to request an accommodation needed due to a disability. The College's policy on accommodations for persons with disabilities can be found in the College's Guide to Requesting Academic Accommodations and/or Auxiliary Aids Students may also access the Guide and contact information for Disabilities Support Counselors through the Student Resources web page under Disabilities Support Services, or visit the campus Advising Center.