General Survey of Microbiology (BAC 101)

and

Prokaryotic Microbiology (BAC 303/304)

Fall 1996

University of Wisconsin, Marathon County

Instructor	Dr. Terese M. Barta
Office	South Hall 381
Office Phone	261-6283
E-mail	tmbarta@mail.wiscnet.net
Office Hours	11:00-12:00, M &F; 3:00-4:00, T & R

Lectures:	M, W, F	10:00-10:50 a.m.	South Hall 180
Laboratory (Sec. 1):	T, TH	10:00-11:50	South Hall 375
Laboratory (Sec. 2):	T, TH	1:00-2:50	South Hall 375
Discussion (BAC 303 only):	W	11:00-11:50	South Hall 375

Course Description

This course is actually two courses that overlap, BAC 101 and BAC 303/304. Both courses cover the fundamental aspects of microbiology, with an emphasis placed on the prokaryotes (bacteria). Bacteriology 101 is the course that fulfills the degree requirement for students preparing for nursing or other allied health majors. BAC 101 does not fulfill degree requirements for majors in bacteriology. Bacteriology 303/304 is required for students majoring in bacteriology and related fields (such as food science), especially those that plan to transfer to UW-Madison. Also, students register for lecture (BAC 303) and lab (BAC 304) as separate courses. BAC 303/304 will also transfer as a higher-level bacteriology course at the University of Minnesota.

Students in both courses participate in the same lecture and laboratory sessions. However, students enrolled in BAC 303 must attend an additional hour per week (discussion section). Additional topics will be covered in that session.

Prerequisites

Because of the unique properties of microorganisms, this courses places a greater emphasis on biochemical processes than does almost any other biology course. Therefore, it is expected that students taking this course have passed a basic college-level chemistry course as well as an introductory biology course. Students in BAC 303/304 are expected to have completed or be enrolled in introductory organic chemistry.

Textbooks

Microbiology, A Human Perspective, 2th ed. (Nester, Roberts, and Nester) is the required text for students in BAC 101. Microbiology, 3rd edition (Prescott, Harley, Klein) is the reqired text for students in BAC 303. A lab manual is also required (written by T.M. Barta, available in the UWMC bookstore). Optional lab supplement: A Photographic Atlas for the Microbiology Laboratory (Leboffe & Pierce). This book provides color photographs useful in studying many of the tests performed in the laboratory part of the course.

Course Learning Objectives

To know the structural, physiological, genetic, and growth characteristics of microorganisms.
To understand the role of microorganisms in health and disease.
To know how the human body defends itself against pathogenic microorganisms.
To become familiar with means of controlling growth of microorganisms via physical, chemical, and chemotherapeutic agents.
To appreciate the beneficial role microorganisms play in biotechnology, food production, and the environment.
To become competent in the use of aseptic technique.
To know the major techniques used to grow, observe, quantitate, and characterize microbes and how to apply them.
To apply the scientific method and develop sound experiments to answer biological questions.
To improve writing, math and computer skills in the context of microbiology.
To be able to work collaboratively and communicate effectively with classmates.

Course Format

Students are expected to take primary responsibility for the learning associated with this course. Although some classes periods will consist of conventional lecturing, there will also be times in which you will be expected to have read an assigned portion of the text and come to class with questions. In-class discussion and presentation of material by students will also be part of the format for "lecture" periods. It is expected that you will attend ALL the lecture and laboratory sessions. In the laboratory, you are expected to come to lab having read the day's introductory material from the lab manual.

Evaluation (Grading Criteria)

1) Lecture examinations (370 pts). There will be three 50-minute exams (scheduled during the lecture periods) and a two-hour comprehensive final exam (date to be announced). Point values on each of the exams are as follows: Exam 1, 75 pts; Exam 2, 85 pts; Exam 3, 90 pts; Final Exam, 120 pts.

2) Active participation (30 pts). Each student will be required to make three short presentations (5-7 minutes) on a specific topic. List of main points to be included each presentation will be given in advance of each presentation, but the method and style of presentation will be entirely up to the individual student. Each presentation is worth 10 points. As long as the presentation is complete, the full 10 pts will be awarded (you will not be graded on format).

3) Laboratory components (350 pts). The grade for the lab part of the course will be determined by the following: Lab Quizzes, 105 (5 pt. safety quiz plus five quizzes worth 25 pts each, lowest score will be dropped); Cumulative Lab Final, 100 pts; Written Report on Experiment 11, 50 pts; Gram stain unknown, 5 pts; Unknown from Experiment 14, 10 pts; Mixed Culture Unknown I.D., 50 pts; Misc. Problem sets/hand-ins, 30 pts.

Click here for a picture of a Microbiology Lab in progress.

Dates of Hour Exams

Date	Weekday	Material
September 27	Friday	History of Microbiology, Prokaryotic Structure/Function/Growth
October 18	Friday	Metabolism and Genetics
November 20	Wednesday	Microbial Taxonomy, Viruses, Microbial Control, Ecology, Food Microbiology

Final Exam

Date: December 21, 10:30 am -12:30 pm.

The last section of material, including Disease and Immunity, will account for approximately 3/4 of the Final Exam.

Dr. Terese Barta, University of Wisconsin, Marathon County.

Go back to the UWMC Biology Page.