General Microbiology Laboratory Course Information:

Biology 310L, 1 credit hour M 1-4 and F 1-4 WSB 302

Spring 2013

Instructor:
Malikah T. Abdullah-Israel, Ph.D Assistant Professor, Department of Biology Office: WSB 223 Office Phone: 757-823-8279 Email: mabdullah@nsu.edu Office Hours: TBA

Biology Department:
Department of Biology Office: WSB 115 Phone: 757-823-8512

Course Description: The laboratory component of general microbiology. Hands on basic

methods and applications of studying microorganisms such as microscopy, staining, microbial control, antimicrobial susceptibility, cultivation and biochemical methods of identifying bacteria and fungi.

Pre/Co-requisiste(s): BIO 110, 111, 260 and/or 261; BIO 310 lecture Course Rationale: A general microbiology laboratory allows hands-on and problem solving
experiences that accompany the general microbiology lecture course, which is required for all biology curricula because it is a major biological discipline. It is also required as a prerequisite course in some health professions to meet accreditation. Upon completion of this course the student should have a knowledge base in microbiology that will enhance their comprehension and application of concepts in other biology courses.

Course Goals and Learning Outcomes: To provide basic hands-on experiences in the
practice and applications of methods and concepts used to study microorganisms. Upon completion of this course students should be able to: 1. Use a compound light microscope and demonstrate proficiency in observing microorganisms from prepared and preserved specimens. 2. Demonstrate the microscopic identification of different microbes. 3. Describe and utilize methods to control microbial growth such as decontamination, sanitation and sterilization. 4. Prepare smears and perform simple and differential stains from cultures and specimens. 5. Utilize basic cultivation media and perform and interpret cultivation methods used to identify and differentiate organisms. 6. Identify selected non-pathogenic, pathogenic and ecologic microorganisms using basic staining, biochemical, immunologic and/or molecular identification methods. 7. Perform and interpret basic antimicrobial susceptibility procedures.

Required Text: Microbiology Laboratory Theory and Application, 3rd edition, Michael
Leboffe and Burton Pierce, ISBN: 13: 978-0-89582-830-9

Primary Method of Instruction: Brief conceptual overviews, hands on laboratory

assignments/exercises that require laboratory reports that include recording results, interpretation of results and answering relevant questions; demonstrations or simulations through internet explorations and problem-solving through case studies and identification of unknowns.

Evaluation/Assessment Methods: Evaluation for this course will be based on the

successful completion of laboratory exercises, laboratory assignments and exams. Lab Quizzes: There will be weekly lab quizzes. Quizzes are administered at the beginning of the class period. Students arriving late (after the quiz has ended) will not be allowed to take the quiz. Students arriving while the quiz is in process will have the remaining time to complete their quiz (ex. if the student arrives and there are 5 minutes left for the quiz then the student will have five minutes to complete the quiz). Data Sheets: Data sheets must be completed and turned in at the lab period following the recording of the final results. Data sheets will be accepted up to three days after the due date. You will be penalized two points for every day the report is late. If a student is absent from lab for a valid documented reason, they will be allowed to submit the lab report for the lab they missed using their lab partners results, but will be penalized 2 pts. Make-up labs: There will be no make-up labs. Exams: There will be a midterm and a final exam. Make-up exams will be given only to students who have a certified medical excuse or prior instructor approval. If you will be absent for an exam because of a university related activity, you will need to make arrangements at least one week in advance. Extra Credit: Extra credit points may be given as bonus points on exams and/or as special assignments. These points will total no more than 5% of the total points assigned for the semester.

Evaluation Criteria: Grades will be determined by the following percentage distribution

Grading Scale: 100-93 A 92-89 A88-86 B+ 85-80 B 79-77 B76-74 C+ 73-70 C 69-66 C65-63 D+

62-60 59-56 Below 56

D DF

* The instructor reserves the right to revise the grading criteria as appropriate and will make reasonable attempts to notify students as time permits.

General Laboratory Rules

Laboratory Protocol: Students should observe the following during all lab periods: 1. Students are required to provide and wear a lab coat during all labs. 2. There is no eating, drinking or chewing gum in the lab. All open food containers should be discarded before entering the lab. 3. Lab gloves will be provided and are required to be used when working with specimens and microorganisms. 4. Open toe or very high heeled shoes should not be worn in the lab. Long hair should be pulled back or tied up. 5. Always wash your hands before leaving to use the restroom or at end of the class period. 6. Do not place bags, purses or other personal belongings on the lab bench. 7. Should an accident occur, notify the instructor immediately. Microscopes and Lab Maintenance: Students are responsible for cleaning and proper use of the microscopes, as well as maintaining a clean and safe laboratory. This includes: 1. Cleaning oil from objectives with lens paper, returning the nosepiece to low power, cleaning the stage and replacing the cover before storing the microscope. 2. Disinfecting counter top at beginning and end of each lab period. 3. Returning reagents to proper storage area. 4. Discarding used media and reagents in proper disposal containers when lab assignments are completed. 5. Returning chairs to proper location when leaving the lab.

Academic Integrity Standards

Attendance: Students are expected to be present at each class. The universities attendance policy states that no more than 20% of class meetings (excused or unexcused) may be missed by a student during a given semester. Students whose absences exceed 20% of scheduled class meetings per semester may receive and a grade of F for the course (2005-2006 University catalog, pages 31 and 32). You are responsible for any work you miss during your absence. Tardiness: Excessive tardiness will not be tolerated!! Students who are consistently late for lab will have points deducted from their final grade.

Honor Code: All students are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that exhibits academic integrity. Please review the information in the student handbook regarding classroom decorum, cheating and plagiarism. Cell Phones: The use of cell phones and other electronic devices is not permitted during class time!! Please turn your cell phone off or place it on vibrate before entering the classroom. The use of cell phones and other electronic devices are also not permitted during an exam (ie calculator function)!! Any student found using a cell phone during an exam will have their exam taken and will be excused from class.

Computer Literacy Requirements

To successfully complete this course, students should: Demonstrate at least an elementary knowledge of computers. Understanding files and folders for the purpose of uploading or downloading course content is essential. o Basic computer literacy classes (CSC-150) are available. Students lacking the necessary computer skills are strongly encouraged to take such classes before enrolling in an online class. Demonstrate a good understanding of the use of Web resources such as library and online research tools accessed though a Web browser. Demonstrate familiarity with Microsoft Office applications such as Word and PowerPoint. This is also essential. Demonstrate a good understanding of how to operate NSU e-mail. This will ensure effective communications between both instructor and classmates. All students have been assigned an e-mail account and will be required to access it regularly via the Web. Blackboard LMS knowledge is essential for this course. o For students not familiar with the Blackboard LMS, an online orientation can be accessed by self registration in Blackboard. The course name is Blackboard Student Training. Further assistance with Blackboard can also be obtained through the Blackboard Central Help Desk at bbtechsupport@nsu.edu and by phone at 757-823-2328 M F 8AM 5PM.

Americans with Disabilities ACT (ADA) Statement: In accordance with Section 504
of the 1973 Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, if you have a disability or think you have a disability, contact Supporting Students through Disability Services (SSDS) for the information regarding programs and services to enhance student success.

University Assessment Statement: As part of NSUs commitment to provide the

environment and resources needed for success, students may be required to participate in a number of university-wide assessment activities. The activities may include tests, surveys, focus groups and interviews, and portfolio reviews. The primary purpose of the assessment activities is to determine the extent to which the universitys programs and services maintain a high level of quality and meet the needs of students. Students will not be identified in the analysis results. Unless indicated otherwise by the instructor, results from University assessment activities will not be computed in student grades.

Lab Schedule The following schedule is subject to change as necessary. M Lab Jan 7th Jan 14th Jan 21st Jan 28th Feb 4th Feb 11th Feb 18th Feb 25th March 4th March 11th March 18th March 25th F Lab Jan 11th Jan 18th Jan 25th Feb 1st Feb 8th Feb 15th Feb 22nd March 1st March 10th March 15th March 22nd March 29th Title Laboratory Safety *Read pages 1-6 Media Preparation Aseptic Transfer and Inoculation MLK Holiday NO CLASS Streak Plate Ubiquity of Microorganisms Colony Morphology Introduction to the Microscope Simple Stain Gram Stain Chemical Germicides MIDTERM SPRING BREAK Selective Media * Read pages 129 & 130 Selective Media * Read pages 129 & 130 Exercise # Data Sheets pages 1-6 N/R 1-2 1-3 1-4 2-1 2-2 3-1 3-5 3-7 2-14 N/R pgs. 481 & 482 pgs. 483 & 484 pgs. 487-490 pgs. 491 & 492 N/R pgs. 535 & 536 pgs. 539 & 540 pgs. 523 & 524

Differential Tests *Read pages 149 & 150 April 1st April 5th Medical Microbiology *Read page 263 April 8th April 12th ELISA *Read page 389 and handout April 15th April 19th ELISA nd th April 22 April 26 FINAL EXAM N/R No data sheet required

4-1, 4-2 4-3, 4-4 4-5, 4-6 4-1, 4-2 4-3, 4-4 4-5, 4-6 5-5, 5-24 5-25, 5-27 7-3, 7-6 Handout Handout

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Handout

Handout pgs. 661 & 662 pgs. 671 & 672 Handout Handout