Biology 22 Microbiology: Laboratory and Lecture Syllabus Study Guide

Overview

This study guide summarizes the laboratory and lecture schedule for a college-level Microbiology course (Biology 22). It outlines the main topics, laboratory exercises, and textbook readings, providing a structured overview for exam preparation and course planning.

Laboratory Schedule

Lab Safety and Introduction

• Lab Safety & Microbiology Laboratory Statement: Introduction to laboratory safety protocols, including proper handling of microorganisms and hazardous materials.

• Lab Safety Quiz: Assessment to ensure understanding of safety procedures. Requirement: Must score at least 90% to continue in the course.

• Handwashing Lab: Demonstrates the importance of hand hygiene in preventing microbial transmission.

Basic Laboratory Techniques

• Waste Disposal Lab: Proper disposal methods for biological and chemical waste in the microbiology lab.

• Contamination Lab: Identifying and preventing contamination in laboratory experiments.

• Microscope Lab: Introduction to the use and care of microscopes for observing microorganisms.

Microbial Identification and Staining

• Streak Plate Technique: Method for isolating pure bacterial colonies on agar plates.

• Simple Stain: Application of a single dye to visualize cell shape and arrangement.

• Gram Stain: Differential staining technique to classify bacteria as Gram-positive or Gram-negative based on cell wall structure.

Microbial Growth and Enumeration

• Subculturing: Transferring microorganisms from one medium to another to maintain or study cultures.

• Enumeration: Quantitative techniques to determine the number of microorganisms in a sample.

Specialized Labs and Applied Microbiology

• Oxygen Requirements: Determining the oxygen needs of different microorganisms (aerobes, anaerobes, facultative anaerobes).

• Antimicrobials: Testing the effectiveness of antimicrobial agents against bacteria.

• Disinfectant Lab: Evaluating the efficacy of disinfectants on microbial survival.

• Biochemical Tests: Using metabolic reactions to identify unknown bacteria.

Pathogenic Microbiology and Parasitology

• Pathogenic Cocci: Study of disease-causing spherical bacteria.

• Yeasts & Molds: Examination of fungal organisms relevant to human health.

• Parasitology: Identification and study of parasitic organisms.

Lab Practicals and Exams

• Lab Practicals: Hands-on exams covering laboratory techniques and identification skills.

• Mandatory Lab Clean Up: End-of-term requirement to maintain laboratory safety and organization.

Lecture Schedule

Foundational Microbiology

• Introduction & The Microbial World: Overview of microorganisms and their roles in nature and human health.

• Biochemistry: Chemical principles underlying microbial structure and function.

• Microscopy: Principles and applications of light and electron microscopy in microbiology.

• Eukaryotic Cells: Structure and function of eukaryotic microorganisms.

Microbial Physiology and Growth

• Microbial Metabolism & Growth: Biochemical pathways and factors influencing microbial reproduction and survival.

• Control of Microbial Growth: Physical and chemical methods to inhibit or kill microorganisms.

Disease and Immunology

• Disease and Epidemiology: Study of disease transmission, outbreak investigation, and public health.

• Pathogenicity: Mechanisms by which microbes cause disease.

• Non-Specific Immunity: Innate immune defenses against infection.

• Specific Immunity: Adaptive immune responses, including antibody production and memory.

• Practical Applications of Immunology: Vaccines, diagnostics, and immunotherapies.

• Antimicrobial Drugs: Mechanisms of action, resistance, and clinical use of antibiotics and antivirals.

Microbial Taxonomy and Pathogens

• Classification & Domains: Taxonomic organization of bacteria, archaea, and eukaryotes.

• Gram Negative Bacilli: Legionella, Enterobacteriaceae, Pseudomonas, Bordetella, Haemophilus

• Other Gram Negatives: Spirochetes, Vibrio, Campylobacter, H. pylori, Rickettsias & Chlamydias, Mycoplasma

• Gram Positive Cocci: Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Enterococcus

• Gram Positive Bacilli: Bacillus, Clostridium, Corynebacterium, Mycobacterium

Eukaryotic Microbes and Viruses

• Mycology: Study of fungi, including yeasts and molds.

• Helminths & Parasitology: Study of parasitic worms and protozoa.

• Virology: Structure, replication, and diseases caused by viruses such as HPV, Measles, HIV, Polio, Hepatitis, and Influenza.

Textbook Readings

• Each week corresponds to specific chapters in the course textbook, covering foundational concepts, laboratory techniques, and major groups of microorganisms.

• Students are expected to read assigned chapters prior to lectures and labs for optimal understanding.

Exams and Assessments

• Quizzes: Regular quizzes assess understanding of laboratory and lecture material.

• Lab Practicals: Hands-on assessments of laboratory skills and microbial identification.

• Lecture Exams: In-person exams covering multiple chapters and major course topics.

• Final Exam: Comprehensive assessment covering all major topics, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, helminths, and protozoa.

Sample Table: Weekly Laboratory Topics and Associated Skills

Key Definitions

• Microorganism: A microscopic organism, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa, and some algae.

• Aseptic Technique: Procedures used to prevent contamination by unwanted microorganisms.

• Gram Stain: A differential staining technique that classifies bacteria based on cell wall composition.

• Pathogen: A microorganism capable of causing disease.

• Antimicrobial: An agent that kills or inhibits the growth of microorganisms.

Additional info:

• Some laboratory and lecture topics may be adjusted based on instructor discretion or institutional requirements.

• Students should consult the official course syllabus and instructor announcements for updates.