Outcomes:

After completing this class, students should be able to:

Outcomes – Biology 260 By the end of the quarter, a microbiology student should be able to 1. Explain the current hypothesizes regarding the origin of the first cellular life. 2. Describe the role microbes play in the environment. 3. Identify the scientists relevant to microbiology and describe the contributions they have made to the discipline. 4. Describe the contribution of Carolus Linnaeus and Carl Woese to classification and identify the criteria used to determine cell type, domain, Prokaryotic (bacteria and Archaea) divisions and groups. 5. Describe viral, Prokaryotic, viroid and prion structure and reproduction. 6. Describe microbial genetics: Structural and functional organization of nucleic acids from nucleoside to genome, DNA replication, transcription, translation, and control of gene expression. 7. Apply microbial genetics and genetic engineering to understanding biotechnology today. 8. Describe the sources of genetic variation: mutations, transposons, conjugation, transduction and transformation. 9. Explain the difference between vertical and lateral gene transfer and give examples of each. 10. Compare Prokaryotic metabolism (fermentation, cellular respiration, chemosynthesis and photosynthesis) with metabolism in Eukarya. 11. List the elements of microbial nutrition, and growth. 12. List and describe the major physical and chemical controls of microbial growth and reproduction. 13. Explain immunity, both innate and acquired. 14. Identify the pathogenic strategies used by microbes. 15. Describe phases of infection and types of infection. 16. Distinguish between, epidemic, pandemic and endemic diseases. 17. Describe the phases of an epidemic. 18. Explain the medical importance of bacteria, viruses, protozoa, fungi, prions and viroids in causing infectious human diseases. Compare and contrast the major microbial diseases presented by your instructor. 19. Identify the major prevention (sanitation, vaccines) and treatment (antibiotics and antivirals) strategies used to help a human host maintain a balance between health and disease 20. Identify and describe the main themes of microbiology today, e.g. increase in virulence, re-emerging diseases, emerging diseases, and antibiotic resistance 21. Demonstrate general laboratory techniques of an introductory microbiology lab (e.g. microscope use, staining and use of the appropriate media and biochemical tests to grow and identify microorganisms). 22. Develop the general conceptual skills (e.g. observation, problem solving, hypothesis generation, and testing) that are used in the life sciences. 23. Demonstrate laboratory safety while using basic laboratory equipment, e.g. aseptic technique. 24. Demonstrate the ability to read instructions and follow their directives.