BIOL 408
Principles of Microbiology
Catalog Entry
BIOL 408
Principles of Microbiology
Three hours lecture; three hours laboratory(4).
Prerequisites: A grade of "C" or better in BIOL 131, BIOL 132, BIOL 231, and BIOL
232
A course on prokaryotic biology. Topics include bacterial cell biology, bacterial
genetics, bacterial metabolism, microbial evolution and ecology, and bacterial interactions
with humans, with a particular emphasis on bacteria as pathogens. Emphasis will be
placed on reading primary literature and writing. Laboratory exercises will include
sterile and bacterial culturing techniques, and exercises in bacterial genetics and
physiology.
Note(s): Scientific and Quantitative Reasoning designated course.
Detailed Description of Course
Topics may include but are not limited to:
History of Microbiology and the Contributions of Microbiologists to the Science of
Life
Origin of Life and Evolution of Prokaryotes
Bacterial Cells and How They Function
Growth and Development of Bacterial Cells
How the Environment Influences Bacterial Growth
Bacterial Metabolism
How Bacteria Use Nutrients from the Environment to Make Energy
How Bacteria Use Nutrients from the Environment to Make Molecules that they need for
Growth
Bacterial Genetics
Bacteria and How Their Chromosomes Function
Transcription and Translation
Gene Transfer Among Bacteria and Evolution of Bacteria
Gene Regulation in Bacteria
Bacteria and Human Health
Bacteria and Human Infection
Bacteria as Pathogens
Genes that make Bacteria Pathogens and How they Work
How to Control Bacteria as Pathogens
Antibiotics and How they Work
Why Antibiotics Don鈥檛 Always Work
Antibiotic Resistance Genes and Bacterial Modes of Transfer
Bacterial Diversity
Bacterial Ecology
Novel developments in Microbiology
Detailed Description of Conduct of Course
In addition to attending lectures, students will be expected to read and discuss primary
literature in class. In the laboratory, students will perform experiments that demonstrate
important skills and concepts in microbiology and write both informal and formal reports
their results. Students will use quantitative analysis to examine their results.
Students may be given responsibility for experimental design in at least one of their
laboratory projects.
Goals and Objectives of the Course
Having successfully completed this course, students will be able to:
鈥� Describe how prokaryotic organisms are similar to eukaryotic organisms in terms
of cell biology, physiology, and genetics
鈥� Describe how prokaryotic organisms differ from eukaryotic organisms in terms
of cell biology, physiology, and genetics
鈥� Describe the role that bacteria play in ecosystems
鈥� Describe how pathogens interact with human hosts to cause disease
鈥� Use standard laboratory techniques to identify common bacteria
鈥� Read and evaluate primary scientific literature
鈥� Use skills acquired in the course to design a laboratory project
Assessment Measures
Assessment measures may vary with instructor. Students may be assessed on lecture
material through quizzes and exams. Student presentations of primary literature topics
and discussion of literature may be evaluated. Laboratories will be evaluated through
laboratory reports.
Other Course Information
Review and Approval
July, 2010
March 01, 2021