Biology 212 and 213     Microbiology Lecture and Lab       Spring 2000

Instructor: Dr. Mark A. Gallo
Phone: 286-8247        Email: mgallo@niagara.edu

Lecture: M, W, F 11:10am - 12:00pm        Lab(s) T 2:00 - 5:00pm or 5:40 - 8:20 pm
Room: 211 DePaul                  Room: 118 DePaul

Texts: Microbiology (Black) 
        

Course Description and Objectives: This course is designed as an introduction to the field of Microbiology, with heavy emphasis on Bacteriology. In brief, the structural and functional characteristics of microbes, the physiological and ecological considerations of bacteria, and the interactions of microorganisms with humans will be considered. Lecture material will emphasize the unique characteristics of the microbial world, therefore very little information will overlap with material covered in other classes. Students should have successfully completed introductory Biology courses (such as Bio 101 or Bio 121-124) before taking this course. This is a 200-level course, therefore those with little background in Biology are strongly urged to take one of the courses mentioned above before entering this course.

Without a doubt, microorganisms are the major players in the ecosystem. A biological world without bacteria could not exist, as they are responsible for so many diverse processes on the earth. Although most people realize that bacteria are important causative agents of disease, their impact reaches far beyond this aspect of their and our lives. An understanding of Microbiology is important in the medical, pharmaceutical, food, agricultural, and biotechnology industries.

This course is designed to introduce one to many of the areas of Microbiology. The laboratory section is designed to give "hands-on" experience studying microorganisms. There are several goals of this course. First, to introduce you to the general techniques of Microbiology, such as microscopy, aseptic technique, and enrichment and isolation of an unknown. These skills will be important in your future careers. Second, to introduce you to a variety of microorganisms. You will develop an appreciation for their lifestyles, whether it be a pure culture growing on a defined medium, or a consortium of organisms growing in the rumen of a cow, the surface of your teeth, or a small speck of soil. Most importantly, this course is designed to teach the scientific process. You will observe a particular situation, develop hypotheses, design and execute experiments, collect data, analyze your results, and write it up in a manner understandable by others in the scientific community. I intend to make this course challenging, yet rewarding.

Topics that are (have been) in the news will be addressed, whenever appropriate. On a more philosophical note, many microbial issues have become societal concerns (such as AIDS, antibiotic-resistant bacteria, Ebola virus). It is hoped that your serious attention to this course will provide you with a better background of information regarding issues of public health and safety, as well as introduce you to an enlightened view of the importance of microbes on this planet.

Notes on Course Grading.

This will be discussed during class.

* The specific details for the laboratory reports, quizzes, and notebook checks will be discussed in the Laboratory Sections.

Late Materials, Missed Assignments, Absences. It is assumed that all materials will be turned in at the specified time. Late materials will lose 10% of their points for each day that they are late (including weekends). Excuses such as "My computer disk crashed.", "My dog ate my assignment.", or "Aliens abducted me and only recently returned me to earth." are all interesting and for the most part avoidable by following one simple rule: finish your work ahead of time. Exams are not to be missed. If you are unable to attend an exam at its regularly- scheduled time, contact me and take it early. In the event that you miss an exam, an oral make-up exam will be scheduled. All written assignments are expected to be one's own work. Do not plagiarize, copy, ask for, or give out answers to others. If you use some written materials, reference them (including your book). The World Wide Web is an excellent place to look for information. If you use someone's work from the Web, reference it as well, and include the Web address. As a cautionary note, do not attempt to post any of the take home questions in a newsgroup. Trust me, I belong to all of the significant Microbiology groups, and I will see it. If in doubt, reference it. For further information on this topic, please refer to the Niagara University Catalog.