Official Course Description Fall 2015 and beyond

Description: Study of microorganisms and their relationship to health, ecology, and related fields.

Requisites: Prerequisites: (A grade of "C" or better in BIO156 or BIO156XT or BIO181 or BIO181XT or one year of high school biology) and a grade of "C" or better in RDG091 or higher or eligibility for CRE101 as indicated by reading placement test score. CHM130 or higher or one year of high school chemistry suggested but not required.

Course Competencies:

1. Identify the major contributors and describe their contributions to the development of microbiology.
2. Utilize compound microscope to visualize microbial organisms.
3. Identify structural characteristics of the major groups of microorganisms.
4. Compare prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
5. Describe physiology and biochemistry common to the various groups of microorganisms as well as differences among groups.
6. Describe methods of growth and reproduction in various types of microorganisms.
7. Describe DNA replication, protein synthesis, and mutation in microbes.
8. Describe microbial methods of DNA recombination including transformation, conjugation, and transduction.
9. Describe techniques and applications of genetic engineering.
10. Describe control mechanisms for genetic information in bacteria.
11. Describe control of microorganisms in the environment and the human body.
12. Utilize aseptic technique for safe handling of microbes.
13. Describe human body responses to presence of antigenic substances.
14. Describe cause, symptoms, course, transmission, and treatment of infectious diseases.
15. Identify microorganisms in the laboratory, emphasizing bacteria.