Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

This microbiology course is required for Applied Science in Nursing and Applied Science in Dental Associate degrees, and recommended for students entering general biology, microbiology, molecular biology and Bachelors degree programs. Students should check with a counselor or microbiology instructor to determine specific programs for which it is recommended or required.
A lecture format is used to introduce the students to the subject matter. The recitation is a dialogue format for student questions. In the laboratory section of the course the students will perform pertinent experiments working with live bacterial cultures.
To clarify the teaching of evolution and its place in the classroom, the Portland Community College Biology Departments stand by the following statements about what is science and how the theory of evolution is the major organizing theory in the discipline of the biological sciences.
 

1. Science is a fundamentally non-dogmatic and self-correcting investigatory process. In science, a theory is neither guess, dogma, nor myth. The theories developed through scientific investigation are not decided in advance, but can be and often are, modified and revised through observation and experimentation.
2. The theory of evolution meets the criteria of a scientific theory. In contrast, creation "science" is neither self-examining nor investigatory. Creation "science" is not considered a legitimate science, but a form of religious advocacy. This position is established by legal precedence (Webster v. New Lenox School district #122, 917 F. 2d 1004).

Biology instructors of Portland Community College will teach the theory of evolution not as absolute truth but as the most widely accepted scientific theory on the diversity of life. We, the Biology Subject Area Curriculum Committee at Portland Community College, therefore stand with such organization as the National Association of Biology Teachers in opposing the inclusion of pseudo-sciences in our science curricula.

Upon successful completion students should be able to:

A. Relate an understanding of the basic principles of microbiology to personal health and use this understanding to make informed personal and professional decisions.
B. Use an understanding of the impact of microbes on human cultures around the world both historically and in the present day to evaluate current social health issues.
C. Use scientific methods to quantitatively describe microbial characteristics and processes and understand their relationship to the identification of microbial species.
D. Use an understanding of research and laboratory experiences to organize, evaluate, and present data and information to illustrate and articulate basic microbiology concepts.

1. Essay, short answer and multiple choice exams
2. Recording of laboratory experiences in a laboratory notebook
3. Research paper(s) on microbial topics, library skills and presentations
4. Demonstration of basic laboratory skills, including interpretation of experimental results.

1. Historical overview of Microbiology
2. Discuss the major contributions of various individuals who have contributed to the study of microbiology
3. Methods and techniques used to study and examine microbes
4. Describe and discuss the use of various types of microscopy, stains, and media for study of bacteria.
5. Describe the classification system used to identify bacteria
6. Bacterial morphology and physiology
7. Compare the cell components of eukaryons and prokaryons
8. Discuss the structure and functions of the cell components of prokaryons.
9. Discuss enzyme structure, function and regulation
10. Describe the metabolic processes of bacteria
11. Describe endospore formation
12. Bacterial growth
13. Describe bacterial growth and factors that influence it.
14. Bacterial genetics
15. Describe bacterial chromosome, plasmid, and bacteriophage
16. Discuss mutagenesis
17. Describe methods of genetic exchange: transformation, conjugation and transduction.
18. Describe gene regulation
19. Discuss recombinant DNA and its uses.
20. Antimicrobial methods
21. Discuss physical and chemical methods of antimicrobial control, limitations and applications
22. Describe and discuss use of antibiotics, abuse, limitations and applications.
23. Non-specific immunity
24. Describe non-specific mechanisms of resistance to infection
25. Immunology and specific immunity
26. Describe the human immune system
27. Discuss role in protection from infectious disease
28. Describe and discuss disease due to immunopathology
29. Mechanisms of Pathogenicity
30. Discuss bacterial and host factors that contribute to infection and disease
31. Differentiate between endotoxins and exotoxins
32. Discuss the effect of endotoxins
33. Discuss the effect of selected exotoxins
34. Bacteria and Disease
35. Describe and discuss specific bacterial pathogens, how they cause disease, treatment and protection.
36. Prion Disease
37. Viruses and disease
38. Describe virus structure and replication mechanisms
39. Describe and discuss specific viral pathogens, disease, treatment and protection.
40. Fungi and disease
41. Describe morphology and growth of fungi
42. Describe and discuss specific fungal pathogens, disease, treatment and protection.
43. Parasites and disease
44. Describe and discuss specific parasites, the diseases they cause, life cycles, treatment and protection.
45. Process skills:
46. Laboratory skills:
47. Use of aseptic technique, culturing techniques, and stains
48. Observe and interpret experimental results
49. Microscopic observation and identification of bacteria.
50. Application of the scientific method
51. Critical thinking and collaborative work with peers
52. Library research skills
53. Writing scientific research paper
54. Identification of microbes based on experimental results