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 either of the following sequences: BIOL
132 and BIOL 231; or BIOL 111, BIOL 112, BIOL 230 or CHEM 112. Students not majoring
in Biology may take the course with permission of the instructor.
Students may not get credit for BIOL 334 or BIOL 334L and BIOL 408.
Topics include bacterial cell biology, bacterial genetics, bacterial metabolism, microbial evolution and ecology, and bacterial interactions with humans, with a particular emphasis on microorganism 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
This course focuses mainly on bacteria and introduces many other, equally fascinating microorganisms. We will study their diversity, metabolism, and replication with an emphasis on the impact these microorganisms have on our daily lives, from food production to disease. In the laboratory, we will learn techniques for growing and identifying bacteria, introduce virus handling techniques, and demonstrate the ubiquity of microorganisms.
Topics covered may vary based on instructor expertise:
Detailed Description of Conduct of Course
Three hours lecture; three hours laboratory.
Laboratory exercises will include aseptic and culturing techniques and encompass physiological and molecular investigations of microbial ecosystems, with an emphasis on laboratory technique and fieldwork. Projects may include but are not limited to student-driven and real-world research.
This course will include lecture and integrated laboratory experiences that may be student driven. During lecture students will be introduced to topics through texts, primary and secondary literature, class and small group discussions and activities, student presentations, laboratory activities, guest speakers, and field trips. In the laboratory students will be introduced to basic microbial techniques, may spend time in the field exploring microbial habitats, and will engage in student driven and real world research as much as is possible. The scientific method will be thoroughly utilized in the laboratory. Independent and group laboratory projects may be required and may include: a broad range of instruments and techniques, tracking of experimental progress using laboratory notebooks, and presentation of final results at the end of each semester in the style of scientific publications both oral and written.
Goals and Objectives of the Course
• Describe how prokaryotic organisms are similar to eukaryotic organisms in terms
of cell biology, physiology, and genetics
• Describe how prokaryotic organisms differ from eukaryotic organisms in terms of
cell biology, physiology, and genetics
• Describe the structure of acellular microorganisms and explain how they interact
with their environment especially during pathogensis
• Describe the role that bacteria and fungi play in ecosystems
• Describe how pathogens interact with human hosts to cause disease
• Safely handle microorganisms and grow them in pure cultures.
• Use standard laboratory techniques to identify common microorganisms
• Read and evaluate primary scientific literature
• Use written and oral communication to convey knowledge
• Use skills acquired in the course to design a laboratory research project
Assessment Measures
Assessment measures may vary with instructor. Students may be assessed on lecture
material through activities, quizzes, writing exercises, and exams. Student presentations
of primary literature topics and discussion of primary and secondary scientific literature
may be peer and professor evaluated. Laboratories may be evaluated through laboratory
reports, presentations, quizzes, and practicals.
Other Course Information
Review and Approval
July, 2010
March 01, 2021
April 3, 2026