Springfield Technical Community College

ACADEMIC AFFAIRS

Course Number:	BIOL 121	Department:	Biological Sciences	
Course Title:	Microbiology	Semester:	Spring	Year:	1997	

Objectives/Competencies

Course Objective	Competencies	
1.	Understand the development and scope of the field of microbiology

2.	Develop an understanding of  the classification of microorganisms

3.	Comprehend the main concepts of biochemistry 

4.	Understand the anatomy and function of procaryotic cells.

5.	Develop and understanding of microbial growth

6.	Understand the control of microorganisms

7.	Develop a respect for and an  understanding of Antimicrobial drugs

8.	Understand the basics of microbial genetics and Biotechnology

9.	Develop an appreciation of the diversity of bacteria

10.	Develop an understanding of medically important eucaryotic microorganisms

11.	Develop an understanding of viruses

12.	  Comprehend the general principles of disease and Epidemiology

13.	  Understand the mechanisms of pathogenicity

14.	  Understand the nonspecific defenses of the host

15.	  Develop a comprehension of the immune response

16.	  Understand the principles of both active and passive immunization

17.	Develop and understanding of  hypersensitivity, autoimmune disorders , and immunosupression.

18.	Develop an understanding of the major infectious diseases
	1.	List the major groups of microorganisms and their distinctive characteristics
2.	Identify the contributions of  van Leeuwenhock, Pasteur, Lister, Koch, Jenner, and Fleming
3.	Compare the theories of Spontaneous generation and Biogenesis
4.	Describe beneficial activities of microorganisms including biogenesis and genetic engineering

1.	Explain the importance of taxonomy
2.	Compare and contrast the overall cell structure of procaryotes and eucaryotes
3.	List the major characteristics used to differentiate among kingdoms in both the five-kingdom and the three-kingdom systems
4.	Explain the purpose of Bergey’s Manual and how staining and biochemical tests are used to identify bacteria

1.	Identify the elements and building blocks present in carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids
2.	Compare the structure of DNA and RNA
3.	Describe the mechanism of enzymatic activity and inhibition
4.	Describe examples of biochemical reactions which are used to help identify bacteria in the lab
5.	Identify the role of ATP and the fundamental differences between anabolism and catabolism
6.	List the product and the number of ATP molecules produce from the glycolysis of one molecule of glucose
7.	Compare the end products and anount of ATP produced from fermentation and aerobic respiration

1.	Know the approximate diameters of a human lymphocytes, a bacterium, and a virus
2.	Identify the three basic shapes of bacteria and their arrangements
3.	Describe the structure and function of the glycocalyx, flagella, axial filaments, and fimbriae
4.	Compare and contrast the cell walls of the Gram positive nd Gram negative bacteria, the archaeobacteria, and mycoplasmas
5.	Describe the structure and functions of the plasma membrane
6.	Identify the functions of the ribosomes and inclusions
7.	Describe the function of endospores and the processes of sporulation and germination

1.	Classify microorganisms into five groups on the basis of preferred temperature range
2.	Identify how and why the pH of culture media is controlled
3.	Explain the importance of osmotic pressure to microbial growth
4.	Compare the nutritional patterns of heterotrophs, photoautotrophs, and chemoautotrophs
5.	Provide a use for carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur in microbial growth
6.	Explain how microorganisms are classified on the basis of oxygen requirements
7.	Describe binary fission and compare the phases of microbial growth
8.	Explain how a chemostat is able to maintain a culture in log growth
9.	Explain several direct and indirect methods of measuring cell growth

1.	Define the key terms related to microbial control
2.	Explain how microbial growth is affected by the type of microbe, its physiological state, and the ambient environmental conditions
3.	Describe the effect of microbial control agents on cellular structures
4.	Describe the general microbial death pattern
5.	Compare the effectiveness of most heat and dry heat
6.	Explain how an autoclave functions
7.	Describe how filtration, cold, desiccation, and osmotic pressure suppress microbial growth
8.	Explain how radiation kills cells
9.	List the factors related to effective chemical disinfection 
10.	Interpret the results of use-dilution tests
11.	Identify the methods of action and the preferred uses of chemical disinfectants

1.	Distinguish between a synthetic drug and an antibiotic
2.	Define spectrum of activity, and superinfection
3.	Describe the problems of chemotherapy for viral, fungal, protozoal, and helminth infections
4.	Identify the major methods of action for the antimicrobial chemotherapeutic agents
5.	Describe microbial susceptibility testing 
6.	List several ways to avoid the development of resistance
7.	Compare and contrast synergism and antagonism

1.	Define gene, genetic code, genotype, phenotype, and genome
2.	Describe the structure and replication of DNA
3.	Describe the processes of transcription and translation
4.	Determine amino acid sequences from a DNA sequence
5.	Classify mutations by type
6.	Identify the purpose of and outline the procedure for the Ames test
7.	Compare and contrast the three major methods of recombination in bacteria
8.	Define plasmid and transposon and discuss the functions
9.	Compare and contrast genetic engineering, recombinant DNA, biotechnology, and gene therapy
10.	Identify the role of a vector in genetic engineering
11.	Define restriction enzymes and briefly outline home they are used to make recombinant DNA
12.	List some of the major application of genetic engineering

1.	List the characteristics used to classify and identify bacteria according to Bergey’s manual
2.	Identify the major characteristics of  the medically important bacterial genera 

1.	List the characteristics of fungi and differentiate fungi from bacteria
2.	Describe the structure and asexual reproduction of molds and yeast
3.	Explain the medical importance of the dimorphic fungi

4.	Describe the five major types of mycoses and an example of each
5.	List the defining characteristics of protozoa
6.	Describe the outstanding characteristics of the four phyla of protozoa and give an example of each
7.	Describe the process and importance of encystment
8.	Differentiate between intermediate host and definitive host
9.	List the distinguishing  characteristics of parasitic helminths
10.	Discuss the characteristics of round worms and tapeworms
11.	Briefly describe the life cycles of tapeworms, Enterobius, Trichinella, and Ascaris
12.	Define arthropod vector and differentiate between vectors and infective agent
13.	Name one disease which is transmitted by each of the following: mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, and flies

1.	Differentiate between a virus and bacterium
2.	Describe the chemical composition and structure of enveloped and nonenveloped viruses
3.	List the characteristics which are considered when classifying viruses
4.	List the characteristics of  the major virus families which cause human disease
5.	Describe how bacteriphages and animal viruses are cultured
6.	Describe the lytic and the lysogenic cycle of the T-even bacteriophages
7.	Compare and contrast the replication cycles of DNA and RNA animal viruses
8.	Describe the replication of  HIV and how this is related to the disease characteristics of AIDS
9.	Define oncogene, proto-oncogene, and transformed cell
10.	Explain several methods of activating oncogenes
11.	Differentiate between slow viral infections and latent viral infections and provide several examples of each
12.	Differentiate between virus, viroid, and prion.

1.	Define the  major terminology used to describe disease
2.	List Koch’s postulates
3.	Define normal flora and transient flora as well as the locations of normal flora
4.	Discuss the benefits and the possible dangers of normal flora
5.	Contrast human, animal, and nonliving reservoirs
6.	Explain the various methods of disease transmission
7.	Define nosocomial infections and explain the importance
8.	Provide and example of a compromised host
9.	Identify four predisposing factors for disease
10.	Define epidemiology
11.	List several approaches which will break the chain of transmission in an epidemic

1.	Compare LD50 and ID50
2.	List the portals of entry 
3.	Explain, using examples, ways microbes adhere to host cells
4.	Explain how capsules, cell wall components, and enzymes contribute to pathogenicity
5.	Contrast the nature and effects of exotoxins and endotoxins
6.	List the cytopathic effects of viral infections
7.	Discuss the causes of symptoms in fungal, protozoal, helminthic, and algal disesases

1.	Define nonspecific resistance
2.	Describe the role of skin and mucous membranes in nonspecific resistance and differentiate between mechanical and chemical factors
3.	List additional examples of the “first line of defense”
4.	Classify phagocytic cells and describe the roles of neutrophils and macrophages
5.	Describe the stages of inflammation and their relationship to nonspecific resistance
6.	Discuss the role of fever I nonspecific resistance
7.	Discuss the function of complement
8.	Discuss the role of interferon

1.	Contrast the four types of acquired immunity
2.	Differentiate between humoral and cellular immunity
3.	Describe the structural and chemical characteristics of antibodies
4.	Compare and contrast the 5 classes of immunoglobulins
5.	Describe the clonal selection theory
6.	Identify the consequences of antibody-antigen reaction
7.	Distinguish between a primary and secondary response
8.	Outline the procedure for making monoclonal antibodies
9.	Describe the functions of  the different types of T-cells
10.	List several different cytokines, their functions, and the specific cells from which they are secreted

1.	List the types of preparations available for passive immunization as well as an appropriate use for each
2.	Compare and contrast the various types of vaccines
3.	Identify the vaccines which are in frequent use as well as the type of preparation used in each case

1.	Define shocking dose, sensitizing dose, and desensitization 
2.	Describe the mechanism of anaphlaxis
3.	Describe the mechanism of cytotoxic reaction and how drugs can induce then
4.	Describe the basis of the human blood group systems and their relationship to blood transfusion and hemolytic disease of the newborn
5.	Describe the mechanism for cell-mediated reactions
6.	Give examples of the type II, type III, and type IV  autoimmune disorders
7.	Define HLA and its importance in tissue transplatation
8.	Explain how rejection of a transplant occurs and how it can be prevented
9.	Discuss the  immunosupression which accompanies AIDS including the more commonly occuring opportunistic infections and therapies

1.	Describe the infectious agent, the route of transmission, the reservoirs, the signs/symptoms, the therapy, and prevention of  the major infectious diseases of the human
2.	Discuss post-streptococcal sequellae 
3.	List the infectious diseases which are capable of producing congenital defects
4.	Compare food infection and food intoxication
5.	List the infectious agents which are commonly carried by healthy humans
6.	Discuss the infectious agents which are sometimes transmitted to human from infected animals
7.	Compare acute and subacute endocarditis
8.	Discuss the importance of granuloma formation in disease and list several diseases where granulomas are formed
9.	List several diseases which predispose a person to cancer later in life
10.	Describe the diseases which lead to latency
11.	Discuss the problem of multiple drug  resistance