SYLLABUS FOR BIOLOGY 3300

Biology 3300: General Microbiology, 4 credits (two lectures and two labs per week)

Instructor: Bradley Kropp Office: BNR 341 Telephone: 797-3738

e-mail: brkropp@biology.usu.edu

Office Hours: MW 11-12:30 (or any time by appointment)

TENTATIVE LECTURE SCHEDULE

Date Topic Reading assignment

Jan. 11 overview / history Ch. 1, Fig. 3.3
13 domains, bacterial staining, structure Ch. 1 p. 1-12, Ch. 3
18 bacterial cell structure Ch. 3 (Ch. 4 optional)
20 bacterial cell structure Ch. 3
25 microbial nutrition Ch. 6
27 metabolism Ch. 10 (Ch. 9 optional)
Feb. 1 metabolism Ch. 10
3 microbial growth Ch. 7, p. 155-183
8 microbial growth Ch. 7, p. 155-183
10 Midterm
15 bacterial genetics Ch. 12 p.293-323, Ch. 14 p. 375-395
17 bacterial taxonomy Ch. 17
22 attend Monday classes
24 Archaea Ch. 18
Mar. 1 gram + bacteria Ch. 20, Ch. 38
3 gram - bacteria Ch. 21, Ch. 22, Ch. 38, p. 707-708
7- 11 Spring Break
15 viruses Ch. 5, Ch. 25
17 viruses Ch. 25, Ch. 37
22 viruses Ch. 25, Ch. 37
24 fungi and fungal diseases Ch. 24, Ch. 39
29 Midterm
31 fungi and fungal diseases Ch. 24, Ch. 39
Apr. 5 protozoans and protozoan diseases Ch. 23, Ch. 39
7 control of microorganisms Ch. 8
12 antibiotic resistance none
14 antimicrobial chemotherapy Ch. 34
19 epidemiology Ch. 36, p. 933-935, 944-948
21 normal microbiota of the human body none
26 microbial ecology Ch. 26; p. 183-186, 703-706
28 applied microbiology Ch. 40
May 5 Final exam (9:30 – 11:20)
COURSE GOAL
The goal for general microbiology is to introduce you to the field of microbiology. By the end
of the course, you should have a basic understanding of the structure and biology of bacteria,
viruses, fungi and protists. You should also know something about their importance to humans.

TEXTS:
Prescott’s Microbiology 8th Ed. (paperback custom version), by Willey, Sherwood, &
Woolverton (optional but recommended)
Microbiological Applications 11th Ed., by A.E. Brown, Custom Edition (required)

GRADING FOR BIOLOGY 3300

Grades will be assigned on a percentage basis for the total number of points possible for the term
as follows: 100-92 = A, 92-90 = A-, 90-88 = B+, 88-82 = B, 82-80 = B-, 80-78 = C+, 78-72 =
C, 72-70 = C-, 70-68 = D+, 68-62 = D, 62-60 = D-, < 60 = F.

Extra credit policy: Extra credit for outside work will be used to help struggling students under
exceptional circumstances. Students earning a C- or better after the second exam should not
request extra credit. Extra credit must be requested within a week after the second midterm.

DISTRIBUTION OF POINTS:
Lecture (70 percent of grade) percent of total grade
Midterm exam 1 22.5%
Midterm exam 2 22.5%
Final exam (comprehensive) 25.0%

Laboratory (30 percent of grade)*

Lab participation, preparation, and cleanup 5.0%
Lab Quiz 1 10.0%
Lab Quiz 2 10.0%
Lab Exercises 5.0%
100%

* The laboratory portion of the course will be graded separately by your TA and added to your
total at the end of the semester.

POLICY ON MAKEUP EXAMS (both lab and lecture)

Makeup exams: If you notify your instructor at least one week prior to the scheduled exam date
and arrange to take a makeup exam, one will be planned for you. If you miss an exam but
contact your instructor within 72 hours of the exam, you will be allowed to take a make-up
exam; however, there may be a 10% penalty depending on circumstances. No makeup will be
given if your instructor hasn't heard from you within 72 hours of the exam.

NOTE
In cooperation with the Disability Resource Center, reasonable accommodation will be
provided for students with disabilities in order to ensure equal participation in the
program. Students with disabilities should make arrangements with the instructor during
the first week of class.