Debby Walser-Kuntz, Ph.D. Office: Hulings (BSB) 328 Phone: #5756 E-mail: dwalser
Office hours: Mondays from 2-3 PM & Fridays from 1-2 PM (or by appointment)
Text: Brock Biology of Microorganisms, 10th ed., Madigan, Martinko, a n d Parker.
Optional Lab Text: A Photographic Atlas for the Microbiology Laboratory
Microbiologist Bernard Dixon writes, "Microbes, not macrobes, rule the world." One of the goals I have for this course is to further your appreciation of the role bacteria and other microbes play in our daily lives. Although most of us know by not so pleasant experience that certain bacteria make us sick, the majority of bacteria are of great benefit to us. Microbes are busy producing food and antibiotics, attempting to improve our environment by removing pollutants, and cycling elements (such as nitrogen) vital to our existence. Hopefully, and perhaps more importantly, you will also gain an appreciation for the microbes themselves a s fascinating organisms able to adapt to and occupy unusual environments.
On the third page of the syllabus I have included a calendar of the topics to be discussed in class, the appropriate reading from the text, and assignments that are due. In the "Assignments" column are also readings in addition to the text. Many will be electronically available, otherwise they will be on closed reserve in the library. Be prepared to discuss the articles on the date listed. We will also work on small-group, in-class problem solving throughout the term. Discussions of readings participation in the group activities, and attendance will be worth 10% of your final grade.
Often teachers report that they really understood a topic only after they had to teach it to other people. Being able to effectively communicate information is also an important aspect of science. So, you and your partners will become "experts" on one topic related to either microbial ecology or antibiotics and resistance. You will then be responsible for sharing what you have learned with the rest of the class. Be creative! One year a group made a video and another planned several useful demonstrations. Your teaching could involve a lecture with PowerPoint or you may choose to lead the class in an activity or discussion. More details on this later! The mini-lecture will be 15% of your grade. Please note that I will grade these presentations stringently as the success of the entire class depends on your preparation. Your group should plan to meet with me at least one week before your scheduled presentation.
As we get further into the course there will be topics that ypi become more curious about - hopefully! - that can become the basis for further research and a paper. I will give you some suggestions for paper topics, but please feel free to discuss a different idea you may have with me. The paper should be written so that other biology students in the class could read and learn from it. It should resemble a recent review of the topic and be no more than 2 to 3 pages in length. Although the paper will be short, you will need to have read and incorporated a minimum of 10 recent sources, i.e. recent means 1999 through 2003. Note: web sites do not count towards these 10 references. You can find a good example of the type of paper I want if you look at the journal Science (which we have in the library and have on-line access to). In the section titled Perspectives are well-written mini-reviews about current topics written for a general scientific audience. The final paper should have both a title and references. Although the writing style should mimic a Perspectives article, the references should NOT. Cite references in the paper as (George et al, 1999) and do not use the numbering system. I am requiring that y o u turn in to me a sheet of paper with your topic, a list of your references, and the two or three major points of your paper by May 1 6. The final version of your paper is due on May 3 0. The paper is worth 15% of your final grade. Late papers are graded down 10% per day late.
There will be 3 quizzes and a final spaced evenly throughout the term. The first three quizzes will each be worth 15% of your final grade. The final quiz will also be worth 15% of your final grade and will incorporate concepts covered throughout the course. There will be no final scheduled during finals week.
Final grades will be calculated as follows: 90% for an A, 80% for a B, 70% for a C and 60% for a D. If you find you are having difficulty in the course please talk to me sooner rather than later! I encourage anyone needing modified testing or other accommodations to talk to me after the first class period or come visit with me during office hours.
Announcements:
Journal Articles are saved as PDF files in Course Materials folder in the Biol 234 course folder on Fabio. Read Quorum sensing article for April 23rd.
Links to lecture-related topics and animations:
Chemotaxis in presence of attractant
Microbes.info **NEW!**