GENERAL MICROBIOLOGY (BIOL3401)
Course Syllabus
Fall 2008

INSTRUCTOR

Luis A. Materon, Ph.D., Associate Professor
Office at SCIE 1.344; phone 316-7140; fax 381-3657
E-mail: lmateron@utpa.edu (è anonymous messages will not be replied).
Office hours: Mon, Wed, Thurs, Fri 11-12 p.m.
Appointments scheduled at any available time after class or lab activity
Class meets on MWF from 8:45 to 9:35 a.m. at SCIE 2.288

OBJECTIVES

The course offers a comprehensive survey of microbiology with basic information on bacteria, fungi, protozoa, algae and viruses.  Topics include macromolecules, structure, ecology, reproduction, enumeration, physiology, metabolism, genetics, DNA manipulation, and chemical and physical control of microorganisms. An extensive review of the interactions of microorganisms with humans, plants, and animals is presented following the guidelines of the textbook.

TEXTBOOK

"Foundations in Microbiology", K. & A. Talaro, 6th edition (IBSN 0073309478) will be the required textbook for this course.  Its accompanying "Microbes in Action" CD-ROM is recommended.  You may find it helpful to bring the textbook to class each day (except on exam days), although you are not required to do so. Reading assignments on special topics to complement class lectures will be posted on the internet.  You are expected to read and be familiar with all material presented to you in class (lecture notes, reading assignments, journal articles, and textbook).

COURSE WEB PAGE

Lectures and reading assignments are posted on the internet to facilitate preparation of material for exams.  It is your responsibility to download the lecture notes before coming to class not after the class is over. The idea is that you come to class with the lecture notes so your note taking is reduced and have more time for questions and discussions. Posted lecture notes will be removed from web site soon after lecture is over.  I also recommend to access the 'Message Section' -- It displays all activities regarding oncoming classes, announcements and relevant information. 

You should obtain the print-outs yourself from the internet and NOT from other students. Getting other's students' printouts defeats the purpose of the web site project. Updated and essential information is regularly added to the notes. Read first the textbook and complement with the notes. The URL address for this course is http://www.utpa.edu/faculty/materon/3401.

TEACHING METHODS

The cooperative learning technique will be regularly used for this course as well as feedback questioning and discussion. Emphasis is given to concepts and critical reasoning. Questions and discussions are expected during the lectures. Memorization is discouraged except for technical names of organisms, scientific terminology, and statistical figures.

ROLE OF THE INSTRUCTOR

The Instructor is responsible for all material presented in the lectures, and is committed to providing you with an excellent and challenging course.  If you have a problem understanding the lectures or getting difficulties in preparing for exams, contact the Instructor right away and NOT at the end of the semester. The instructor expects that the students will respond to his effort and that the students will dedicate enough time and effort to succeed in the course.

TEACHING METHODS

The cooperative learning technique will be regularly used for this course as well as feedback questioning and discussion. Emphasis is given to concepts and critical reasoning. Questions and discussions are stressed during the lecture time.  Memorization is discouraged except for technical names of organisms and other related scientific vocabulary.  

ROLE OF THE INSTRUCTOR

The Instructor is responsible for all material presented in the lectures, and is committed to providing you with an excellent and challenging course.  If you have a problem understanding the lectures or getting difficulties in preparing for exams, contact the Instructor right away and NOT at the end of the semester.  The instructor expects that the students will respond to his effort and that the students will dedicate enough time and effort to succeed in the course.

ROLE OF STUDENTS IN CLASS

Class will start and finish on time each day, so make every effort to be here at the start of the class.  MAKE SURE TO ARRIVE ON TIME TO EVERY LECTURE.  If you arrive late, try to minimize distracting others while finding your seat.  Late comers also distract the concentration of the instructor so please be on time.

Please do not leave early unless you become ill or have other unavoidable circumstances.  If you have an appointment such that you need to leave early, tell the Instructor before class and sit in a seat near the back of the classroom that day.  It is important to ask questions and participate in class discussions.  Food is not allowed to be consumed in class.  Audio and recording devices are NOT allowed in class.  If you have a difficulty or a disability that requires recording then you must get approval from your instructor. Switch cellular phones and beepers off while you are in class.  Avoid social conversations in class and lab sessions.

The instructor expects that students take this course seriously.  Do not expect high grades if you do not prepare well for exams. The nature of the subject requires a good background in biology and chemistry, and the adoption of a time strategy to study with dedication.
Attendance, motivation and a good preparation for exams are the key factors to succeed in this course. Similarly, do not come to my office at the end of the course asking for higher grades because either you will lose a scholarship or you will miss your graduation. The instructor will not grant any "extra work or assignment or drop the lowest grade" to remedy these situations.

CLASS ATTENDANCE IS COMPULSORY -- (› PLEASE READ CAREFULLY)

Attendance at lecture is imperative if one is to understand the material covered in this course.  A class roll with your signature will be taken during the first minutes of each lecture.

> A STUDENT WILL BE GIVEN A DROP PASS (DP) GRADE IF 3 UNEXCUSED ABSENCES ARE RECORDED.  If the third unexcused absence passes the official date for DP (November 12/08) then the instructor will record an F grade.

Please note that 1) if your registered signature does not appear on the attendance record you will get an absence, 2) if you arrive late the instructor will not allow you to sign the attendance record, 3)  if you leave after you sign the attendance record, the instructor will register an absence, 4) if you fake somebody else’s signature, the instructor will request disciplinary action to the Office of the Chair and Dean of Students, 5) if your signature is not the same as the registered one, the instructor will warn you by letter, and 6) once a student gets an unexcused absence recorded the instructor will issue a warning letter, and will also provide a copy of these regulations to the student with a copy to the Department Chair.

The instructor expects that students attending the lectures focus their ENTIRE attention upon the lecture.  Class regular attendance will increase the probability that you will (1) develop a better understanding of the material, (2) be able to demonstrate that understanding on exams, and (3) earn a higher grade in the class. The Instructor will not respond to questions outside of class from students who have not obtained the information because of skipping classes.

The instructor reserves the right to lock the door after a lecture, quiz or exam has started. Please plan ahead to arrive on time on these special days.

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES

(1) The biology graduate knows the role of the cell in life and living systems, and understands the inter-relationships between sub-cellular structures that contribute to its functioning as a unit.
(2) The biology graduate understands the role of DNA in inheritance and can explain how environmental conditions influence natural selection processes and contribute to adaptation.
(3) The biology graduate is aware of the diversity of life, and understands inter-relationships among organs and organ systems within an organism, and inter-relationships between an organism and its environment.
(4) The biology graduate is familiar with the tremendous diversity in structure (organellar, cellular, organismal) and how that relates to the organismal niche or habitat.
(5) The biology graduate understands how the organization of a specific structure within an organism is related to a specific function, and how this function contributes to survival of the organism.
(6) The biology graduate understands the Scientific Method, is able to analyze and interpret data, and communicate research findings in both oral and written form.
(7) The biology graduate is prepared to accept employment in a variety of environmental and health related professions, enter medical and dental schools, pursue graduate degrees in the biological sciences, or teach in public or private schools.

ELIGIBILITY FOR ENROLLING IN BIOL3401

You must have cleared with Administration to attend this course along with its corresponding laboratory session. As per UTPA regulations the pre-requisites for this course are: BIOL 1401, CHEM 1301, CHEM 1302.  Basic biological and chemical knowledge are extremely essential to understand concepts presented in this course.  The instructor will drop pass those students who have not taken the prerequisite courses. Consult with your Instructor immediately within the first two days of classes should you have any questions on this requirement. The instructor may examine your official transcript anytime during the course. Please note that no exceptions will be made to allow students to remain in class without having taken and passed the basic pre-requisite courses.

GRADE DETERMINATION

Your grade in this course will be determined by four lecture exams.  Exams I, II and III will be administered during regular class time.  They consist of short essay-type questions, multiple-choice questions, fill-in the blank, figure identification, or any combinations of these. The final exam is comprehensive and written in multiple-choice format.  If the instructor feels that the whole class has been responsive, get good grades, generate discussions and ask many questions, show interest and motivation, then the instructor may consider reducing the number of chapters to study for the final exam.  For your information, the instructor writes new lecture exam questionnaires every semester. All matters regarding exams will be announced in class and in the 'message section' of the web site well in advance.

A quiz will be administered after a chapter has been taught. Students arriving late to a quiz will have a 20-point deduction for tardiness. No exceptions. 

 

VERY IMPORTANT NOTES TO REMEMBER

1) YOU MUST STUDY TO PASS THIS COURSE. THERE WILL NOT BE EASY TOP GRADES UNLESS YOU PREPARE WELL IN ADVANCE FOR EXAMS.  PREPARE WELL FOR GOOD GRADES PARTICULARLY THOSE GRADUATING AT THE END OF THE SEMESTER OR THOSE STUDENTS REQUIRING HIGH GRADES TO CONTINUE WITH SCHOLARSHIPS OR DEMANDING CAREERS.

 
2) ATTENDANCE TO CLASS IS ESSENTIAL (drop pass with 3 unexcused absences)

3) THE INSTRUCTOR WILL NOT GRANT ANY DP'S AFTER THE OFFICIAL LAST DAY TO DROP PASS (NOV. 12).  AFTER THIS DATE, THE INSTRUCTOR WILL CALCULATE AND REPORT WHATEVER GRADE YOU HAVE MADE IN THE COURSE.

4) NO SPECIAL ASSIGNMENTS, DROPPING LOWER GRADES RESEARCH WORK OR PROJECTS TO REMEDY FINAL GRADES AT THE END OF THE COURSE

GRADE CALCULATION

The class final grade is worth 80% and the lab is 20%.  The class overall grade is calculated as:
{(ex1)*0.20 + (ex2)*0.20 + (ex3)*0.20 +    (quizzes)*0.15 + (exf)*0.25} x 0.8 = class overall grade

GRADE RANGES

A (90-100), B (89-80), C (79-70), D (69-60), and F (59 or less).

EXAMINATION PROCEDURES

Given the large number of students, it is critical that examination procedures be clearly understood and followed. If the exam administration procedures seem restrictive or confining in any way, please understand that our procedural goals are (1) to minimize confusion and distractions during the exam, and (2) to give you the maximum amount of time possible for completing the examination.

If you choose to wear a cap during exams, please turn it backwards.  No audio equipment whatsoever will be allowed in class during examinations. Benches must be clear of books, papers, bags, bottles, calculators, electronic items, cell phones, or any other items.

==> Ten (10) points will be deducted from your exam grade if you arrive late just after questionnaires have been distributed to all students who arrived on time. Instructor reserves the right to lock the door 10 minutes after exam has started. In addition, you will not be allowed to take an exam if you arrive after a first student has already finished the exam and has left the room.  No exceptions will be made. Plan well your time and arrive on time for exams.

SCHOLASTIC HONESTY

Cases of apparent scholastic dishonesty will be pursued to the fullest extent allowed by University regulations. The student will get a zero for that exam.   The instructor will report the case to the Chair and to the Dean of Students to request further disciplinary action.

MISSED EXAMINATIONS

Absences from an exam will be excused for these reasons ONLY:

1) Participation in an authorized University activity (proof required)
2) Confinement due to illness (a medical certification is required)
3) Death in your immediate family (proof required)
4) Participation in legal proceedings that requires your presence (proof required)
5) Car accidents (proof required)

> No excuses regarding traffic or car problems during exam days will be accepted. Anyone who does not have a valid reason for missing an exam will receive a zero for that exam.  If you have a valid excuse, please make sure to contact your instructor personally or by phone, fax or by e-mail 24 hours before or 24 hours after missing your exam.  Failure to do this will translate into a minimum grade (0).  This policy will be strictly enforced (no exceptions).

POST EXAMINATION PROCEDURES

All exams will be discussed during class once graded. During this time of approximately 30 minutes, students have the opportunity to read, check grade summation, go through the exam and ask questions. If you consider it necessary to discuss the exam in private with your instructor then you will have a period of 10 working days to come to the Instructor's office to discuss the exam. Exams will not be discussed further after the 10 working day-period has passed.

Please note that due to the Family Privacy Act (1974), the Instructor will NOT give or discuss any grades over the telephone or via e-mail.  Students are not allowed to read their grades from the computer screen of the instructor. To get the final course grade, students are requested to use the kiosk machines on campus or via the internet through a code number for this purpose.

MAKE-UP EXAMS

If you miss an exam AND have a valid excuse for your absence, contact your Instructor for mutual arrangements to take the exam at a further date.  Remember the rule of informing your instructor 24 hours before or after the exam either personally or by phone or by email.  A make-up exam can be administered in any format as decided by the instructor and will not be the same exam administered to the other students. The instructor reserves the right to administer an oral exam instead of a written make-up exam.

STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES

If you have a documented disability which will make it difficult for you to carry out the work as outlined in the syllabus and / or if you need special accommodation / assistance due to a disability, please contact the Office of Services for Persons with Disabilities (OSPD), Emilia Ramirez-Schunior All, Room 1.101 immediately, or the Associate Director at maureen@utpa.edu, 316-7005. Appropriate arrangements / accommodation can be arranged.

Verification of disability and processing of special service required, such as note takers, extended test time, separate accommodations for testing, will be determined by the OSPD. Please do not assume adjustments / accommodations are impossible. Please consult with the Associate Director, OSPD at 316-7005

SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES

The following table presents information about the scheduling of classes, quizzes and exams.  Nonetheless, chapters may take longer to cover depending on time invested on questions and discussions in class.  Hence, this schedule is TENTATIVE as it may change throughout the semester.  The Instructor will try to keep exam dates fixed as presented unless all students request a change of date.

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE OF CLASS ACTIVITIES

 

 

 

 

Luis A. Materon, Ph.D.
lmateron@utpa.edu