BIOL-2320 Microbiology for Non-Science Majors

This course covers basic microbiology and immunology and is primarily directed at pre-nursing, pre-allied health, and non-science majors. It provides an introduction to historical concepts of the nature of microorganisms, microbial diversity, the importance of microorganisms and acellular agents in the biosphere, and their roles in human and animal diseases. Major topics include bacterial structure as well as growth, physiology, genetics, and biochemistry of microorganisms. Emphasis is on medical microbiology, infectious diseases, and public health. Lec 3, Cr 3

Credits

3

Prerequisite

ENGL-1301; Minimum grade C, TSI Ready in Mathematics

Corequisite

BIOL-2120

Outcomes

  1. Describe distinctive characteristics and diverse growth requirements of prokaryotic organisms compared to eukaryotic organisms.
  2. Provide examples of the impact of microorganisms on agriculture, environment, ecosystem, energy, and human health, including biofilms.
  3. Distinguish between mechanisms of physical and chemical agents to control microbial populations.
  4. Explain the unique characteristics of bacterial metabolism and bacterial genetics.
  5. Describe evidence for the evolution of cells, organelles, and major metabolic pathways from early prokaryotes and how phylogenetic trees reflect evolutionary relationships.
  6. Compare characteristics and replication of acellular infectious agents (viruses and prions) with characteristics and reproduction of cellular infectious agents (prokaryotes and eukaryotes).
  7. Describe functions of host defenses and the immune system in combating infectious diseases and explain how immunizations protect against specific diseases.
  8. Explain transmission and virulence mechanisms of cellular and acellular infectious agents.