Description:

This is a general introductory course in microbiology. It provides a background in many areas of microbiology with an emphasis on medical aspects. The structure, physiology, antimicrobial agents, immunology and host-parasite relationship of microorganisms will be studied, with an emphasis on bacteria. 3 hrs./wk.

Supplies: Refer to the instructor’s course syllabus for details about any supplies that may be required.

Textbook(s): For information see - http://bookstore.jccc.net

Course Fees: NONE

Course Objectives:

Upon successful completion of this course the student should be able to:

1. Describe important historical developments which led to the formulation of the germ theory of disease, including the contributions of Koch and Pasteur.
2. Describe eukaryotic cells in enough detail to understand host responses to microorganisms.
3. Describe in detail the structure and function of prokaryotic (bacterial) cells.
4. To have a knowledge of Gram staining process and compare Gram positive and negative cells as to the structure of their cell walls, as well as production of endotoxins and exotoxins and their relative sensitivity to various antibiotics.
5. Recall a basic understanding of organic chemistry and of biochemistry as related to bacteria, particularly to understand fermentation and to appreciate some of its applications in industry and society.
6. Describe the basic ideas involved in the replication of DNA and in protein synthesis in enough detail to understand microbial genetics, how viruses infect cells, the basic ideas of gene splicing and the development of resistance to antibiotics.
7. Become familiar with the basics of microbial genetics to include the concepts of transformation, conjugation and transduction and the basic types and causes of mutations.
8. Describe the basic structure and characteristics of viruses, with particular emphasis on the AIDS virus.
9. Become familiar with the basic fundamentals of antibiotics to include mechanisms of action, development of resistance and laboratory determination of sensitivities.
10. Describe mechanisms by which bacteria cause disease using selected examples to illustrate the ideas of invasiveness and/or toxigenicity.
11. Describe the basic non-specific defenses of the host.
12. Become cognizant of the specific defenses of the host involved in the antigen-antibody reactions including the basic structure of antibodies and their reactions with other components of the immune system, the role of the neutrophils, macrophages, B-lymphocytes and T-lymphocytes, the role of basophils in allergies and hypersensitivities, autoimmunity, and identify examples of natural, artificial, active and passive immunity.
13. Describe, as time permits, important diseases caused by staphylococci, streptococci; acid-fast bacteria; gram-negative bacilli; fungi; and viruses.

Content Outline & Competencies:

I. Introduction to Microbiology
   A. The development of the germ theory of disease
      1. Early work to disprove the theory of spontaneous generation
      2. Contributions of Pasteur and Koch
   B. Basic techniques of microbiology
      1. Isolation of pure cultures
      2. Staining:  Gram stain and acid-fast stain

II.Cell Structure and Function
   A. Eukaryotic cells
   B. Prokaryotic cells
      1. Cell wall
      2. Plasma membrane
      3. Capsules
      4. Pili
      5. Flagella
      6. Bacterial chromosome
      7. Plasmids
      8. Ribosomes
      9. Inclusion granules
     10. Endospores

III. Introduction to Biochemistry
   A. Major groups of organic compounds
   B. Enzymes
   C. Functional groups
   D. Common biochemical reactions
   E. Glycolysis and fermentation
   F. Kreb's cycle
   G. Oxidative phosphorylation
     
IV. Microbial Genetics
   A. Watson-Crick model of DNA and of DNA replication
   B. Protein synthesis
   C. Mutations and causes of mutations
   D. DNA transfer in prokaryotic cells
      1. Transformation
      2. Conjugation
      3. Transduction
   E. Gene splicing

V. Viruses
   A. Basic structure and characteristics of viruses
   B. Replication of bacteriophages
   C. Lysogeny
   D. Replication of animal viruses
   E. Representative animal viruses
   F. Growing viruses in the laboratory

VI. Chemotherapy
   A. Fundamentals of chemotherapy
   B. Determination of drug and antibiotic sensitivities
   C. Drug resistance
   D. Mechanisms of drug action

VII. Host Defense Mechanisms
   A. Definitions
      1. Normal flora
      2. Symbiotic relationships
      3. Disease and infection
      4. Pathogenicity and virulence
   B. Toxigenicity of microorganisms
   C. Concept of virulence
   D. Non-specific and mechanical barriers of the host
      1. Physical barriers
      2. Chemical barriers
      3. Non-specific biological barriers
      4. Blood and its components
         a. Liquid portion
         b. Formed elements
   E. Specific defense mechanisms:  Antigen/Antibody reactions
      1. Acquired resistance to infection
         a. Natural active immunity
         b. Natural passive immunity
         c. Artificial active immunity
         d. Artificial passive immunity
      2. Cells of the immune system
      3. Characteristics and structure of antibodies
      4. Induction of the immune response
      5. Disorders associated with the immune system
         a. Allergies and anaphylaxis
         b. Autoimmunity
         c. AIDS

VIII. Microorganisms and Human Disease
   A. Diseases caused by pyogenic cocci.
   B. Diseases caused by gram-negative enteric bacilli and coccobacilli
and non-fermentators.
   C. Diseases caused by acid-fast bacilli.
   D. Diseases caused by anoerobic bacilli.
   E. Diseases caused by fungi, parasites and viruses.

Methods of Evaluation of Competencies:

Evaluation of student mastery of course competencies will be accomplished using the following methods:

There will be a minimum of four examinations.  Exams will be worth at
least 100 points each.  Material may be taken from the lectures, textbook
and handouts. Policies regarding dropping of one lowest exam score or
attendance as it may affect grades and of make-up exams are left to the
discretion of the instructor.
  
Bonus points, up to a maximum of twelve (12) may be added to the numerator
of the final raw score. These points may be based on quizzes or other
assignments as determined by the instructor.

Computer Literacy Expectations: Students will need basic word processing
and Internet searching skills for the completion of some papers, exercises
and projects.

Caveats: NONE

Disabilities:

If you are a student with a disability, and if you will be requesting accommodations, it is your responsibility to contact Access Services. Access Services will recommend any appropriate accommodations to your professor and his/her director. The professor and director will identify for you which accommodations will be arranged.

JCCC provides a range of services to allow persons with disabilities to participate in educational programs and activities. If you desire support services, contact the office of Access Services for Students With Disabilities (913) 469-8500, ext. 3521 or TDD (913) 469-3885. The Access Services office is located in the Success Center on the second floor of the Student Center.