COURSE OUTCOMES AND COMPETENCIES:

1. Explain the biological context of microbes in terms of their evolutionary position, the development of the field of microbiology, and the tools used to study them.
   1. Describe characteristics of microbes in general, and know the different subgroups of microbes and where they are located on Whittaker's Tree of Life.
   2. Identify the structures of cells, and contrast prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
   3. Describe the methodology and equipment microbiologists use to study microbes.
   4. Demonstrate a working knowledge of microbial nomenclature.
   5. Describe the field of microbiology and identify the sub-specialties within this field.
   6. Describe the contribution that the study of microbes has made to our understanding of biology.
   7. Discuss the concept of Scientific Method, and understand how it is used by scientists.
   8. Define evolution in the context of scientific method, and know how microbes fit into the scheme of origins and speciation.
2. List the microbial groups and describe the general characteristics of each.
   1. Describe a prokaryote cell in detail.
   2. Describe the structure and discuss the function of the appendages, the glycocalyx, cell wall, cell membrane, cytoplasm and cytoplasmic structures of a typical bacterial cell.
   3. Describe an endospore, and explain the purpose of spores in the life of endospore-producing prokaryotes.
   4. Recognize the importance of endospores, specifically as it relates to bioterrorism and the food industry.
   5. List the prokaryote groups which are atypical, discussing why they are unique.
   6. List the eukaryote microbial groups, describing the characteristics which define each group.
   7. Describe the non-living microbial groups of viruses and prions, recognizing the structural and physiological characteristics of each group.
   8. Distinguish for all microbial subgroups, if applicable, their biological uniqueness, importance in medicine, and how humans use them commercially.
3. Identify the genetic structures and processes associated with maintenance and reproduction of a microbe and the mechanisms used by microbes to generate genetic diversity.
   1. Describe the structure of a nucleotide and how they differ at the nitrogen moiety.
   2. Describe nucleic acid
   3. Contrast RNA and DNA nucleotides and RNA and DNA nucleic acids.
   4. Discuss the processes of replication and protein synthesis by listing the components needed to carry out each process and by describing each step for carrying out the process.
   5. Discuss gene regulation by prokaryotes, using the lactose operon as an example.
   6. Contrast gene regulation between prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
   7. Explain why creating genetic diversity among members of a species is important, using the genetic development of resistance to AIDs and the plague as an example.
   8. Describe the mechanisms prokaryotes use to add genetic material to their genome, discussing the role of transduction and mutation in altering a bacterial genome.
   9. Contrast mechanisms used by prokaryotes with those used by eukaryotes.
   10. Recognize the contributions microbiology has made to biotechnology.
   11. List the components and describe the steps for performing a polymerase chain reaction, making a recombinant DNA and making a DNA fingerprint identifying how these techniques have been used in medicine and law enforcement.
4. Describe the structure and function of enzymes, the varied enzymatic pathways used by microbes to acquire and use elements and energy, and the role that microbial physiology plays in ecology.
   1. Define ecology', habitat', niche', community', and population'.
   2. Describe the different kinds of relationships among organisms, and the relationship between an organism and its physical habitat.
   3. Explain ecology at the biochemical level with regard to the recycling of elements used to build biological molecules.
   4. Explain ecology at the enzyme level including a description of enzyme structure and enzyme pathways.
   5. Explain ecology with regard to energy flow, and describe the mechanisms used to form the biologically useable form of energy known as ATP.
   6. List the important and unique roles that microbes play in ecology.
5. Contrast microbial pathogenic structures and processes with the human body's mechanisms for resisting and fighting infectious agents.
   1. Recognize the significance of infectious disease by identifying the most common causes of mortality and morbidity in the US and worldwide.
   2. Define 'epidemiology' explaining the methodology used by an epidemiologist to track infectious disease.
   3. Identify healthcare associated infections and explain why medically significant microbes are always emerging.
   4. Define 'reservoir' and 'source of infection' giving examples for each one.
   5. Contrast the virulence factors a microbe uses to cause disease with the mechanisms and structures a host uses to prevent or fight infectious disease.
   6. Distinguish between innate and adaptive immune responses including how vaccines work and are effective methods to prevent disease
   7. Summarize the epidemiology employed to predict and prevent infectious disease.
   8. Discuss the importance of antibiotics for the treatment of infectious disease.
   9. Explain how and why microbes are becoming resistant to antibiotics.
6. Develop skills and understand methods used by microbiologists.
   1. Operate a brightfield microscope to view and interpret slides.
   2. Prepare slides properly for microbiological examination (preparing smears, streak plates, wet mounts, hanging drop preparations, and simple and differential stains).
   3. Use aseptic technique for the transfer and handling of microorganisms and instruments.
   4. Use appropriate microbiological media and test systems (isolating colonies and plaques, maintaining pure cultures, using biochemical test media).
   5. Estimate the number of microbes in a sample using serial dilution techniques.
   6. Operate standard microbiology laboratory equipment correctly.
   7. Practice safe microbiology, using appropriate protective and emergency procedures.
   8. Document, interpret, and report on experimental protocols, results, and conclusions.