Course Prerequisite:

One of the following, with minimum grade of C (or equivalent with lab): BIOL 2404 (Into to A&P), BIOL 2401 (A&P I), BIOL 2304/BIOL 2101 (Human Anatomy), or BIOL 1406 (Cellular and Molecular Biology).

Skills Requirements: Reading, writing, and mathematics proficiency as determined by the COMPASS or ASSET test, or by the statewide THEA test, or by providing an official transcript from another college.

Managing the Prerequisite Course Load:

Many ACC Health Sciences programs require BIOL 2401, BIOL 2402, and BIOL 2420 as prerequisites. Due to the rigorous nature of each of these courses, it is not recommended to take two of them in one semester. The Biology department recommends taking these courses in the following sequence in order to balance the course load:

Semester 1: BIOL 2401 – A&P I 
Semester 2: BIOL 2402 – A&P II
Semester 3: BIOL 2420 – Microbiology for the Health Sciences

TRANSFERABILITY: Biol 2420 is designed for students in ACC health science programs and may not transfer to other schools. Instead, you may need Biol 2421 Microbiology. Check with other institutions to make sure this course transfers!

1. Required: Microbiology with Diseases by Body System - Modified Mastering Access, Fifth Edition by Robert W. Bauman. ISBN: 8220117005626

This course has First Day access which means that when you enrolled, you paid for access to the online textbook and additional study materials.  These materials are included in your course and will be available digitally when your course begins. To open the first day materials, you will go into the course page in Blackboard and click on “First Day Course Materials”.  You may be asked to opt-in or opt-out.  You will click on opt-in, then “Launch Courseware”.  You will select “Open My Lab and Mastering”.  If prompted read and accept the User License agreement.  You may create a Pearson account if prompted. You will go to “Go to my courses”.

2. BIOL 2420 Lab Content, available through Blackboard in the weekly lab folders. 

3. Blackboard: It's under development, but it will include course materials, including lecture and lab notes, homework assignments, homework answers, your grades, announcements, etc. will be posted on this site. The most up-to-date course information will be posted on Blackboard. Students may access Blackboard by selecting the “Blackboard Login” link on ACC’s homepage at http://www.austincc.edu/blackboard You will need to activate your ACC eID before you can log into Blackboard (see ACC’s homepage for a link).

All course materials, including lecture and lab notes, homework assignments, grades, announcements, etc. will be posted on this site. The most up-to-date course information will be posted on Blackboard. Check this site on a daily basis. Posted Blackboard announcements will also be sent out to students as an email (see ACC e-mail below).

4. All assessments (Lecture Exams and Lab Exams) will have a time limit. Each exam will be available through DE proctoring and must be completed by the posted due date on the schedule in the syllabus.

Students enrolled in this ONL, DLS, or HYD Distance Education course will be tested using ACC’s free testing service, DE Proctoring.

Please review the DE Proctoring Student Portal for additional information.

To test with DE Proctoring, you will need:

• a fast, reliable internet connection
• a PC, Mac, Laptop, or Chromebook device with a webcam and microphone
• iPads, tablets, or phones cannot be used for testing
• Google Chrome web browser (see additional technical requirements below)
• macOS users must enable Sharing Screen Permissions for Chrome (see additional technical requirements below)

To make a reservation for an exam:

• You may start scheduling appointments one week before the start date. If the deadline permits, you can schedule three weeks out.
• DE Proctoring cannot accommodate same-day or next-day appointments.
• You will make a reservation for each exam using the following link: https://web7.austincc.edu/testsch/studentsuccess/index?deptId=1
• Upon submitting an appointment request, you will immediately receive a Student Appt Confirmation Email. The information in the email is VERY IMPORTANT. It confirms the appointment and provides instructions on how to join the session correctly.
• Please attend one of the Practice Sessions listed in the Student Appointment Confirmation Email. During the practice sessions, DE Proctoring runs through the testing session to ensure everything is functioning correctly and explains the testing process step-by-step so you know exactly what to expect.
• Practice sessions are available to verify that your computer settings are correct and everything is functioning correctly. When you click on the link to a practice session, you will be directed to a page with two joining options. You MUST use Google Chrome.
• Students unable to attend one of the practice sessions can contact DE Proctoring directly to set up a one-on-one meeting to troubleshoot the issues.

The day BEFORE the Exam:

• You should log into your ACC email account and check for an email from welcome@class.com with the subject line “You are invited to join a class!” The email will contain the link to the testing session.
• Please note that the email should arrive the day before the appointment by 10:00 PM.
• If you cannot find the email with the reservation link to join the test session, please email DE Proctoring at mailto:deproctoring@austincc.edu on the morning of the appointment for assistance.

On the day of the Exam:

• You will be testing with a live person using DE Proctoring. The proctor will monitor you through video but cannot access any files or documents on your computer. To ensure privacy, only the proctor can see you and your screen.
• Launch the Google Chrome web browser
• Five to ten minutes before the exam is scheduled to start, click on the blue “Join Your Class” button meeting link in the email from Class welcome@class.com with “You are invited to join a class!” in the subject. You will be directed to a page with two joining options. Click “Launch Class for Web” to be directed to the Class web-based portal.
• You must use your ACC email account to join the testing session. If you do not use your ACC email, the proctor cannot see you in the waiting room.
• You will need a school or government-issued photo ID showing your name and picture. Suggestions would be an ACC Student ID, unexpired Driver’s License, Passport, and current High School photo ID. Copies, screenshots, credit cards, or other alternatives will not be accepted.
• The proctor will walk you through a security check, including a room scam, direct you to the test in Blackboard, and allow access to the test.
• You must stay online with the proctor until you are allowed to exit the exam. Before exiting the exam, you must perform closing procedures with DE Proctoring.

Additional Technical Requirements:

1. You MUST use the current version of Chrome internet browser to launch Class AND to take your exam in Blackboard.
2. Ensure you have the latest version of Chrome

• You may need to clear your Chrome browser cache & cookies.
• Step-by-Step Guide: Google Chrome: Update & Clear Cache

1. Set Chrome as your default browser

• Using a browser other than Chrome will result in you getting an error notification or a black screen.
• Step-by-Step Guide: Google Chrome: Default Browser

1. Join the Class web-based version in Chrome

• DO NOT use the installed version.
• Step-by-Step Guide: Joining Class (Web-based Version)

1. macOS users must enable Sharing Screen Permissions for Chrome

• Settings must be adjusted BEFORE joining the testing session.
• Failure to adjust the settings in advance will result in you being removed from the session and not being readmitted.
• Step-by-Step Guide: macOS Screen Sharing Permissions

Reminders for testing:

1. If you are not using Google Chrome, do not have a photo ID, are late, or miss an appointment, the exam will need to be rescheduled. If it cannot be rescheduled before the deadline, you will need to contact me.
2. Please remember that not following testing guidelines could be considered a breach of Academic Integrity and subject to consequences outlined in the Course Syllabus.
3. If you cannot join due to technical difficulties or are removed from the testing session, call DE Proctoring immediately at (512) 223-1372 for assistance or to reschedule. You may take your exam at one of the ACC Testing Centers. Once you complete the test, the Testing Center staff will instruct you to contact DE Proctoring to resolve your technical issues.

Exams using DE Proctoring services are closed-book independent work. Assistance of any kind is not permitted. This means no notes, books, other people, electronics, or scratch paper. Please do not hide electronics or notes under your keyboard or around your desk to sneak them out during the exam. This is very easy to spot, and students will be withdrawn from the course if caught cheating.

No Breaks are permitted during test taking. Breaks and extended time are permitted only through Student Accessibility Services. Please contact your SAS advocate for more information. I readily accept all SAS-approved accommodations.

Hours of operation (All times are Central (CST/CDT):

Monday - Thursday: 9 am to 10:00 pm

Friday: 9 am to 5:00 pm

Saturday: 9 am to 7:00 pm

Sunday: 10 am to 5:30 pm

DE Proctoring Closures. Anytime ACC is closed.

If you are late for the exam, even one minute late for any reason, you will receive this email with instructions— Late Student Not Admitted.

If you skip your appointment, you will receive a No-Show Student email. If you have a technical issue, call them immediately or you will receive a no-show zero.

If you leave before the proctor releases you, you will receive the Student Unexpectedly Left Testing Session email. When you leave is time-stamped. Be aware that the exam will be voided if any time passes without proctoring.

If you have technical issues during the exam you will be removed from proctoring and receive this email with instructions - Student Removed from Testing Session. If this happens, call DE directly to troubleshoot the technical issue.

Testing Center Access. If you have a technical issue, students may request to complete the test on campus at the ACC Testing Center. Bring your ID and come to any ACC campus testing center to complete your exam on time.

For student help not related to DE Proctoring. If you get locked out of your eID or ACC Gmail account and need assistance, contact the ACC Student Help Desk.

In the event of technical difficulties during an exam, you must report the issue to DE proctoring immediately by calling DE Proctoring. If you don’t get an immediate response, email them and cc me with the details. If the technical issue cannot be resolved before the due date, come to campus and complete the exam in the testing center that day. Failure to act promptly may result in the inability to submit your exam on time, leading to late penalties.

Open the following link for information on DE proctoring: https://programs.austincc.edu/acc-online/acc-online-testing/

If you choose to take the optional final lecture test, you will be required to use Respondus Monitor and Lockdown browser.  Before you are allowed to take the final lecture exam, you will have to pass a Respondus quiz that will demonstrate that you understand how to use this system.

Respondus Requirements: Windows (7,8,10), Mac (OS X 10.10 or higher), iPad (iOS 10.0+) with compatible LMS integration, web camera (internal or external) & microphone, and broadband internet connection. Instructions for how to use Lockdown Browser and Respondus Monitor are available on the ACC website. 

Open the following link for access to an instructional PDF: https://de.austincc.edu/bbsupport/students/respondus-lockdown-browser-quick-start-guide/.

Open the following link to download Respondus Monitor and Lockdown Browser for PC, Apple and iPads: https://download.respondus.com/lockdown/download.php?id=999134577

Open the following link to download Respondus Monitor and Lockdown Browser for Chromebooks: https://instruction.austincc.edu/students/article/installing-lockdown-browser-for-chromebook/

5. e-mail: All College e-mail communication to students will be sent solely to the student’s ACCmail account, with the expectation that such communications will be read in a timely fashion. ACC will send important information and will notify you of any college related emergencies using this account.  Students should only expect to receive email communication from their instructor using this account.  Likewise, students should use their ACCmail account when communicating with instructors and staff.  Instructions for activating an ACCmail account can be found at http://www.austincc.edu/accmail/activation-and-login-assistance

BIOL 2420

Fall 2024 Online Lecture Schedule

Please note that schedule changes may occur during the semester.  Any changes will be announced in class and posted as a Blackboard Announcement.

BIOL 2420 Microbiology for the Health Sciences

Distance Learning Course (Valle-Rivera)

Fall 2024

Week 1               …........................................ Ubiquity of Microorganisms             

                          ......................... Lab Familiarization & Safety Guidelines

                         Lab Assessment #1 due Tuesday 9/3 at noon.

Week 2               .............................. Introduction to the Light Microscope              

                          Microscopic Examination of Freshwater Microbes..........

                          Lab Assessment #2 (parts A and B) due Friday 9/6 at noon.

Week 3               ......................................................... Aseptic Transfers             

                          .................................... Streak Plate Method of Isolation             

                          ...................................................... Colony Morphology                                       

                          Lab Assessment #3 due 9/13 at noon.

Week 4               ............................................................... Simple Stains             

                          ............................................................. Negative Stain             

                          .................................................................. Gram Stain             

                          .............................................................. Capsule Stain             

                          .................................. Begin Morphological Unknown             

                          Lab Assessment #4 due 9/20 at noon.

Week 5               .... Gram Stain Morphological of Morphological Unknown             

                          ............................................................. Acid-Fast Stain             

                          .......................................................... Endospore Stain             

                          Lab Assessment #5 due 9/27 at noon.

Week 6               ..................................................... Motility Test Medium             

                          .............................................................. Catalase Test             

                          ................................. Continue Morphological Unknown

Lab Assessment #6 due10/4 at noon.                   

Week 7               Selective and Differential Media for G- Organisms

                          ................................ Eosin Methylene Blue Agar (EMB)             

                          ............................................ Hektoen Enteric Agar (HE)             

                          ............................................... MacConkey Agar (MAC)             

                          ......................................................... Phenol Red Broth             

                          ................................. Triple Sugar Iron/Kligler Iron Agar             

                          ...................................... Finish Morphological Unknown

                          Lab Assessment #7 due 10/11 at noon.

Week 8               ........................ Methyl Red and Voges-Proskauer Tests             

                          .................................................................. Citrate Test             

                          ................................................................ SIM Medium             

                          ............................................................... Oxidase Test             

                          .................................................... Decarboxylation Test             

                          ..................................... Morphological Unknown Due

                          Lab Assessment #8 due 10/18 at noon.

                          Lab Test I – available from 10/18 – 10/21

Week 9               .................................................. Nitrate Reduction Test             

                          ................................................ Urea Hydrolysis (Broth)             

                          .................................................... DNA Hydrolysis Test             

                          ................................................. Gelatin Hydrolysis Test             

                          ..................................... Phenylalanine Deaminase Test             

                          Lab Assessment #9 due 10/25 at noon.

Week 10             Begin Mixed Unknown (G+/G-) ……............................

Selective and Differential Media for G+ Organisms

                          ............................................................................. PEA             

                          ............................................................................ CNA             

                          .......................................................... Bile Esculin Test             

                          6.5% Salt Broth............................................................

                          .................. Bacitracin and Optochin Susceptibility Tests             

                          Lab Assessment #10 due 11/1 at noon.

Week 11             Selective and Differential Media for G+ Organisms

                          ....................... Blood Agar and Novobiocin susceptibility             

                          ............................................. Mannitol Salt Agar (MSA)             

                          ............................................................ Coagulase Test             

                          ............................................. Continue Mixed Unknown             

                          Lab Assessment #11 due 11/8 at noon.

Week 12             Antimicrobial Susceptibility Test (Kirby-Bauer Method)...

                          Chemical Germicides: Disinfectants and Antiseptics.......

                          Continue Mixed Unknown.............................................

                          Lab Assessment #12 due 11/15 at noon.

Week 13             ........................ The Fungi—Common Yeasts and Molds              

                          ............................................. Continue Mixed Unknown

                          Lab Assessment #13 due 11/22 at noon.

Week 14             ............................. Examination of Common Protozoans              

                          Continue Mixed Unknown.............................................

                          Lab Assessment #14 due Monday 12/2 at noon.

Week 15             .... Helminth Parasites, Nematode Parasites, Hookworms             

                          Lab Assessment #15 due 12/6 at noon.

                          Mixed Unknown due Monday 12/9by 11:59 PM

Week 16 Lab Test II – available from Thursday 12/12 – Sunday 12/15

Student Learning Outcomes:

Course-Level: Specific skills and competencies are expected of students who successfully complete this course, including the ability to:

• Explain microbiological processes in detail and on an appropriate level, including cell theory, metabolism, genetics, control, and interactions between humans and microbes, including the disease process and defense/immune responses
• Correctly perform microbiologic lab skills such as use of a Bunsen burner, use of the microscope, aseptic technique, streaking for isolation, establishing pure cultures, and isolation and determination of unknowns using differential stains and differential/selective media
• Display a habit of safe lab practices including aseptic technique and disposal of biohazard waste

General Education: As a Core Curriculum course, students completing this course will demonstrate competence in:

• Critical Thinking - Gathering, analyzing, synthesizing, evaluating and applying information. 
• Interpersonal Skills - Interacting collaboratively to achieve common goals.
• Quantitative and Empirical Reasoning - Applying mathematical, logical and scientific principles and methods.
• Written, Oral and Visual Communication - Communicating effectively, adapting to purpose, structure, audience, and medium.

Departmental Common Course Objectives: The ACC Biology Department has specified the content for this course in the departmental common course objectives. The departmental objectives are located at http://www.austincc.edu/biology/ccobjectives. 

Learning Objectives: In the BIOL 2420 lecture, students will learn to (students will be tested in all objectives):

1. Discuss the germ theory of disease and its development.

2. Discuss aseptic procedures for the preparation of media and materials for the culturing and growth of microbes.

3. Enumerate and differentiate among the different groups of organisms included for study in microbiology.

4. Discuss and distinguish between eukaryotic and prokaryotic cell types.

5. Discuss energy acquisition and utilization by microbes and the function of enzymes in cellular activities.

6. Discuss microbial metabolism, including anabolic pathways and glycolytic, fermentative and respiratory catabolic pathways.

7. Discuss fundamental nucleic acid chemistry regarding the principle of complementarity, DNA replication, the genetic code, protein synthesis, metabolic regulation, and cellular reproduction.

8. Discuss microbial genetics including, but not restricted to sexual versus asexual means of reproduction, and transformation, transduction and conjugation in bacteria.

9. Discuss methods utilized in biotechnology as applied to microbes, including the role of microbes and biotechnology in industrial microbiology, the pharmaceutical and food industries, and systematic and diagnostic microbiology.

10. Discuss symbiotic relationships, including commensal, mutualistic, and parasitic relationships among hosts and microbes.

11. Discuss disease processes, the cellular structures, metabolic and genetic activities, and biological and chemical agents employed by microbes in colonizing, infecting, invading, and causing diseases in hosts.

12. Discuss the processes, both nonspecific and specific, employed by hosts in resisting the onslaught of infectious diseases.

13. Discuss the principles and methods of diagnosing diseases, identifying disease-causing agents, and tracking and enumerating diseases around the world.

14. Discuss the signs, symptoms, etiology, course, prevention, control, diagnosis, and treatment for the most common infectious diseases of all organ systems of the human.

Laboratory Learning Objectives: In the microbiology laboratory, students will learn to:

1. Recognize and comply with the “Biology Laboratory Safety Policies for Students, Staff and Faculty.”

2. Recognize and comply with generally accepted rules for microbiology laboratory health and safety, clean-up, decontamination, disinfection, and disposal of hazardous materials.

3. Utilize aseptic technique for all laboratory work.

4. Satisfactorily perform aseptic transfers; streaking for isolated colonies; growth of pure cultures; identification of colony characteristics; simple and differential staining; serologic, metabolic and chemical tests for bacteria and other appropriate microorganisms.

5. Observe growth characteristics and environmental factors affecting growth of microbes.

6. Observe and differentiate among eukaryotic and prokaryotic organisms using both wet mounts of living organisms and stained smears of organisms of both cell types with light microscopy.

7. Observe and differentiate among bacterial cell types and arrangements using simple and differentially stained smears. 

8. Satisfactorily identify unknown microorganisms, using procedures learned in the course.