BIO 232 - Elementary Microbiology

Offered WI
Lecture- 3 Lab- 2
4 credit hrs/5 contact hrs
Prerequisite: Any lab science
This course covers general principles of microbiology: the study of the tiny life forms that exist inside and all-around humans. Students will focus their study on the impact these organisms have on the human race. Topics include various groups of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, including their structure, physiology, genetics, microbial pathogenicity, and infectious diseases they can cause. Students will also study immunology: how the immune system reacts to disease and how this can sometimes go wrong, resulting in autoimmune diseases.

Student Learning Outcomes:
Describe the anatomy and physiology of bacteria. Explain the causative agents and symptoms of common bacterial diseases that are transmitted by the air, water, food, soil, arthropods, and via sexual activity. Describe the anatomy and reproduction methods of viruses. Identify the common viral diseases that can infect the human body. Explain the anatomy and physiology of fungi and common fungal diseases. Describe the anatomy and physiology of parasites and common parasitic diseases. Analyze how infection occurs. Describe ways the body resists infection. Explain the concept of autoimmune disease. Communicate using the specialized language of microbiology. Demonstrate scientific practices of microbiology in a laboratory setting.