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Biology (BIOL) 325
Introductory Microbiology

Rev. #1 is closed. Replaced with Rev. #2 Sept. 11/00. To current version.

Overview

BIOL 325 is a three-credit, university-level course that covers fundamental elements of the study of microorganisms and their environment. This course emphasizes the impact microorganisms have in nature. An overview of microbial environments is provided, with special emphasis on structural and functional differences among bacteria, fungi, algae, protozoa, and viruses.

Upon completion of this course, the student will be well-versed in current classification system of bacteria, microbiological techniques and biochemical function. Clinical and industrial applications in microbiology will be discussed. As there is a laboratory component in this course, students will gain experience in microbiological techniques, and isolation and identification of bacteria.

Method of Delivery:Home study with a paced lab or via independent lab.

Credit Weight/Area of Study: 3 credits - Science

Prerequisites: BIOL 204, BIOL 205, BIOL 206, CHEM 217, and CHEM 218 or equivalent undergraduate courses taken at an accredited post-secondary institution.

Outline

• Unit 1 Introduction to Microbiology
• Unit 2 Microbial Anatomy
• Unit 3 Microbial Biochemistry
• Unit 4 Microbial Growth
• Unit 5 Microbial Genetics
• Unit 6 Classification of Microorganisms
• Unit 7 Bacteria
• Unit 8 Fungi
• Unit 9 Viruses
• Unit 10 Disease and Epidemiology
• Unit 11 Pathogenicity
• Unit 12 Immunology
• Unit 13 Medical Microbiology
• Unit 14 Environmental Microbiology
• Unit 15 Microbiological Applications

Laboratory

In order to obtain credit for BIOL 325, students must attend compulsory laboratory sessions that will be conducted over five consecutive days at Athabasca University or two weekends at specified laboratories in Edmonton and Calgary. For more information about lab times, dates, and locations please consult the biology lab page. Students will be trained to handle microbial specimens, and to conduct basic microbial techniques, such as streak plates, microbial stain techniques, and sterilization methods. In addition, students will be introduced to basic skills in medical, industrial, and environmental microbiology. As part of the assessment in this component, students will have to isolate and identify a mixture of two unknown bacteria.

Evaluation

To receive credit for BIOL 325, students must achieve a course composite grade of at least 50 per cent and a grade of at least 50 per cent on each of the assignments, examinations, and laboratory exercises.

4 Assignments	Mid-term Exam	Final Exam	Laboratory Exercises	Total
35%	20%	20%	25%	100%

Course Materials

Textbooks

Pierce, B.E., and M.J. Leboffe. 1996. A Photographic Atlas for the Microbiology Laboratory. Englewood, CO: Morton.

Tortora, G.J., B.R. Funke, and C.L. Case. 1995. Microbiology: An Introduction. Don Mills, ON: Benjamin/Cummings.

Other material

The course materials also include a study guide and a student manual.

Special Course Feature

Audiovisual tapes are assigned to this course and may be borrowed from Athabasca University Library.

Athabasca University reserves the right to amend course outlines occasionally and without notice. Courses offered by other delivery methods may vary from their home-study counterparts.

 
1 University Drive
Athabasca, AB T9S 3A3
(780) 675-6111, (800) 788-9041
auinfo@athabascau.ca

This page was updated by E. Comrie