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.

Note: Detailed course objectives for BIOL 325 are different for certain lessons. Students should refer to their study guide for these changes.

Outline

Laboratory

In order to obtain credit for BIOL 325, students must attend compulsory laboratory sessions that will be conducted over four consecutive days at Athabasca University or two weekends at a specified laboratory in 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 “D” (50 percent) and a grade of at least 50 percent on each of the assignments, examinations, and laboratory exercises.

To learn more about assignments and examinations, please refer to Athabasca University's online Calendar.

Course Materials

Textbooks

Tortora, G. J., Funke, B. R., & Case, C. L. (2004). Microbiology: An introduction (8th ed.). San Francisco: Pearson.

Pierce, B. E., & Leboffe, M. J. (2005). A photographic atlas for the microbiology laboratory (3d ed.). Englewood, CO: Morton.

Other Materials

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.