Introductory Microbiology MCB2000

Spring 2018

Instructor: Dr. Miroslav Gantar

Office: OE 208 (MM Campus)

Office hours: Tuesday/Thursday 2:00 - 4:00 pm

Or any other time by appointment

e-mail: gantarm@fiu.edu

Course Description

MCB 2000 is a 3-credit course intended to introduce non-science major students to the principles of Biology using microorganisms. The course is also a requirement for students in Dietetics, Nutrition and Nursing. The role played by microbes in the earth, aquatic environments, air, Biotechnology as well as in humans and other organisms, has a major impact on human affairs. The course covers basic concepts of microbes as pathogens, food spoilage and fermentative organisms. Microbial relationships to immunology, sanitation, pollution and geochemical cycling will also be covered.

This is a Global Learning Course - therefore it will enhance students’ Global Awareness, Perspective, and Engagement, so that all students in this course will have knowledge that scientific discoveries arise globally, affect human affairs globally and should be shared globally. This will be achieved through (1) accentuating the multi-dimensional value of significant discoveries in Microbiology, and (2) evaluating the significance of microbiological issues to human affairs historically and geographically. For example, the students will be asked to evaluate what was the socio-economic characteristic of the societies in which the discoveries happened; if there are any comparable discoveries in other geographic regions and to identify those; what were the contemporary significant achievements in art, literature, film-making etc.

As a Global Learning Course, in addition to textbook-based information, this course will enrich the learning process with information regarding the impact of Microbiology on social issues globally. This interdisciplinary global aspect of the course will be covered through (1) lectures, (2) lectures provided by guest speakers, and (3) students’ assignments.  FIU teachers from different Departments such as Sociology, History, Art and other non-FIU specialist will be invited to give talks as part of regular lectures. The purpose of these invited lectures will be to connect social or cultural events with microbiological crisis events or significant discoveries (e.g. what historical event preceded to the big flu epidemic in 1918).

Course Objectives

The objective of the course is to teach students to:

-          Apply scientific principles and theories to problem solving

-          Scientifically evaluate situations in which microorganisms play role (relationship between microorganisms and diseases, food spoilage, production of drugs etc.)

-          Distinguish between “good and bad microbes”

-          Understand the basic microbiological techniques (concept of aseptic work,   cultivation and identification of microorganism)

-          Use scientific theories to test microbiological hypothesis

-          Assess and critically evaluate claims made in popular media for their scientific merit.

Global Learning Course - Specific Objectives

Global Awareness - Students will be able to show awareness of the global interrelationship between human affairs on one side and disease causing microorganisms, Biotechnology, and Environment issues on the other side. More specifically it will include:

-          Understanding of the scientific concepts that underlies the global nature of diseases caused by microorganisms

-          Developing critical thinking based on new global scientific information obtained in class

-          Understanding the impact of discoveries in Microbiology on global human affairs (novel cures, bioterrorism…)

-          Understanding the interrelationship between microbiological diseases and social/economic factors

-          Navigating through time - connecting/associating discoveries in Microbiology with the achievements in Arts and Humanities

The assessment for Global Awareness will be in the form of (1) embedded test questions and (2) assignments.

Global Perspective - Students will be able to analyze health and economic issues related to microbiological situations that occur globally. The global industrial and agricultural use of microbes and their effect on social interaction will be analyzed with respect to global economies and pollution. This will include:

-          Comprehension of why microorganisms have a global impact on human affairs

-          Analyze why socio-economic factors may be responsible for outbreaks of diseases (Example: Outbreak of Cholera in post disaster Haiti)

The assessment for Global Perspective will be in the form of (1) embedded test questions and (2) assignments.

Global Engagement - Students will demonstrate a willingness to engage in disease prevention/intervention to address individual or global health problems, and other microbiological situations. This will include the development of the following abilities:

-          To analyze students’ own willingness to be involved in problem remediation regarding microbiological situations

-          To present their own plan for potential abatement of crisis situations caused by microbiological issues

The assessment for Global Engagement will be accomplished by grading the papers to be submitted by students.

FIU’s Excellence in Global Learning Graduation Medallion is awarded to students who complete at least four global learning courses, participate in a variety of global co-curricular activities, and complete a capstone consisting of one of the following: a substantial original research project and presentation on a global topic; extensive foreign language study; long-term study abroad; or, a globally-focused internship. The Peace Corps Prep certification is conferred upon students who complete at least four global learning courses, extensive language study, and a global problem-solving project. For more information, visit goglobal.fiu.edu.

 Interdisciplinary content - Invited lectures

Interdisciplinary content of the course will be covered through invited lectures to be provided by FIU faculty from different Departments as well as by other specialist (e.g. representatives from County Health Department, Health care institutions, etc.). These lectures will be embedded in regular lectures for the purpose of interconnecting microbiology-caused events and some social or cultural developments. One example:

              Chiropractic practice – can it improve the function of the immune system?

These lectures will be organized on contingency bases and will depend on the availability of the speakers and they might vary between semesters.

Common reading for Global Learning:

Appiah, K.A., “The Case for Contamination,” New York Times, January 1, 2006. Online at http://www.nytimes.com/2006/01/01/magazine/the-case-for-contamination.html  

Why this course belongs to Global Learning Initiative

Microbes are global. No other organisms affect human lives as microbes do. They can be found in any environment. Their global significance can be found in the facts that they sustain life on planet Earth through the recycling of elements, by providing food (through fermentation), by maintaining health (probiotic activity), and by causing diseases (pathogenic microorganisms). They are not restricted by time or social/political system. In others words, microbes are truly global.

Prerequisites

None

Required Text

Cowan Microbiology: A Systems Approach, Edition: 5th

How to get the book?

MCB 2000 section will be participating in the exciting pilot program called “Student Best Value” at FIU that provides students with the most affordable option for required digital course materials, available on the first day of class. This program provides all the required material for this course:  the Connect online learning platform which includes your complete e-book.

What’s in it for you?

-          Get the best price! “Student Best Value” program provides your materials at the best price possible. You will have the option to opt-in to this program during the first week of class, until 1/16/2018*

-          Don’t wait! The ability to opt in for the discounted code will expire on 1/16/2018*

-          It’s easy and fast!  After you opt-in, you will pay using your FIU OneCard or any other traditional “pay at the time of checkout” method. You will receive your Connect digital code immediately.

The content is identical but the savings are BIG! Save 44% if you purchase by Jan 16^th.

Only until Tuesday, Jan 16^th, 2018:  When you opt-in for the “Student Best Value” purchase, you will complete your online purchase using your FIU OneCard or any other traditional “pay at the time of checkout” method.  You will receive your Connect digital code immediately.

“Student Best Value” materials price = $70

Cowan Microbiology: A Systems Approach

Edition: 5th 
ISBN: 9781260421163

After Jan 16^th, 2018:  You can purchase the national code for the Connect online platform using your FIU OneCard or any other traditional “pay at the time of checkout” method. You will receive your Connect digital code immediately.

National materials price = $125

Cowan Microbiology: A Systems Approach

Edition: 5th 
ISBN: 9781259937187

What happens after I get my code?

1.       How will I access the materials? Your instructor will provide your login instructions for using the Connect code via Canvas 

2.       What if I also want a print copy of the book? After you activate your Connect code, there will be links within Connect to purchase a full-color looseleaf version of the text for $30 [+tax/shipping]. Most students find that their eBook is sufficient.

3.       What if I drop the course?  If you drop before the official add/drop date and your code has not been activated, you can contact the bookstore for a return until Tuesday, Jan 16^th [you’ll need your purchase receipt]. Returns cannot be processed after Jan 16^th.

4.       What if I want to buy the “Best Value” material after Jan 16^th? The “Best Value” expires on Jan 16^th – no exceptions will be made.

5.       I still have questions – Contact your bookstore managers for any additional clarification:
                      FIU Bookstore Textbook Department
                      fiubook@fiu.edu      305-348-2691

i-clicker

You will be required to have an i-clicker. You can either buy it or rent it from the FIU Bookstore. After obtaining the i-clicker you will need to register your device http://www1.iclicker.com/register-clicker/ by using your Panther ID #.

Assignments:

The active learning strategy includes the following components:

    - Required:

                - Writing an essay

                - Global Learning Questions

    - Optional: A Power Point presentation – extra credit (see below)

Writing an essay. You can chose to write a paper (3-5 pages, double space, font 12) on a microbiology topic of your choice. It has to cover microbiological aspect as well as an aspect of the global perspective. 

      Examples of essay titles:

        - Tuberculosis – a social aspect of a disease

        - Is globalization preventing or contributing to spread of AIDS

        - Microbial water contamination in beaches of South Florida   

        - HIV in Miami-Dade County

        - Dengue Fever: how does it affect underdeveloped countries?

The essay should provide basic information on the medical and microbiological aspects of the disease (causative agent, symptoms, treatment, etc.) as well as the social aspect (e.g. socio-economic characteristics of those suffering from this disease, geographic distribution; historic perspective, etc). A paper should present the perspective/position of different nations/countries in regard to measures for preventing disease outbreaks (e.g. type of health care system, vaccination programs etc.) and compare those to WHO standards. Please request an approval of the title of your paper by sending an e-mail to Vittoria Costantino vcost001@fiu.edu  and submit the paper as a Word document to the same e-mail address.

Global Learning Questions - Will be provided during each class. You will have to look for the correct answer (not to be found in the text book). The same questions will appear on the exam. Each exam will contain 10% of Global Learning questions.

Power Point presentation. The topic of the presentation should have a global perspective and it should cover new or controversial information of a microbiology problem. If you decide to give a PP presentation, then you will not have to write an essay. In addition, you will earn between 1-5% points as extra credit. Students’ presentation will be given during the regular classes. (see the course calendar). Select a title from the list of presentations provided and send an e-mail to your professor. The presentation slots are assigned to students on first come first served bases. The presentation should have 10-12 slides (10 min). You are expected to send your PP to your teacher one week ahead of time, so that all necessary corrections can be done in timely manner.

Before you start writing an essay or preparing an oral presentation

The topic and the title of the essay/field work/oral presentation need to be approved beforehand by your teacher (check the due date in the Course Calendar).

For the title approval for the paper send an e-mail to Vittoria Costantino vcost001@fiu.edu   

The essay and presentations will be graded based on a rubric that will evaluate: Scientific and Global aspect of the selected topic.

Attendance  

No attendance will be taken. However, participation (i-clicker) will be rewarded. You can earn three extra points if you have less than 3 absences.

Grading

Your final letter grade will be based on:

(1) The average score of three exams (worth 70% of your grade) and on

(2) The score obtained for the paper on Global-Interdisciplinary aspect of the course (worth 30% of your grade). In addition, you can choose to accomplish additional assignment for extra credit (see below).

(3) Extra credits earned – see below

The letter grade will be given after the 3rd exam and will be based on a class curve. If a regular grade distribution occurs, the standard grading scale (90%-100% = A, 80%-89% = B, 70%-79% = C, 60%-69% = D, <60% = F) will be used. If the average score of the whole class is below 75%, then the curving will be applied.  

Exams

There will be 3 exams over the course of the semester - each consisting of 50 multiple choice questions and each worth 100% course points. Each exam will have 10% questions covering the global aspect of the course. Exam #3, though scheduled during the week of finals, will not be cumulative. 

Exams will be multiple-choice with sense-mark (Scantron) answer sheets. You will be required to bring #2 pencils with at least one eraser. Laptops, palm pilots, cell phones or other electronic devices ARE NOT ALLOWED during the EXAM. You will be required to bring your FIU student ID to every exam. Wearing brimmed hats or baseball caps during exams is not permitted.

Extra points can be earned by:

(1)  1- Participating in sessions with the PLTL program (Peer Led Team Learning). By actively participating in PLTL you will gain extra points that will increase your final grade by up to 5% points.  Why should you use their services? Each week you will be meeting with a PLTL leader and a small group of students. A PLTL Leader is a peer who has taken the course before and will guide you through the worksheets each week. This will definitely help you score higher on the exams. To register for PLTL please go to: http://online.fiu.edu/student/resources/pltl/

         2- Giving a 10-minute Power Point presentation. Please see above.

Make-up Exam  

If you are unable to attend an exam, contact the instructor at least 48 hours prior to the scheduled exam time to discuss alternatives. Missed exams may result in a score of zero if the instructor is not notified in a timely fashion. Alternatives to a score of zero for the exam may be discussed with the instructor.

Make-Up Exams will be given only to students providing valid documentation of a medical or other serious problem. Make-Up exams are not based on multiple choice questions; they will be in the form of essay questions.

Academic conduct 

Florida International University is a community dedicated to generating and imparting knowledge through excellent teaching and research, the rigorous and respectful exchange of ideas, and community service. All students should respect the right of others to have an equitable opportunity to learn and to honestly demonstrate the quality of their learning. Therefore, all students are expected to adhere to a standard of academic conduct, which demonstrates respect for themselves, their fellow students, and the educational mission of the University. All students are deemed by the University to understand that if they are found responsible for academic misconduct, they will be subject to the Academic Misconduct procedures and sanctions, as outlined in the Student Handbook.

Cheating

Cheating will not be tolerated! Students caught cheating during an examination will be removed from the exam and given an "F" for the course.

Plagiarism is academic misconduct that involves using words, opinions, and information of others as your own. Written work will be analyzed in "turnitin.com" and any document identified as plagiarism will generate an “F” and charges for “Academic Misconduct” against the student will be brought up. Academic Misconduct becomes a permanent part of a student record. 

Incomplete Grades

An incomplete grade is a temporary symbol given at the discretion of the instructor for work not completed, because of serious interruption not caused by the student's own negligence. An incomplete grade must be made up as quickly as possible, but no later than two semesters or it will automatically default to the grade that the student earned in the course. There is no extension to the two semester deadline. The student must not register again for the course to make up the incomplete. Incomplete grade will require written documentation (doctor's note, accident report, etc.) of the underlying condition that impedes student progress. A form will need to be signed by the student detailing the procedure and agenda for completing course-work. Students who receive an incomplete grade and have applied for graduation at the end of that term, must complete the incomplete grade by the end of the fourth week of the following term. Failure to do so will result in a cancellation of graduation. That student will need to reapply for graduation.  

Pre-Nursing Students

Note of Advice

MCB2000 and Lab are required along with other science courses for entry into BSN in the School of Nursing. This course will cover the basics of biological sciences as well as the basic nature of microbial diseases, immunology and epidemiology. This course is not simply a requirement, but rather one that can provide the fundamental scientific background to Nursing.

Please note that the admission requirements to FIU's Nursing program do not allow repeats in science courses. That means you must earn at a minimum a grade of C (not C- or lower). Nursing program is very competitive and a grade of C does not guarantee that you will get in.

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