Theory Skills

A student successfully completing this course will be able to:

Compare the structures of the various classes of microbes, including gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria, fungi, protozoans, viruses, and prions.
Identify the morphology of bacteria, fungi, and viruses from a sample or picture.
Compare the metabolic processes of various kinds of microbes.
Explain how varying environmental factors (temperature, pH, osmotic pressure, etc.) can affect microbial growth and give examples of how these factors can be used to inhibit or encourage microbial growth.
Describe the various methods of microbial control and explain how they can be appropriately used to sterilize, disinfect, pasteurize, or otherwise reduce the microbial population in the laboratory or health care setting.
Explain the roles of nucleic acids and proteins in cell reproduction and metabolism.
Identify examples of transduction, transformation, and conjugation.
Define and identify various symbiotic relationships among microbes and their hosts.
Explain the roles of barriers, nonspecific immunity, and specific immunity in preventing infections.
Explain the process by which vaccination gives rise to resistance to diseases.
Give examples of mechanisms of disease transmission, describing the roles of fomites, carriers, vectors, and vehicles where appropriate, and explain how knowledge of these mechanisms can be used to protect patients and health care workers from infection.
Discuss the etiology and control of common diseases, particularly bloodborne pathogens and those that cause wound infections.
List commonly used antimicrobial drugs, their modes of action, and examples of their uses.
Explain how populations of microbes adapt to their environment.
Explain the genetic basis of antimicrobial drug resistance and how overuse of antimicrobial drugs can lead to the rise of drug-resistant microbes; describe activities that can limit the threat of antimicrobial resistance.

Laboratory Skills

A. Laboratory Techniques

A student successfully completing this course will be able to:

Use a bright field light microscope to view and interpret slides.
Properly prepare slides for microbiological examination.
Properly use aseptic techniques for the transfer and handling of microbes and instruments.
Use appropriate microbiological media and test systems.
Use standard microbiology laboratory equipment correctly.
Follow an experimental protocol.
Accurately record observations made in the laboratory using proper terminology.

B. Laboratory Thinking Skills

A student successfully completing basic microbiology will demonstrate skills in:

Scientific reasoning, including
- formulating a clear, answerable question
- developing a testable hypothesis
- predicting expected results

Analysis skills, including
- collecting and organizing data in a systematic fashion
- presenting data in an appropriate form (graphs, tables, figures, or descriptive paragraphs)
- assessing the validity of the data (including integrity and significance)
- drawing appropriate conclusions based on the results

Communication skills, including:
- discussing and presenting results or findings in the laboratory

Interpersonal and citizenry skills, including
- working effectively in teams or groups so that tasks, results, and analyses are shared
- effectively managing time and tasks allowing concurrent and/or overlapping tasks to be done simultaneously by individuals and within a group
- integrating knowledge and making informed judgments about microbiology in everyday life.

Laboratory Safety

A student successfully completing basic microbiology will be able to explain and practice safe microbiological procedures, including:

Reporting all spills and broken glassware to the instructor and receiving instructions for clean up
Methods for aseptic transfer
Minimizing or containing the production of aerosols and describing the hazards associated with aerosols
Washing hands prior to and following laboratories and at any time contamination is suspected
Using universal precautions with blood and other body fluids and following the requirements of the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogen Standard
Disinfecting lab benches and equipment prior to and at the conclusion of each lab session, using an appropriate disinfectant and allowing a suitable contact time
Identifying and disposing of different types of waste
Reading and signing a laboratory safety agreement indicating that the student has read and understands the safety rules of the laboratory
Good lab practice, including returning materials to proper locations, proper care and handling of equipment, and keeping the bench top clear of extraneous materials
Protective procedures, including:
- Tying long hair back and wearing personal protective equipment as appropriate (eye protection, lab coats, gloves, closed shoes)
- Always using appropriate pipetting devices and understanding that mouth pipetting is forbidden
- Never eating or drinking in the laboratory
- Never applying cosmetics, handling contact lenses, or placing objects (fingers, pencils, etc.) in the mouth or touching the face

Emergency procedures, including:
- Locating and using emergency equipment (eye wash stations, first aid kits, fire extinguishers, chemical safety showers, telephones, and emergency numbers)
- Reporting all injuries immediately to the instructor
- Following proper steps in the event of an emergency

BIO135

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Microbiology for Allied Health Sciences

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