Time Schedule:
Winston Brill
MICROM 101
Seattle Campus
Intended for liberal arts majors and students not majoring in the biological sciences. Focuses on activities of bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms, and their influence on humans. Microbe-related topics include disease, bioterrorism, food, biotechnology, and ecology. Examines the nature of scientific inquiry, along with major biological concepts. Offered: W.
Class description
Students will gain a greater knowledge of microbe-related topics such as vaccination, hygiene, bioterrorism, antibiotics, food poisoning, food production, sexually transmitted diseases, evolution, and bird flu. They will also learn how science progresses and how microbes have influenced the course of history.
Student learning goals
To appreciate the critical role of microbes to our health.
To appreciate the critical role of microbes in the ecological health of this planet.
To appreciate how scientists and science impact society and how society impacts scientists and science.
To appreciate how a living cell functions.
To appreciate how living organisms adapt and evolve.
Students will become more interested in the microbial world and its impact on their own lives, and on society.
General method of instruction
Dr. Brill will begin most lectures with a discussion of a recent microbe-related news article. Copies of PowerPoint presentations will be given to students to minimize note taking.
Recommended preparation
No prerequisites for doing well in this course. Attend lectures, be alert during class, ask questions, and study notes and handouts. There is no textbook.
Class assignments and grading
Final grades will depend on scores from 5 short unannounced quizzes (each 2%), two exams (each 25%), lab final exam (15%), and comprehensive final exam (25%).
At least the top three students will have a final grade of 4.0. Usually, more students receive 3.8 to 4.0 than 2.0 or lower.
