Time Schedule:
Jimmie Cano Lara
MICROM 301
Seattle Campus
Acquaints students with microorganisms and their activities. Topics include microbial cell structure and function, metabolism, microbial genetics, and the role of microorganisms in disease, immunity, and other selected applied areas. Prerequisite: either CHEM 120, CHEM 140, CHEM 142, or CHEM 145; recommended: biology; organic chemistry. Offered: AWSpS.
Class description
Micro 301 is a one quarter survey course which covers a wide variety of topics dealing with the biology of microorganisms, specifically bacteria and protozoan parasites, and viruses. In the first half of the course topics include procaryotic cell structure and function, metabolism, genetics, and biotechnology. The second half of the course focuses on the medical aspects of microbiology including factors that contribute to the ability of microbes/viruses to cause disease (pathogenesis), how diseases are transmitted and can be controlled (epidemiology), the mechanisms we have as humans to defend ourselves against pathogens (immunology), and the use and specificity of antimicrobial drugs. Our overall goal is for students to have a better understanding and appreciation of the importance that the microbial world has to life on this plant and to our well-being. Previous students have commented that the course should be a requirement for every University student because the information learned is so relevant to everyday life.
Student learning goals
General method of instruction
A large lecture format is used by Dr. Lara and Denise Anderson to teach Micro 301 Spring and Summer Quarters. Readings from a required text are used to reinforce and supplement lecture information. Instructors encourage students to ask questions during the lecture and to take advantage of their “open” office hours. Course information may be obtained by visiting their Micro 301 website (http://weber.u.washington.edu/~jclara or http://weber.u.washington.edu/~bugsda).
Recommended preparation
General chemistry (two quarters) is the only prerequisite for the course. Although this course was designed for the non-science major, the course is highly competitive because of the number of science majors who want a one quarter survey course in microbiology. Because microbiology is a biological science it is not surprising that students who have a basic understanding of biology find the course material easier to comprehend. Strong note-taking skills and study habits, a curiosity about the world around and in them, and the initiative to seek assistance are key to success in this course. Concurrent registration in Micro 302, General Microbiology Laboratory, has been noted by students to be helpful in their understanding of concepts being presented in Micro 301.
Class assignments and grading
Lecture attendance is expected. Topic reading assignments and lecture outlines are available from syllabus on website. Students are encouraged to have read/reviewed this material before coming to class. Two midterms and a comprehensive final are used to assess students understanding of course materials.
Grade are based on students’ performance on two midterm and a comprehensive final. Exam questions are for the most part multiple choice in design. The final grade assignments are calculated by first determining the average score of the top 5 (Sp) or 3 (Sum) undergraduates in course. This score represents the 100% mark by which other students grades will be determined. Because the course is not graded on a curve it is possible for everyone to get a 4.0, but historically the average grade has been approximately a 2.8.
