Southern Utah University

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Southern Utah University
Southern Utah University
Fall Semester 2025

Introductory Microbiology (Face-to-Face)

BIOL 2060-02

Course: BIOL 2060-02
Credits: 3
Term: Fall Semester 2025
Department: BIOL
CRN: 30923

Course Description

Designed for non-majors and allied health students. This course provides an application-based approach to human-microbe interactions with an emphasis on disease control, pathogenicity, epidemiology, and the immune response. Topics include prokaryotic cell biology, viral replication, parasitology, and the role of microorganisms in the world around us. A minimum grade of "C" (2.0 or above) must be earned in this course before it can be counted in a biological science major or minor or as a prerequisite for any other biology course. (Fall, Spring, Summer) [Graded (Standard Letter)] Co-requisite(s): BIOL 2065 Prerequisite(s): BIOL 1610 - Prerequisite Min. Grade: C

Required Texts

Microbiology: The Human Experience, 3rd ed. (Norton). Access to the eBook and the InQuizitive activities are included through Inclusive Access. All students should be able to register for the system through Canvas.
  • Turn on your Canvas announcement notifications. I regularly make time-sensitive announcements through Canvas, and it is your responsibility to read and understand these announcements. You may contact me(within a reasonable time period) to clarify any announcement after it has been posted.

Learning Outcomes

  • Gaining factual knowledge
○   Use correct terminology to identify microbial cell and viral structures
○   Classify the major types of microbes and their characteristics
○   Identify the major bacterial, viral, and parasitic diseases in animals
  • Learning fundamental principles including:
○   Understand the basic principles of microbial cell structure and metabolism
○   Review microbial growth and factors affecting growth
○   Understand the basic principles of bacterial genetics
○   Know the principles of pathogenicity and epidemiology and how this impacts our health
○   Understand the role of the immune system in battling disease
  • Learn to apply course material to improve critical thinking and problem solving
○   Do practice problems and clinical application case studies
○   Apply your knowledge of microbes to make informed decisions in your daily life
○   Understand the value of microbes to us and the environment

Course Requirements

  • Course Requirements
1.          Exams – 30%
2.          Quizzes – 15%
3.          InQuisitive activities - 15%
4.          Concept Checks (in class activity) – 10%
5.          Case studies and other assignments - 30%

  •  Description of the Course Requirements 
1.          Exams: On exams you will be asked to integrate concepts from different lectures and the textbook, to apply principles of biology covered in class to situations that were not covered in the lecture or text, and to evaluate new situations in light of the material covered in class.  The exam dates are set: plan accordingly. Exams can be rescheduled for an earlier date if there are valid reasons (see excused absence and emergency policy below). The exams will be conducted in the testing center. All requests for re-grading must be made within one week of date when exam is graded. There will be two unit exams and one cumulative Final Exam, All tests will be conducted in SUU testing center.
2.          Quizzes:  Quizzes will be through Canvas and cover material directly preceding the quiz. Typically I will combine more than one topic for a quiz. These will be administered in Canvas.
3.          InQuisitive activities: These will be quizzes, mainly mean for practice, will be assigned to you by topics. You should be able access this in Norton website via Canvas. 
4.          Concept Checks (in class activity): These are group class activities to be finished in class. These activities will help you understand, brainstorm topics and problems discussed in class. Submit the concept check questions and class reflection within 24 hours of class INDIVIDUALLY.  
5.          Case studies and other assignments*: You will be doing some case studies in class (indicated in the course outline), other than that I will be assigning you some similar additional assignments. 
*These assignments can be submitted up to 72 hours late with a 10% penalty for every 24 hours late. All other late work will NOT be accepted.
Grading breakdown:                                                    
Grading scale : (this is approximate and given just for your information)
A = 93-100%                             B- = 79-83 %                                 D+ = 66-69%
A- = 89-93%                             C+ = 76-79%                                 D = 63-66%
B+ = 86-89%                            C = 73-76 %                                  D- = 60-63%
B = 83-86 %                             C- = 69-73%                                  F = <60 %
Student Alert System: If your attendance or academic performance shows deficiencies, you will receive a notice of concern from me through the alert system. Please respond to the support offered as appropriate.

Course Outline

Week of        Day                            Topic
25-Aug          Wed       Intro to class (Start: Aug 27)
                     Fri          History of micro Ch. 1
1-Sep            Mon       No Class Labor Day
                     Wed       Living Chemistry Ch. 4
                     Fri          Bacterial Growth Ch. 6
8-Sep            Mon       Bacterial metabolism Ch.  7
                     Wed       Concepts of Epidemiology Ch. 26
                     Fri          Bacterial Cell structure, membrane and Cell wall Ch. 4 & 5
15-Sep          Mon       Bacterial Cell structure, membrane and Cell wall Ch. 4 & 5
                     Wed       Microscopy Ch. 3
                     Fri          Staining techniques
22-Sep          Mon       Staining case study
                     Wed       Beneficial aspects of microbes Ch, 27
                     Fri          Exam review
29-Sep          Mon       Exam 1
                     Wed       Bacterial Genetics Ch. 8
                     Fri          Bacterial Genetics Ch. 8
6-Oct             Mon       Human microbiome Ch. 14
                     Wed       Concept of diseases Ch. 2
                     Fri          Bacterial diseases Ch.10
13-Oct           Mon       No Class - Fall Break
                     Wed       Epidemiology Ch. 26
                     Fri          Epidemiology Case study
20-Oct           Mon       Viruses Ch. 12
                     Wed       Viruses Ch. 12
                     Fri          Eukaryotic microbes Ch. 11
27-Oct           Mon       Eukaryotic microbes Ch. 11
                     Wed       Diagnostic Tools Ch. 25
                     Fri          Exam review
3-Nov            Mon       Exam 2
                     Wed       The immune system Ch. 15
                     Fri          The immune response Ch. 16
10-Nov         Mon         The immune response Ch. 16
                    Wed         Immune system Case study
                    Fri            Vaccines
17-Nov         Mon         The vaccine/virus case study
                    Wed         Microbial Pathogenesis Ch. 18
                    Fri            Microbial Pathogenesis Ch. 18



24-Nov         Mon         No Class- Thanks giving
                    Wed         No Class- Thanks giving
                    Fri            No Class- Thanks giving
1-Dec           Mon         Control of Diseases Ch. 13
                    Wed         Control of Diseases Ch. 13
                    Fri            Final Exam review
Dec 09        Tues.        Cum. Final exam                                  

Instructor's policies on late assignments and/or makeup work

Attendance and meeting deadlines are very important for your success. If for any reason you are not able to complete an assignment by the deadline, you need to take immediate action to contact your instructor and take care of the situation. 
Some assignments can be submitted up to 72 hours late with a 10% penalty for every 24 hours late. All other late work will NOT be accepted. See Course Requirements for a list of assignments that can be submitted according to this policy. No other late work in accepted.

Attendance Policy

ATTENDANCE IN GENERAL: 
  • Although I will not be taken every day, but it is expected that classes will be attended regularly and complete class activities as discussed in class. I will take attendance once in a week. 
EMERGENCIES: 
  • Life can present unanticipated challenges, and I am willing to make reasonable accommodations for you if an emergency arises. 
  • It is your responsibility to contact me about an emergency as soon as possible. When you contact me, please provide documentation of your emergency. For example: If you are physically or mentally ill, please provide a doctor’s note; In the unfortunate event of a death in your family, please provide a death certificate, obituary, memorial service, or other form of documentation. 
  • The following list includes, but is not limited to, examples of non- emergencies: family trips (whether planned or spontaneous), inclement weather where campus remains open, technical difficulties prior to a deadline, roommate disagreements, etc. 
EXCUSED ABSENCES :
  • The university excused absence policy link can be found here: 
  • If you know that you do have an excused absence as guided by the policy, please inform me as soon as possible with related documentation (like course outline ), to make necessary adjustments if necessary.
    Other than excused absences and emergencies it is expected that students will attend all classes. 

Strategies for Success

I want to see students to succeed in understanding and applying the material presented in my class. The following suggestions may help you understand and retain the material more effectively:
 
1. Ask questions!! Ask questions!! Ask questions!!
2. Rewrite your lecture notes.
3. Form a study group.
4. Summarize/reorganize the material in different ways (e.g., make tables).
5. Use flash cards.
 
You cannot learn biology just by sitting in a lecture hall listening to a lecturer; I expect you to take an active role in your learning. This requires that you come to class prepared, ready to participate by asking questions about what you do not understand, and by applying what you learn to novel situations. I will test on concepts and you will be expected to interpret information and data. It is to your advantage to attend all lectures.

Contacting me

  • I respond to emails and Canvas messages within 1-2 business days. 
  • Please do not send the same message to both my email and my Canvas inbox – choose one or the other. 
· Please include your full name, course number, and section number in your emails.
· I cannot guarantee a response to your emails in less than 1 business day, so be proactive and begin assignments with plenty of time to ask me questions.
· If you email me requesting information that is clearly specified on the syllabus, my response will likely be delayed. 

Mental Health

  • Resources for mental health can be found in the following link : 
  • If you are experiencing mental health challenges that are interfering with your ability to succeed in this class or in other areas of your life, please promptly seek help either through the SUU student mental health website listed above or by reaching out to me. 

AI and writing assignments

Use of AI, like ChatGPT, may not be used to complete any writing assignment in this class. You can however use AI to write outlines or to understand a subject. If the writing is not yours, it will be considered as plagiarism.

ADA Statement

Students with medical, psychological, learning, or other disabilities desiring academic adjustments, accommodations, or auxiliary aids will need to contact the Disability Resource Center, located in Room 206F of the Sharwan Smith Center or by phone at (435) 865-8042. The Disability Resource Center determines eligibility for and authorizes the provision of services.

If your instructor requires attendance, you may need to seek an ADA accommodation to request an exception to this attendance policy. Please contact the Disability Resource Center to determine what, if any, ADA accommodations are reasonable and appropriate.

Academic Credit

According to the federal definition of a Carnegie credit hour: A credit hour of work is the equivalent of approximately 60 minutes of class time or independent study work. A minimum of 45 hours of work by each student is required for each unit of credit. Credit is earned only when course requirements are met. One (1) credit hour is equivalent to 15 contact hours of lecture, discussion, testing, evaluation, or seminar, as well as 30 hours of student homework. An equivalent amount of work is expected for laboratory work, internships, practica, studio, and other academic work leading to the awarding of credit hours. Credit granted for individual courses, labs, or studio classes ranges from 0.5 to 15 credit hours per semester.

Academic Freedom

SUU is operated for the common good of the greater community it serves. The common good depends upon the free search for truth and its free exposition. Academic Freedom is the right of faculty to study, discuss, investigate, teach, and publish. Academic Freedom is essential to these purposes and applies to both teaching and research.

Academic Freedom in the realm of teaching is fundamental for the protection of the rights of the faculty member and of you, the student, with respect to the free pursuit of learning and discovery. Faculty members possess the right to full freedom in the classroom in discussing their subjects. They may present any controversial material relevant to their courses and their intended learning outcomes, but they shall take care not to introduce into their teaching controversial materials which have no relation to the subject being taught or the intended learning outcomes for the course.

As such, students enrolled in any course at SUU may encounter topics, perspectives, and ideas that are unfamiliar or controversial, with the educational intent of providing a meaningful learning environment that fosters your growth and development. These parameters related to Academic Freedom are included in SUU Policy 6.6.

Academic Misconduct

Scholastic honesty is expected of all students. Dishonesty will not be tolerated and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent (see SUU Policy 6.33). You are expected to have read and understood the current SUU student conduct code (SUU Policy 11.2) regarding student responsibilities and rights, the intellectual property policy (SUU Policy 5.52), information about procedures, and what constitutes acceptable behavior.

Please Note: The use of websites or services that sell essays is a violation of these policies; likewise, the use of websites or services that provide answers to assignments, quizzes, or tests is also a violation of these policies. Regarding the use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), you should check with your individual course instructor.

Emergency Management Statement

In case of an emergency, the University's Emergency Notification System (ENS) will be activated. Students are encouraged to maintain updated contact information using the link on the homepage of the mySUU portal. In addition, students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Emergency Response Protocols posted in each classroom. Detailed information about the University's emergency management plan can be found at https://www.suu.edu/emergency.

HEOA Compliance Statement

For a full set of Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) compliance statements, please visit https://www.suu.edu/heoa. The sharing of copyrighted material through peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing, except as provided under U.S. copyright law, is prohibited by law; additional information can be found at https://my.suu.edu/help/article/1096/heoa-compliance-plan.

You are also expected to comply with policies regarding intellectual property (SUU Policy 5.52) and copyright (SUU Policy 5.54).

Mandatory Reporting

University policy (SUU Policy 5.60) requires instructors to report disclosures received from students that indicate they have been subjected to sexual misconduct/harassment. The University defines sexual harassment consistent with Federal Regulations (34 C.F.R. Part 106, Subpart D) to include quid pro quo, hostile environment harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking. When students communicate this information to an instructor in-person, by email, or within writing assignments, the instructor will report that to the Title IX Coordinator to ensure students receive support from the Title IX Office. A reporting form is available at https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?SouthernUtahUniv

Non-Discrimination Statement

SUU is committed to fostering an inclusive community of lifelong learners and believes our university's encompassing of different views, beliefs, and identities makes us stronger, more innovative, and better prepared for the global society.

SUU does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex (including sex discrimination and sexual harassment), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, ancestry, disability status, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, military status, veteran status, or other bases protected by applicable law in employment, treatment, admission, access to educational programs and activities, or other University benefits or services.

SUU strives to cultivate a campus environment that encourages freedom of expression from diverse viewpoints. We encourage all to dialogue within a spirit of respect, civility, and decency.

For additional information on non-discrimination, please see SUU Policy 5.27 and/or visit https://www.suu.edu/nondiscrimination.

Pregnancy

Students who are or become pregnant during this course may receive reasonable modifications to facilitate continued access and participation in the course. Pregnancy and related conditions are broadly defined to include pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy, lactation, related medical conditions, and recovery. To obtain reasonable modifications, please make a request to title9@suu.edu. To learn more visit: https://www.suu.edu/titleix/pregnancy.html.

Disclaimer Statement

Information contained in this syllabus, other than the grading, late assignments, makeup work, and attendance policies, may be subject to change with advance notice, as deemed appropriate by the instructor.