MICR 271 Introduction to Microbiology

Fall 2023 (Online)

Year 2 Optional Course

9-10 hours/week

3 units

Available

Online Course

Microbes make up a large component of the earth’s total biomass. In addition to pathogens causing significant infectious diseases, a healthy human being carries around approximately 100 trillion “good” bacteria, as well as other microbes. MICR 271 provides an introduction to the biology of prokaryotic and eukaryotic microbes, including pathogenic and beneficial bacteria, viruses, fungi, helminthes, and protozoa. An overview of the biological features of these microorganisms and their component parts will highlight their roles in public health and the environment.

*Note that BHSc program students are required to take one of MICR 271/3.0 or MICR 270/3.0.

Prerequisites

Minimum 2nd year (Level 2) standing, and one of (PHGY 170/3.0 or BIOL 102/3.0) or equivalent courses with permission of the instructor.

Exclusions

No more than 3.0 units from MICR 271/3.0 and MICR 221/3.0.

Learning Tracks

Infection, Immunity, and Inflammation

Learning Outcomes

After completing MICR 271, students will be able to:

Employ a basic understanding of the biological features of bacteria, viruses, and eukaryotic microbes to transition to higher level microbiology courses.
Analyze information pertaining to a specific organism to evaluate the impact of antibiotic resistance of the microorganism in health, disease or the environment.
Collaboratively demonstrate a working knowledge of microbe characteristics that relate to their survival by working effectively with peers.
Employ effective peer review in a small group setting in order to collaboratively formulate predictions of the success or failure of designed superbugs.

Competencies

Assessments

All assessments will be graded using marking rubrics.

Assessment 1 – Module Quizzes (6x2%)(12%)

During the course, students will apply and integrate the knowledge gained from the modules, and expand on module content through short module quizzes. Module quizzes will be formative and be comprised of multiple choice and short answer questions. Successful completion of this assessment will demonstrate a foundational understanding and basic application of fundamental microbiology.

Assessment 2 – Designing Microbiology Quiz Questions (12%)

During the course, there will be two quizzes in which students will apply what they have learned. Students will demonstrate a complete understanding of concepts in the course by creating quiz questions and answers on a given microbiology-related topic. Students assigned the same original topic will then collaborate in small groups to select the best question/answer set. Students will be expected to identify why they selected the question and how they derived the answer. In completing the assignment, students will develop the ability to amalgamate learned concepts and teach peers in a succinct and accurate manner, which is a valuable skill in all workplaces and demonstrates expertise in a particular topic.

Assessment 3 – Pathogen Presentation (26%)

Students will complete a three-part assessment focused on a clinically relevant pathogen. In the first part, students work individually to develop presentation slides focused on an aspect of a pathogenic microorganism, incorporating material from the scientific literature and course content. In the second part, students will review and provide feedback regarding the slides developed by the two other students in their group, who have focused on other aspects of the same pathogen. In the third part, students will work with their groups to combine their slides into a complete narrated PowerPoint presentation, incorporating the feedback provided in the second part of this assessment. This assessment will be graded using a rubric.

Assessment 4 - Midterm Exam (20%)

The proctored midterm will consist of multiple choice and short answer questions aimed to evaluate problem solving skills and assimilation of knowledge from the early modules of the course.

Assessment 5 – Final Exam (30%)

The final exam will consist of short answer questions aimed to evaluate problem solving skills and assimilation of knowledge learned throughout the course.

Time Commitment

9–10 hours a week (108–120 hours per term).

Textbooks and Materials

Required Text

MICR 271 course notes via modules posted online

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