This course explores microbial structure, metabolism, growth, genetics, gene regulation, and adaptation in light of host–microbe interactions, pathogenesis, and human immune responses; methods of microbial control and prevention are also included.
Athena Title
Microbiology and Human Health
Equivalent Courses
Not open to students with credit in MIBO 2500E
Prerequisite
[(BIOL 1103 or BIOL 1103E or BIOL 1103H) and BIOL 1103L] or [(BIOL 1107 or BIOL 1107E or BIOL 1107H) and BIOL 1107L]
Semester Course Offered
Offered fall and spring
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Student learning Outcomes
SLO 1 Describe and Compare Microbial Structure and Function. Students will be able to differentiate, illustrate, and explain the structural and functional characteristics of microbes and evaluate how these features influence survival and pathogenicity.
SLO2 Analyze the Determinants of Microbial Growth and Control. Students will be able to analyze and predict bacterial growth patterns under varying environmental conditions; illustrate steps of viral replication; assess the effectiveness of physical, chemical, and antimicrobial methods used to control microbial growth; and describe biofilm formation and sporulation as adaptive strategies.
SLO 3 Apply Metabolic Principles to Microbial Physiology. Students will be able to explain, trace, and compare metabolic pathways and interpret how microbial metabolism supports energy generation, growth, and ecological niche adaptation on the human body.
SLO 4 Evaluate Mechanisms of Gene Expression, Mutation, and Horizontal Gene Transfer. Students will be able to describe, diagram, and evaluate roles of DNA replication, transcription, translation, mutation, horizontal gene transfer and gene regulation in microbial genetic variation, virulence, and antimicrobial resistance.
SLO5 Human Host and Microbial Interactions. Students will be able to analyze the interplay between microbial normal microbiota, pathogens, and host immunity to predict human health outcomes as well as identify preventative strategies against disease.
Topical Outline
I. Humans and their dependence on the microbial world (SLO5) Humans rely on microorganisms for essential functions such as digestion, nutrient production, and maintaining overall health.
II. Microscopy and the significance of bacterial cellular structure and viral composition (SLO1) Microscopy is a method to observe microbial structures, identifying bacterial cell features and viral components that may relate to their function and behavior.
III. Bacterial growth and methods utilized to reduce microbial growth and persistence (SLO2) Bacterial growth depends on various environmental conditions and can be controlled through physical, chemical, and antimicrobial methods.
IV. Principles of cellular metabolism related to bacterial growth (SLO2, SLO3) Bacterial growth is driven by metabolic processes that convert nutrients into energy and cellular components; these processes include a wide variety of mechanisms that enable bacteria to thrive in various environments.
V. The process of viral infection and replication in human cells (SLO2) Viruses infect human cells by entering them and using host machinery to replicate and produce new viral particles.
VI. Processes of prokaryotic gene replication and expression (SLO4) Prokaryotic cells replicate their DNA and express genes through transcription and translation to produce proteins.
VII. Processes of gene variation through mutation, horizontal gene transfer, and gene regulation in a prokaryotic organism (SLO4) Prokaryotic genetic diversity arises from induced and spontaneous mutations as well as various gene transfer mechanisms. Genetic expression is a highly regulated process correlated to environmental conditions.
VIII. Microbial pathgogenesis that leads to human colonization, infection, and disease outcomes (SLO 5) Microbial pathogenesis involves various cellular and molecular mechanisms by which microbes colonize hosts and cause infection which may lead to a disease state.
IX. Immunological responses to bacterial and viral infection (SLO 5) The immune system defends against infections through coordinated innate and adaptive responses targeting pathogens.
