Biology 203 - Microbiology
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Biology 203 - Microbiology |
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My Home | Course Home | Assignments | Bug-of-the-Day | MicroNews | MicroWorld |
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Lecture: MWF 1:00 PM – 1:50 PM (Hudson Hall 106)
Lab A: TR 9:30 AM - 10:55 AM (Hudson Hall 222)
Lab B: TR 12:30 PM - 1:55 PM (Hudson Hall 222)
Dr. José de Ondarza, Hudson Hall 211, 564-5156
All reading assignments refer to the 14th edition of the Tortora textbook. However, you may choose to use another Microbiology textbook or edition. If you use a different text, you will be responsible for selecting the appropriate chapters corresponding to the lecture outline.
The course web site and BrightSpace site are formal and official means of communication for Biology 203 (Microbiology). Students are expected to participate in on-line activities such as the discussion forum, and detailed instructions for assignments and bonus points can be accessed via the web site.
Natural Sciences and Technology — Courses in this category develop in students “understanding of the methods scientists use to explore natural phenomena” and “application of scientific data, concepts, and models in one of the natural sciences” (SUNY Required Learning Outcomes). Courses will explore the fundamental assumptions and principles of the scientific method, illustrated by laboratory and/or fieldwork. Courses will make clear the difference between science and technology and enable students to critically assess technological worth. Courses will strengthen students’ skills in qualitative and quantitative reasoning and in critical thinking and analysis, by careful study of both historic and contemporary scientific problems. In addition, courses will reinforce students’ understanding and appreciation of the sciences and their ability to use technology effectively (Plattsburgh General Education Objectives).
Attendance during lecture periods is required. Lectures will cover the topics outlined in the course calendar (see below), and may contain material not covered by the textbook. Students are responsible for all material covered in lecture, as well as any announcements made during the lecture period. We will discuss new topics, seek to apply these in practical terms, and lay the foundation for upcoming laboratories.
Because this course is intended to be a laboratory-based investigation of microbiology, and because labs cannot be made up, laboratory attendance is mandatory. You will be permitted a maximum of three absences from laboratory (for any reason), after which 5 points will be deducted from your course point total for each additional absence from lab.
Chapters and/or page numbers assigned for each lecture and lab period are indicated on the course calendar (below). Readings should be completed before the corresponding class period. The reading assignments are intended to illustrate, support, supplement, and expand on the lectures. All exam questions will come from material covered in the lectures/labs. As such, the text will provide invaluable aids to studying and serve as a reference for the many terms and concepts we will cover. Please take the reading assignments seriously.
Your course grade will be based on the following (700 points total):
Quizzes are given on Mondays as noted on the calendar. Quizzes are multiple choice, based on content covered the week prior to the quiz, and count for 30 points each. Your 2 lowest quiz grades of the semester will be dropped. Quizzes cannot be made up. Corrections will be allowed for quizzes.
Exams 1 (midterm; Oct 17) and 2 (final) are comprehensive and cover material from the first and second half of the semester, respectively, as indicated on the calendar. Exam questions are modified from the preceding weekly quizzes.
Make-up exams are available only if you miss an exam for a valid reason, such as a medical emergency. In all other cases, no make-up exam will be permitted. Make-up exams are given on Thursday of finals week and will differ from the original exam. You may only make up one exam.
Exam corrections may be done for both exams but not for quizzes. Corrections give you the opportunity to regain up to 50% of points lost on each exam. Corrections are due on 10/27 (midterm) and 12/12 (final). Instructions can be found here.
Project assignments include the Microbe CV project (10/24), Antibiotics project (11/21) and Article summary (12/12). Instructions will be handed out in class and posted on Brightspace.
Extra Credit Policy: You can earn bonus points for the semester by participating in the weekly on-line assignment (15 points). On-line assignments are posted weekly on Brightspace, based on posted special readings, and cannot be made up.
Your laboratory grade will be based on the following (175 points total).
| A | 93% – 100% | B- | 80% - 82% | D+ | 67% – 69% |
| A- | 90% – 92% | C+ | 77% – 79% | D | 60% – 66% |
| B+ | 87% – 89% | C | 73% – 76% | E | < 60% |
| B | 83% – 86% | C- | 70% – 72% |
It is expected that all students enrolled in this class support the letter and the spirit of the Academic Honesty Policy as stated in the college catalog.
All forms of cheating, plagiarism and misrepresentation in academic work submitted for a grade are considered to be academic dishonesty. This includes the use of phones during exams and quizzes, copying another’s work, and claiming authorship of work not performed by you.
Depending on the perceived severity of the offense (Intentional or inadvertent? How much of the course grade was affected? How much of an assignment was plagiarized? Was this a repeat offense?) the instructor may mark down the assignment by one letter grade, give a grade of "0" for the assignment, give a grade of "E" for the course, and/or refer the student to the campus judicial committee for academic dishonesty. This will result in a hearing before the judicial committee and may result in expulsion from the University.
All electronic devices such as computers, phones, iPods etc should be turned off during class time except if needed for emergency contacts. No electronic devices are permitted to be in use during exams, including but not limited to cell phones, iPods, calculators, and electronic dictionaries. If you require special testing conditions, please contact the Accessibility Resource Office.
“SUNY Plattsburgh is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for all persons with disabilities. If you are a student with a disability that may have an impact on your work in this class and require academic or other accommodations, please contact the Accessibility Resources Office (ARO) on the first floor of Feinberg Library 127, call 518-564-3844 or email ARO@plattsburgh.edu. You may also request accommodations from the Accommodate portal and a representative will contact you directly. To utilize specific accommodations you must certify with this office prior to accommodations being provided.”
SUNY Plattsburgh is committed to maintaining a safe and inclusive environment for all students and employees. Federal Title IX regulations prohibit sex-based discrimination in education and apply to all students, faculty and staff. The Title IX Coordinator can coordinate specific actions to address and respond to sex discrimination and ensure students’ equal access to their education program or activity, including: (1) protections during pregnancy, related conditions and parenting, (2) a grievance process for addressing complaints of sex-based harassment and sex-based discrimination, including behaviors that constitute sexual assault, domestic and dating violence, and stalking. All employees, including faculty, have the responsibility to notify the Title IX Coordinator when they have information about conduct that may reasonably constitute sex discrimination under Title IX. Students may also contact the Title IX Coordinator directly to make a complaint of sex discrimination. Know your rights. Contact Kim Irland at Title.IX@plattsburgh.edu, or visit 204 Angell College Center, or call 518-564-3281. Visit Title IX online for more information.
The SUNY Chancellor, Dr. John King has prioritized meeting students’ basic needs. Please visit the webpage https://www.plattsburgh.edu/plattslife/student-support/making-ends-meet.html or contact the Student Outreach and Support Coordinator, Hakima Bachar (112 Angel College Center, 564-3811).
Course help will be available to you in various ways. Please feel free to come to my office during office hours to discuss course-related questions or problems. If you cannot make it in during regular office hours, please schedule an alternate time with me. Many questions can also be addressed via email, and I encourage you to use this approach. I will attempt to answer each message I receive within a day.
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