Spring 2025 Course Syllabus

MWF 1:00 - 1:50 PM ()    

• Dr. José de Ondarza, Hudson Hall 211, 564-5156

• MWF 2 PM
• By appointment

• Murray, Rosenthal & Pfaller. Medical Microbiology (9th edition). Elsevier Publishers, ISBN 978-0-323-67322-8

Course Website

The course web sites can be found on Brightspace and at (http:///josedeondarza.com/Bio406/). Detailed instructions for assignments, course syllabus, calendars, lecture outlines and bonus points can be accessed via the web site.

Communication

Email is the official and formal mode of communication for Bio 203, whether sent through Brightspace or the faculty email account. Emails will be sent to the email address associated with your student account.

Course Objectives

Students should understand and be able to articulate fundamental principles of host-microbe interactions:

1. Describe the normal relationship between humans and microorganisms
2. Comprehend the mechanisms by which disease can arise
3. Discuss the infectious disease cycle and the capabilities of a pathogen
4. Explain the innate and adaptive immune mechanisms of the human body
5. Demonstrate insight into the epidemiology of infectious diseases
6. Understand the principles of antimicrobial treatment and antimicrobial resistance

Students will be able to describe the key characteristics of infectious diseases

7. Differentiate all major bacterial, viral, fungal and parasitic infections
8. Identify diseases and their causative agents based on case studies and key points

Students will demonstrate awareness and comprehension of current issues in the field

9. Articulate the impact of antimicrobial resistance, emerging infectious diseases, and bioterrorism
10. To effectively communicate scientific findings and information in form of a term paper.

 Reading Assignments

Chapters and/or page numbers assigned for each lecture period are indicated on the course calendar. 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. 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.

Attendance policy

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.

 Grading policy

Your course grade will be based on the following (600 points total):

• Exams 1 & 2 = 100 points each
• Exams 3 & 4 = 125 points each
• Case study presentation (50 points)
• 10 quizzes (100 points)

Exams are non-comprehensive and will cover material as indicated on the calendar.   Exams will consist of multiple choice, short answer, essay and case study questions.

Exam corrections can be done for multiple choice portions of each exam and will be due 1 week from the date the exam is returned. Up to 50% of points lost on the multiple choice questions can be regained.

Make-up exams are available only if: 1) you notify me prior to the scheduled exam time, and schedule a make-up exam at that time, or 2) you miss an exam for a valid reason, such as a medical emergency. Make-up exams must be taken within one week of the originally scheduled exam, and will differ in format (usually short-answer) from the original exam.

Quizzes.  Quizzes are assigned every week in class and pertain to material from the week's lecture material and due the following Monday. Each quiz is worth 10 points. Your best 10 quizzes will count toward your course grade. Missed quizzes cannot be made up.

Extra Credit Policy: You can earn up to 30 bonus points for the semester by completing the weekly on-line Survivor quiz. On-line assignments are posted weekly on Brightspace and cannot be made up.

Grading scale

Honor Code

 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.

Use of electronic devices in class

All electronic devices such as computers, phones, and iPods should be turned off during class time. No electronic devices are permitted to be in use during exams, including but not limited to cell phones, iPods, earbuds, calculators, and electronic dictionaries. If you require special testing conditions, please contact Student Support Services.

Student Accommodations

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.

Title IX Statement

“SUNY Plattsburgh is committed to maintaining a safe and inclusive environment for all students and employees. 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. 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.”