Communication:  When I need to contact the class with course information I will use your Weber State NetID e-mail address (FirstnameLastname@mail.weber.edu).  E-mail is the best way to contact me.  

Course Description:

An introduction to microorganisms, their biology, and their relationships to health, technology, and the environment, with practical applications

Course Objectives:

1. Provide an overview of the science of microbiology including the major groups of microbes and their ecological, metabolic, and genetic diversity. 

2. Explore and evaluate current microbiological issues that impact health and environmental quality.

3. Develop skills that will be beneficial regardless of your career path, including the social skills needed to work in groups, critical thinking and problem solving skills, and written communication skills.

Textbooks and Resources:

Required Textbook:  Microbiology: A Human Perspective. 5^th ed. by Nester, E. W, et al. 2006. McGraw Hill Publishers.  (available in the bookstore) Bring this text to class. 

Other Resources:

Instructor’s Course Website http://faculty.weber.edu/mzwolinski/ – will include a list of Microbiology related links, lists of objectives, and changes to the course schedule. 

Textbook website: www.mhhe.com/nester5 (you will need to enter the code supplied with your textbook)

Required readings may also be assigned from other free sources (e.g. articles on the internet or at the library). 

Policies and Procedures: 

Teaching Strategies:

This class uses cooperative learning. You will be assigned to a small group during the first week of class.  Approximately once per week your group will complete an in-class assignment. Assignments will usually require you to prepare outside of class, but will not require your group to meet outside of class (unless you want to). Your participation in group activities will be evaluated.

Information for Students with Disabilities:

Any student requiring accommodations or services due to a disability must contact Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD), room 181 of the Student Service Center (http://weber.edu/ssd/). SSD can also arrange to provide course materials (including this syllabus) in alternative formats if necessary.

Students who are called up to active military duty need to contact the veterans’ administration on campus to discuss your options. 

Extenuating circumstances:

Unforeseen problems can arise during a semester.  Serious illnesses for yourself or a family member, for example, can be a tremendous distraction to your studies.  If you encounter extenuating circumstances that are affecting your ability to attend class, study, or to otherwise perform your best, you should seek assistance from the Dean of Students (http://departments.weber.edu/studentaffairs/DeanofStudents) or the Student Counseling Center (http://departments.weber.edu/CPSC/html/cc.htm) as soon as possible.  I will always be available to help you find assistance.

Academic Honesty:

Cheating, as defined by the Student Code (documents.weber.edu/ppm/6-22.htm), will be reported to the administration and will result in a failing grade.  

Plagiarism is presenting another person’s words or ideas as your own.  It is stealing and will be dealt with seriously.  Consequences of plagiarism include failing the assignment or failing the course.   Ignorance is not an acceptable excuse for plagiarism.  If you have questions about how to properly cite material see http://library.weber.edu/ref/guides/howto/citing.cfm#cbe.  When in doubt, ask a librarian!  If you need writing assistance, visit the Writing Center http://departments.weber.edu/writingcenter/ . 

Attendance policy: 

This is a fast-paced and interactive class.  Your performance will depend on your attendance and participation.  In addition, since much of the work will be done in groups, your absences will also affect the other members of your group.  If you must be absent for class please inform your group prior to missing the class.  You are responsible for retrieving missed information from your group. 

Exams, quizzes, and in-class assignments can not be made up. 

If circumstances beyond your control require you to be absent for more than three classes in a row you MUST tell me when you intend to return.  If not, you can expect a phone call from me and/or I will deduct your grade by 3% each class until you earn an E or a UW. 

Classroom Conduct:

Cell phones, radios, and other electronic devices must be turned off during class (this includes text messaging).  Distracting behavior could result in removal from the class.

Graded Assessments:  Assessments vary by semester

The assessments will be used to calculate your final grade will include:

                                    Note:  Point values are estimates.

Group Work: about 6 at 10 points each

        In-class activities and writing assignments will be distributed throughout the semester and explanations will be provided as needed.  You will be required to prepare for these assignments outside of class.  In-class assignments can not be made up.   

Take Home Labs: 4 at 20 points each

Although we don’t have a lab in this course there are a few activities that you can do at home with minimal expense and maximum safety.  You will complete the lab then write a short report.  There will be one per unit.  

Amazing Microbe Stories:  10 points

Approximately every other week (depending on schedule) one person will present a story of an amazing microbe from an organism found in Chapters 11 or 12.  These presentations should be approximately 8 minutes and have about 2 minutes for questions.  Visual aids may be used.

Exams:  3 at 100 points each = 300 points total

One exam per unit.  Exams will evaluate your ability to answer questions about the material covered in each unit.  They will be a combination of multiple choice, short answer, and essay.

All exams will be administered via Chi Tester in the testing center and will be available for one day. Class will not be held on the day of the exam. Make-up exams will be oral exams and be given only at the instructor’s discretion and convenience.

Final Exam:  1 at 150 points

In-class, during final exam slot

Final exam will be cumulative, but will also include material since the third exam.

Your final grade will be calculated as a percentage of the points earned

(= points earned/points total). 

Assignment of borderline +/- grades will be made at the discretion of the instructor and based primarily on participation.  A grade tracking sheet is attached.

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