Office Hours:  Mondays 1:00pm-2:00pm, Tuesdays 11:00 am-12:00pm

Course Description:

This course will explore: 1. The factors determining the growth and distribution of microorganisms in their natural habitats,  2. Microbial diversity,  3. Microbial interactions with other living organisms and their surroundings, and 3. Microbial activities in nature, including biogeochemical cycles. 

Prerequisites:  Micro LS2054

Credit Hours: 4

Course Objectives:

1. Gain an appreciation for and understanding of the ecology of microorganisms and the evolution of microbial diversity.

2. Discuss the ways microorganisms interact with other microorganisms, plants, animals, and their environments.

3. Practice the laboratory techniques used to study microbial diversity and interactions.

4. Discuss how and why microbial ecology is an integral part of the science of microbiology.

5. Practice the skills needed to be efficient self-motivated scholars of microbiology.

 Textbooks and Resources:

Required Textbook:  Microbial Ecology: An Evolutionary Approach. By J. Vaun McArthur (2006). Academic Press.  Available in the bookstore; bring this text to class.

Recommended Text:  Microbiology by Prescott 6^th edition (also used in Micro 2054).  Readings will be assigned from this text, however if you have a different edition or other similar text you can usually find equivalent information.

Lab Notebook:  You will need a hard-cover, bound, laboratory notebook.  Using extra pages from a 2054 lab manual is acceptable.  Spiral bound notebooks are not acceptable.

Website:  Notes, handouts, additional reading assignments, links, etc. will be posted on my website http://faculty.weber.edu/mzwolinski

Policies and Procedures: 

Use of technology:

Computer access should not be and issue for anyone in this course.  If you feel you do not have adequate access to a computer (with internet access and word processing) please see me as soon as possible.  I expect that assignments will be prepared with a word processing program and will use correct spelling and grammar.

Academic Honesty:

Cheating and plagiarism will be reported to the administration and will result in a failing grade. 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-class quizzes and assignments can not be made up although you may receive copies posted on the website. 

This class meets for three 50 minute classroom sessions and a 2 hour and 50 minute lab each week.  Do not expect this class or lab to get over early, it won’t.  If extra time is available at the end of a lab session, this will be the only time in-class review will be offered. 

If circumstances beyond your control require you to be absent for more than three classes in a row you MUST tell me when and if you intent 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. 

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.

Cell phones:

Cell phones, radios, and other electronic devices must be turned off during class and lab (this includes text messaging). 

Earning Points

Quizzes:  10 points each, about 2 per unit, based on reading assignments and announced one class in advance.

Exams:  3 at 50 points each = 150 points

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. 

No make-up exams will be given.

Exams will be given in the testing center.  There will be no class on Exam days.

Final Exam:  1 at 75 points

In-class, during the final exam slot Wednesday, May 2, 7:00-9:00 am

Final exam is cumulative, but weighted to Unit IV.

Adopt a Microbe:  50 points:  Writing and presentation project.  Instructions will be provided: 

Labs:  200 points

        Attendance in labs is required.  Lab notebooks will be assessed twice during the semester (25 points each).  You will be given instructions on how to keep your lab notebook.

Microbial diversity collection (150 points)

Your final grade will be calculated as a percentage of the points earned (= points earned/points total). 

Plus and minus grades will be assigned based on the instructors discretion. Participation and attendance will influence your grade.

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