Class Meeting Times: M, W, F 11:30-12:20, Dana 146
Instructor: Linda McNally
Office: 288 Watson
Phone: x2886
E-mail: limcnally@davidson.edu
Office hours: "Scheduled" office hours are Monday & Tuesday 1:30-3:00 PM, but I am usually on campus every weekday so you can schedule an appointment or stop by any time my office door is open. You may want to call or e-mail first just to see if I''ll be available.
IMPORTANT: You will regularly receive announcements and assignments through the Blackboard course web site: (http://blackboard2.davidson.edu). Blackboard will also allow you to access course materials (PowerPoint lectures, etc.) when you log in. I will also use email to communicate with you so be sure to check your email regularly.
Textbook: There is no appropriate published textbook for this course so I have written the text we will use. This book is required for the course and can be purchased from me during the first week of class. The fee of $10 covers both the textbook and any additional handouts you will receive during the semester. Payment can be made in cash or by check made out to Davidson College.
Course Description: Microbes and Human Disease is a non-major biology course designed to give you an appreciation of the microscopic organisms around you and how they influence your life and your health. Much of the semester will focus on how microbes cause disease and how microbial diseases are acquired, diagnosed, and treated. We will also discuss how your immune system defends against microbial invaders and how it can turn against you. Throughout the course, you will learn ways to reduce or (in some cases) eliminate your risk of acquiring certain microbial diseases. Other topics we will address include antibiotic resistance and newly emerging diseases. My goal for this course is to provide you with interesting and useful information regarding microbes and your health.
Grades: Your final grade will be calculated as follows:
| 3 lecture reviews (100 pts. each) | 60% |
| Out of class assignments | 15% |
| Participation and quizzes | 5% |
| Cumulative final exam (self-scheduled) | 20% |
Grade Scale:
| A 92-100 | A- 90-91 | B+ 88-89 | B 82-87 |
| B- 80-81 | C+ 78-79 | C 72-77 | C- 70-71 |
| D+ 68-69 | D 60-67 | F < 60 |
Attendance: You are expected to attend all lectures. Attendance will be taken regularly. Your class participation grade will be affected if you miss more than 3 lectures without a legitimate reason (illness, death in the family, college-sponsored event, etc.) In keeping with College policy, missing more than 25% of scheduled lectures will result in failure of the course. This applies regardless of other grades! (NOTE: It is your responsibility to make sure you get any missed material or new assignments. Any assignments that are turned in late will be penalized.)
NOTE: You are also expected to be ON TIME to all lectures. Coming to class late is disruptive and disrespectful of others - DO NOT MAKE IT A HABIT!!! Excessive tardiness will be noted and will be noted and will reduce your overall course grade accordingly.
Scheduled Reviews (Tests): You must be present for ALL scheduled reviews. These tests will be given in class during our scheduled meeting time on the dates specified in the syllabus. No make-up tests will be allowed except in cases of emergency AND if I am notified in advance or as soon as physically possible. NOTE: Emergency refers to illness requiring medical care, accident involving injury or death in the family. Papers due, exams/reviews in other classes, social functions, sporting events, theatrical productions, or similar events are not acceptable reasons for missing or postponing tests!
Note: I do not allow students to use "spots" (old tests) for studying. Using course tests from previous semesters is considered an Honor Code violation. I will provide enough information on my testing style along with examples and study questions so that you will feel comfortable with the types of questions that will be asked. If you have questions or concerns about what to expect from my tests, please ask me - I will gladly discuss these matters in more detail.
Honor Code: Unless otherwise noted, all of your work (reviews, exams, and writing assignments) in this course is covered under the College Honor Code and must be pledged with your signature.
Accomodations for Students with Disabilities: Full accommodations are the legal right of students with all kinds of disabilities, whether learning disabilities or physical disabilities. I am happy to provide these accommodations. If you are a student with a learning disability documented by Davidson College who might need accommodations, please identify yourself to me within the first week or two of class so that I can learn from you as early as possible how to best work with your learning style. Students with other disabilities are also encouraged to self-identify if there is any way in which I can make accommodations that will enhance your learning experience. All such discussions will be fully confidential unless you otherwise stipulate.
IMPORTANT DATES:
Scheduled Tests:
| Review 1 |
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| Review 2 | Wednesday, Oct. 20 |
| Review3 | Wednesday, Nov. 17 |
| Self-scheduled Final Exam | Dec. 10-1 |
Lecture Topics: The following provides an overview of the subjects and chapters we will attempt to cover this semester. I have not set a specific timetable for the lectures to allow us the flexibility to spend more time on topics of particular interest to the class. Several additional reading assignments (handout or internet-based) will be given during the semester regarding topics not covered in our textbook. These assignments will be announced in class and on our Blackboard site.
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| Overview of Microbiology and Society | none |
| History of Microbiology |
Chp. 1 |
| The Cellular Microbe/Characteristics of Cells | Chp. 2 |
| Bacteria | Chp. 3 |
| Eukaryotic Microbes | Chp. 4 |
| Viruses | Chp. 5 |
| Interaction Between Microbe and Host | Chp. 6 |
| The Immune System and Nonspecific Defenses | Chp. 7 |
| Specific Immunity | Chp. 8 |
| Allergies and Immune Disorders | Chp. 9 |
| Food & Waterborne Diseases | Chp. 10 |
| Respiratory Diseases | Chp. 11 |
| Sexually Transmitted Diseases | Chp. 12 |
| Diseases Transmitted through Bites or Wounds | Chp. 13 |
| Parasitic Helminth Infections | Chp. 14 |
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Send comments, questions, and suggestions to:
limcnally@davidson.edu