Fall 2026- Microbiology 260-03 and 03A (32852/32853)

LECTURE:   Building 15, Room 220 ; Monday, Wednesday, Friday 12:30-1:50

LAB:              Building 15, Room 320L; Tuesday and Thursday  12:30-1:50 

Instructor:     Dr. Barbara Brooks-Worrell

Office Hour: M/W 1:50-2:20 (after lecture) Building 15 room  Or by appointment

Contact Information:   Email:  bbrooks-worrell@tacomacc.edu  

Course Overview

Catalog Description

BIOL& 260 General Microbiology. Formerly BIOL 201. An introduction to the study of microbiology including microbial structures, metabolism, genetics, classification, pathogenesis, and host defense. The emphasis is on human bacterial and viral pathogens. Laboratory included.

Prerequisites

CHEM& 121 with a minimum grade of C (or higher level chemistry course with a minimum grade of C); and either BIOL& 160 or BIOL& 222 with a minimum grade of C.  The instructor highly recommends a “B” or better in BIOL&160 or equivalent.  Students with a “B” or better in BIOL&160 tend do well in BIOL&260 but this will vary greatly.

Textbooks & Homework Program

Great news: your textbook for this class is available for free online!
Microbiology from OpenStax, ISBN 1-947172-23-9

You have several options to obtain this book:

• View online (Links to an external site.) (Links to an external site.)
• Download a PDF (Links to an external site.) (Links to an external site.)
• Download on iBooks (Links to an external site.) (Links to an external site.) 

You can use whichever formats you want. Web view is recommended -- the responsive design works seamlessly on any device.

Lab Notebook

• Bound, composition notebook (or some other type of specified lab notebook). The pages must NOT be perforated/removable! I recommend quadrille-lined or blank paged. You will need to purchase this yourself.

Technology Required

This is a web enhanced course meaning that most of our course materials are available online via Canvas. You will need regular access to a computer and internet. Some functions can be completed on your phone using the Canvas app but others will be easier if done from a desktop, laptop, or tablet. If you need support using technology or learning how to use Canvas, please visit the Information Commons in Building 16.

Course Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

• survey important "milestones" in the history of microbiology.
• compare and contrast the structures and functions of macromolecules found as components of microbial agents/microorganisms.
• compare and contrast different types of metabolism/metabolic pathways employed by different types of microbes.
• compare and contrast different types of microbial agents and microorganisms with respect to morphology, physiology, and phylogeny.
• integrate concepts of gene expression, natural selection, and evolution in the context of microbiological organisms.
• demonstrate and operate a microscope to examine microscopic life including bacteria, protozoa, algae, fungi, helminths, and arthropod vectors.
• differentiate bacterial cultures by using staining techniques.
• compare the use of different types of microbial media for isolation and identification of bacteria and fungi.
• classify unknown bacteria by performing metabolic tests.
• incorporate aseptic/sterile techniques in all laboratory experiments.
• compare and explain the effects of physical and chemical factors in controlling microbial growth and perform antibiotic sensitivity tests.
• explain the role of bacteria in biofilm formation and nitrogen cycling as important aspects of prokaryotic ecology.

Learning Objectives:

14. Analyze and interpret results from a variety of microbiological methods.
15. Use mathematical reasoning and graphing skills to solve problems in microbiology.
16. Effectively communicate fundamental concepts of microbiology in written or oral formats.
17. Identify credible scientific sources of information on microorganisms and interpret the information for those sources.
18. Clearly document and report on experimental protocols, results and conclusions.
19. Prepare and view microbial specimens for microscopy and elucidate the role of microscopy to microbiology.
20. Use and describe appropriate techniques to enrich for, isolate, and identify microorganisms.
21. Estimate the number of microorganisms in a sample.
22. Practice safe microbiology and use proper aseptic technique.

Instructional Methods Used: 

This course utilizes a combination of lecture, videos, laboratory exercises, small group discussions/activities, and homework assignments.  In this class, I use a mixture of lecture, discussion, lab, and some group work activities. You can expect to:

• learn and take notes from weekly lectures that will be live and recorded, available 24 hours a day;
• be engaged in frequent learning activities to build on the readings, activities, and/or homework you have done for each class;
• work in small groups;

Completing the above learning activities will help you meet each of the Course Learning Outcomes above.  If you ever feel you are not meeting those Course Learning Outcomes please reach out so we can get you back on track.

Student Requirements: 

• Attend class/lab: Success will heavily depend on attending lecture and lab.
• Engage in class: You must stay engaged. Attend lab and lectures, re-watch the lectures, take notes, study the material, do the assigned readings, and ask questions when you have them.
• Check Canvas: Assignments and other assessments are in Canvas. Check Canvas at least daily to ensure you complete work on time and understand instructions.
• Respect others: Behave with respect toward each other including other students and your professor. Refrain from profane language or inappropriate/unrelated remarks.
• Communicate with me: Keep me updated of any circumstances that will not allow you to complete your work on time. I am here to help you learn and can be flexible if something unexpected comes up in your life. Please bring things up BEFORE the due dates on assignments/assessments.
• Self-Advocacy: Seek our resources you need to be successful. There are many resources available to help you succeed at TCC, for example the Writing and Tutoring Center, Access Services, and Counseling. You can see websites, phone numbers, and emails for these services here.

If there is a concern with your behavior during this quarter, we will use the Student Code of Conduct to frame our discussion. Important Notes:

• All first week assignments need to be completed and submitted by the due date to avoid possibly being dropped from the class.

Any student needing accommodations should inform the instructor. Students with disabilities who may need accommodations for this class are encouraged to notify the instructor and contact the Access services.

Recommended Study Habits

For each hour of lecture, expect to spend one to two hours extra to rewrite your notes, study, reading text and competing the assigned homework.  This estimate (one to two hours) is based off what successful students have told me over the years.  This obviously won’t work for everyone.  Some students can succeed without much studying at all while others can spend many hours a day and struggle to pass.  This is a data heavy course.  I strongly suggest starting the course and devoting as much time as possible to it until you figure out your “happy medium” and still be able to attain the grade you are aiming for.

TCC Student Policies

TCC works hard to create a vibrant learning culture where you can succeed. Please refer to the college-wide standards and policies that support this important work.  Some of these policies include Religious Accommodations, Withdraw/Retakes, and the Student Code of Conduct

Class Policies and Procedures

• Attendance: Attendance is not tracked in lecture for points, but I strongly recommend you attend. Missing lectures will affect your grade on quizzes.  Missing lab will impact your grade heavily, please attend all labs.
• Due Dates: All assignments are due when you walk into class on the date due.   
• Late work: Late work is not accepted. This is a 200 level course so you should understand how to get work in on time. The only exception are prior arrangements made between me and the student BEFORE the due date/time.
• Cell phones & other electronic devices: Please silence cell phones ringers and alarms before lecture. Cell phones are prohibited in lab.
  • NO PHONES ALLOWED IN LAB! This is a safety thing. I don’t want you to accidentally take something home with you from lab!
  • I will give everyone 1 warning if a cell phone comes out during lab. Leave in your backpack or briefcase.
    • Second issue: 5 points off your grade
    • Third Issue: 25 points removed from your grade in the course
    • Fourth issue: Student receives E grade in the course
  • Children/guests: Guests, including children, are welcome in lecture on an occasional basis with my prior Guests must not disrupt the class in any way. You are responsible for your guests. Guests are not allowed in the lab.
  • NO GUESTS IN LAB and no exceptions to this. This is for safety.
  • Food/beverages in class: Eating/drinking in lecture is to be kept at a minimum. Please eat lunch before or after lecture and lab. If you are eating, make sure it is not a distraction to other students.  Food/beverage in lab is strictly prohibited and violations will result in removal from lab and a zero for that lab.  Zero exceptions for food/drink in lab. If you have a documented medical reason that requires access to food please tell me so we can coordinate how to have access outside of lab.
  • Group work: There will be some group work in lab. These will vary greatly and participation is expected.  If you do not participate in group activities then I cannot give points to you.
  • Suspended operations: We live in the Pacific Northwest. Things change fast.  If we need to cancel for whatever reason then I will communicate this via canvas.

Classroom Etiquette:

Admission to Tacoma Community College carries with it the expectation that the student will conduct himself/herself as a responsible member of the academic community and observe the principles of mutual respect, personal and academic integrity and civility. The Code of Student Conduct establishes rules governing academic and social conduct of students, including due process rights. Violations of the Code may result in dismissal from class for the day and/or referral to the Student Conduct Administrator for sanctions. Students come to class to learn. It is expected that everyone will act in ways that are respectful and that promote learning for all students and will refrain from actions that interfere with learning. Specific examples include:

• Arrive on time. If you arrive late to lecture, do your best to minimize the disruption to other students. Sit in the back of the class or near the door to minimize disruption to other students. If I will be late, I will send someone to inform you. Use the time to study. Late arrivals to lab will not be admitted.
• Be ready to learn when the class begins. Even quiet conversation is very disruptive during class.
• If you cannot hear what is said or see what is written on the board, let me know.
• Stay until the end of class. If you must leave early, sit near the exit and minimize the disruption to other students.
• Learn the names of the people you interact with in class and lab.
• Turn off all alarms and ringers before class starts.
• If you have a contagious illness, stay home.
• I can usually answer a few quick questions before and after class. However, lengthy discussions, and confidential or private discussions should take place during office hours or by appointment.

Disruptive Students

Behavior that persistently or grossly interferes with classroom activities is disruptive behavior and may be subject to disciplinary action. Such behavior inhibits other students’ ability to learn and the instructor’s ability to teach.  A disruptive student may be required to leave class pending discussion and resolution of the problem, and may be reported to the Student Conduct Administrator for further action.

Classroom Concerns/Disputes/Final Grade Appeal Process

If you have questions or concerns about this class, please talk to me about them. If we are unable to resolve your concerns, you may talk next with the Chair, Professor Heather Cushman.  You can reach Professor Gavan Albright at galbright@tacomacc.edu or 253.460.4372. Professor Albright can assist with information about additional steps, if needed. If you think that your final grade has been given in error, please see the final grade appeal process.

Academic Dishonesty

TCC Students are expected to be honest and forthright in their academic endeavors. Academic dishonesty is inconsistent with the values and mission of Tacoma Community College. Cheating, plagiarism, and other forms of academic dishonesty are violations of the Code of Student Conduct. Sanctions for acts of academic dishonesty committed in this course are as follows: As stated in the TCC Catalog, ‘Students are expected to be honest and forthright in their academic endeavors. Cheating, plagiarism, fabrication or other forms of academic dishonesty corrupt the learning process and threaten the educational environment for all students (pg. 33). In this course, sanctions for academic dishonesty will be as follows:

No dishonorable conduct will be tolerated. Any form of academic dishonesty on quizzes assignments will result in a 0 grade for that assignment / quiz. Other forms of dishonesty or misconduct will also result in a 0 grade. Second offenses of any type of academic dishonesty will result in an E for the course and the student is asked to not return to class.

Cheating (to violate rules): Honesty is expected in all endeavors.

• Plagiarism (to present the ideas or words of another as one’s own or to not properly cite a source when using adapted words or ideas): Tables, figures and words should never be copied directly from a book, Internet, another student’s paper or any other works.
• Lying (to be untruthful or false): There is no reason to lie to an instructor. Be truthful and take responsibility for your own actions.
• Stealing (to take and carry away without permission): Permission is required to borrow any materials from the classroom.
• Other violations: A student that is in violation of any college policies or other forms of dishonesty/conduct will be asked to leave the class upon the first offense, will lose all points for that period and will be reported to the Associate Vice President for disciplinary proceedings.

The complete Administrative Procedure for Academic Dishonesty is available on the TCC website at: http://www.tacomacc.edu/cms/One.aspx?portalId=43428&pageId=54163. 

Evaluation Criteria & Grading Standards: 

Students will earn points for weekly lecture quizzes, weekly laboratories, weekly homework assignments, and a comprehensive lecture final exam. The grade will be based on a percentage of the total points earned, using the following table:

GRADE	PERCENTAGE	GRADE POINTS
A	93-100	4.0
A-	90-92	3.7
B+	87-89	3.3
B	83-86	3.0
B-	80-82	2.7
C+	77-79	2.3
C	73-76	2.0
C-	70-72	1.7
D+	67-69	1.3
D	63-66	1.0
E	0-59	0.0

 

Withdrawals and Incompletes:

The dates for withdrawal are found in the academic calendar at the following site:  http://www.tacomacc.edu/areasofstudy/academiccalendar/

Requests for WI after the published date will only be granted in cases of EXTREME emergency.

If you must withdraw for medical reasons, immediately consult with the Registration Office regarding a medical withdrawal.

If you might be activated for military service during the quarter, contact the Registration Office in advance for withdrawal procedures.

An incomplete will be granted only in an extreme case involving circumstances beyond your control. You must have completed almost all the course work. The college requires that an Incomplete Contract be signed before you can receive an incomplete.

If you are enrolled in this class and do not officially withdraw, you will receive a grade based on the points you earn. See the Grading section below for more details.

There may be changes in the course calendar or assignments which will be announced as they occur.                                                                                                                                         

Weekly Quizzes

Most weeks will have a quiz on Monday that covers material from the previous week.  Each quiz will be worth 25 points and will be taken in class.  The quizzes will start PROMPTLY at 12:30. Extra time will not be allowed for late arrivals. No makeup quizzes without approval PRIOR to quiz day and/or time.

Assignments:

Weekly assignments will be available on Canvas and due on Mondays.  Each assignment is worth 20 points.  Late homework will NOT be accepted without PRIOR approval.  Homework assignments turned in before the deadline (and if I have time to grade) will be graded and returned.  If full credit was not received, corrections can be made and the assignment turned in by the deadline.  No corrections will be accepted after the deadline.

Laboratory:

      The laboratory is an integral part of Microbiology 260. You are expected to actively participate in all the experiments. Before coming to the lab, study the experiment so that you are familiar with it. Laboratories will be available on Canvas.  Labs will be graded on Thursdays after completion of the experiments and lab notebooks handed in.  Late Laboratories will NOT be accepted after the deadline without PRIOR approval.  Each lab is worth 25 points.  Labs cannot be made up and attendance is required to receive credit for a lab. Failure to participate in laboratories will be an automatic failure for the course.  Please print out the laboratory prior to coming to class.  Lab notebooks will be graded 3x randomly throughout the term and consist of a total of 30 points (10x each grading).  All students must follow the lab safety procedures and standard operating procedures established by the college, the microbiology department, and the instructor. If you repeatedly or willfully violate these procedures sanctions may be taken, including removal from the course.   Please read and print out the laboratory safety contracts and sign for return to professor during first lecture.  Laboratory safety contracts are located in canvas. 

Safety in Lab: Attendance and drug use

Lab can only be attended by enrolled students or authorized campus personnel.  Those that attend lab must not be under the influence of any mind-altering substance that can make lab unsafe.  This includes alcohol and cannabis products.  If students are acting like they are under the influence of any substance, then they will be removed from lab and will be required to meet with the instructor and our department chair to make sure the student does not enter the lab while under the influence.

REMEMBER that your instructor has the final say on whether or not a student can safely participate in lab!

Student Resources

During this quarter, you may encounter a need that goes beyond this class that affects your academic performance. We are here to help you be successful. You have access to great resources on campus and people ready to support you. Login to Canvas and access the Student Resources course to learn about some of these excellent resources.

You can also find many of these resources on the “Academic Support” page on our Canvas page, under the “Support” module.

Academic Assistance:

      I am only one of many resources available to help you succeed in this class. Here are some other resources:

      Tutoring Center

            Biology tutors are available at no additional cost in the Tutoring Center on the second floor of building 7. Appointments can be made in person or by calling 253.566.6032. An online tutoring eservice with A&P tutors is available through the Northwest Tutoring Consortium and can be accessed at:  http://www.etutoring.org/login.cfm?institutionid=173

      Counseling Center

            The Counseling Center staff in Building 7 can help you address personal difficulties that interfere with your studies. This includes things like test anxiety. Call 253.566.5122 to make an appointment.

Access and Accommodations

Your access in the learning environment is important to me. If you have already established disability accommodations with the Access Services office, please communicate your approved accommodations to me at your earliest convenience so we can discuss your needs in this course. You can request that Access Services email your Letter of Accommodation to me, or you can provide me with printed copies.

If you have a disability or health condition that may benefit from accommodations to ensure access and support success in this course—and have not yet established services, please contact Access Services at (253) 460-4437 or access@tacomacc.edu.

Access Services offers resources and coordinates reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities and/or temporary health conditions. Services are established through an interactive process that begins with an intake appointment. Access Services is located in Building 7.

Emergency Procedures: 

If there is a medical emergency or immediate threat, call 911.  For any other incident including bomb threats, fire, chemical spills and other incidents call Security, 253.566.5111. (5111 from any campus phone).   See the following for more information on TCC safety procedures:  http://my.tacomacc.edu/tccapps/content/emergency_procedures.htm

If campus is closed for any reason you can receive notification in one of three ways.

1. You can call the TCC Weather Closure line 253-566-5000 for closure information.    Information on school closure for the day is posted by 6:15 am.
2. You can sign up for E2K through the Portal and receive email and text message notification of any closure information.

This syllabus and schedule may change throughout the quarter if deemed necessary by the instructor. If you are absent from class, it is your responsibility to check for announcements and obtain lecture notes while you were absent.

Schedule of topics and reading assignments and point distributions

	Week of	Due Monday	Topics	Reading and assignments	Laboratory (Tuesday)	Laboratory (Thursday)
1	9/21/26 to 9/25/26		Introduction Biosafety Micro History Microscope	Chapters 1-3 Assignment 1	Lab 1- Lab safety Microscope Aseptic technique	Lab 1- Lab safety Microscope and cells Results
2	9/28/26 to 10/2/26	Assignment 1 Quiz 1 Lab 1	Cells Prokaryotes Acellular	Chapters 4, 6 Assignment 2	Lab 2-Review aseptic technique Streak for Isolation	Lab 2-Review aseptic technique Streak for Isolation Results
3	10/5/26 to 10/9/26	Assignment 2 Quiz 2 Lab 2	Microbial Biochemistry Metabolism	Chapters 7-8 Assignment 3	Lab 3-Smear prep Simple and Gram staining	Smear prep Simple and Gram staining Results
4	10/12/26 to 10/16/26	Assignment 3 Quiz 3 Lab 3	Microbial growth	Chapters 9, 13 Assignment 4	Lab 4-Counting bacteria using serial dilutions and standard plate count	Lab 4 Special staining and Serial dilutions Results
5	10/19/26 to 10/23/26 No class Tuesday	Assignment 4 Quiz 4 Lab 4	Genome DNA/RNA Microbial genetics and Applications	Chapters 10, 11 Assignment 5	No lab	Lab 5-Building DNA and RNA Visualizing DNA
6	10/26/26 to 10/30/26	Assignment 5 Quiz 5 Lab 5	Anti-microbial drugs Epidemiology	Chapters 14, 16 Assignment 6	Lab 6- Antibiotic susceptibility Epidemiology	Lab 6- Antibiotic susceptibility Epidemiology Results
7	11/2/26 to 11/6/26	Assignment 6 Quiz 6 Lab 6	Disease and Applications of Microbial genetics	Chapter 12 Assignment 7	Lab7-Gram Negative biochemical testing	Lab 7-Gram Negative biochemical testing Results
8	11/9/26 to 11/13/26 No class Wednesday	Assignment 7 Quiz 7 Lab 7	Innate Immune system	Chapter 17 Assignment 8	Lab 8- Gram Positive Biochemical testing	Lab 8- Gram Positive Biochemical testing Results
9	11/16/26 to 11/20/26	Assignment 8 Quiz 8 Lab 8	Adaptive Immune system	Chapter 18 Assignment 9	Lab unknown	Lab unknown
10	11/23/26 To 11/24/26 No class 11/25-27	Assignment 9 Quiz 9	No reading	No reading	Lab unknown	No Lab
11	11/30/26 to 12/4/26	No assignment or quiz	Mechanisms of pathogenicity	Chapter 15	Lab cleanup Turn in unknown report	Lab cleanup Turn in unknown report
12	12/7/26 to 12/10/26	Final			No lab	No lab

 

Point distribution

Activity	Number	Points	Total points
Weekly Assignment	9	20	180
Laboratories	8	25	200
Weekly Quizzes	9	25	225
Microbial Unknowns	2	75	150
Lab notebook checks	3	10	30
Final exam	1	220	220
Total points			1005