Course Syllabus
Course Communication
Instructor Contact
Jim Brown
- Canvas Inbox is preferred.
- Email: jabrown@ccsf.edu
- CCSF Phone: (415) 4525673
- Office Hours: By appointment
- Office Location: STEM 205B
- I will respond to all course emails within 48 hours, Monday-Friday, exclusive of school holidays. Once the course begins, I prefer to get messages through the Canvas "Inbox."
Communication Plan
- I will respond to your messages within 48 hours during the work week (Monday-Friday), excluding holidays, or if you are notified otherwise.
- Your question maybe relevant to the entire class and will be addressed indirectly. Since we meet twice a week I may ask that we discuss your concerns in class.
- Office hours are by arrangement only. I am on campus only on Tuesday and Thursdays from 7AM until 8PM We can meet via Zoom video conferencing if you cannot come to campus and it is time critical.
Equity Statement
You Belong Here!
In an ideal world, science would be objective. However, much of science is subjective and is historically built on a small subset of privileged voices. In this class, we will make an effort to acknowledge the contributions of a diverse group of scientists, but limits still exist on this diversity. It is possible, even likely, that there may be both overt and covert biases in the material due to the lens with which it was written, even though the material is primarily of a scientific nature. Integrating a diverse set of experiences is important for a more comprehensive understanding of science. I will highlight issues of diversity in microbiology as part of the course from time to time.
Please contact me (in person or electronically) or submit anonymous feedback if you have any suggestions to improve the quality of the course materials.
Furthermore, I would like to create a learning environment for my students that supports a diversity of thoughts, perspectives, and experiences, and honors your identities (including race, gender, age, class, sexuality, religion, ability, etc.) To help accomplish this:
If you have a name and/or set of pronouns that differ from those that appear in your official CCSF records, please let me know! I am fascinated by accents and it enriches me to learn how to pronounce your name properly so please be patient and tolerant in helping me learn.
If you feel like your performance in the class is being impacted by your experiences outside of class, please don’t hesitate to come and talk with me. I want to be a resource for you. Remember that you can also submit anonymous feedback (which will lead to me making a general announcement to the class, if necessary to address your concerns). If you prefer to speak with someone outside of the course, the Biology Department Chair - Dr. Joe Reyes - is an excellent resource.
I (like many people) am still in the process of learning about diverse perspectives and identities. If something was said in class (by anyone) that made you feel uncomfortable, please talk to me about it. (Again, anonymous feedback is always an option.)
Expectations
Student Expectations
You will succeed in this course if you meet the following expectations:
- Complete the assigned activities. Please let me know as soon as you can concerning difficulties you may have in getting assignments in on time.
- Read every announcement and make sure you understand what the instructions and reminders are all about.
- Attend every laboratory session.
- Think critically about the weekly topics. Is something surprising? Is it new to you? How does it contrast with what you know about XYZ, or how does it compare to ABC?
- It's easy to get busy and skip a lecture relying instead on the published lecture notes, but it's not possible to succeed in this course without actively "attending" the lectures.
- Do your own and your best work.
Instructor Expectations
Here is what you can expect of me:
- I will respond to your email or message within 48 hours during the week unless I inform you otherwise.
- I will treat you and your ideas with respect.
- I will grade your course assignments within a week. (If you have posted late work, it may take longer.) Grades on the unknown project can take up to three weeks. The final exam will be done within three days.
- You will see your grades in the Canvas Gradebook.
- I will work hard to make this a great class.
Course Description
This course explores the evolution, structure, function, diversity, and medical importance of microbes and infectious disease agents. Emphasis is placed on the interactions of microbes with the environment, animals, plants, and other microbes in health and disease.
Prerequisites/corequisites/advisories
PREREQ: CHEM 32 or CHEM 101A or demonstration of CHEM 32 or CHEM 101A exit skills ADVISE: Readiness for college-level English or ESL 188
Student Learning Outcomes
- Construct an argument for evolutionary theory using evidence provided by microbial life and describe how microbial biodiversity is generated, perpetuated, and adapts to distinct environments.
- Apply principles of biochemistry and genetics to the growth, cooperation, and adaptations of microorganisms.
- Analyze the interplay between a wide variety of microorganisms and the human immune system.
- Predict how microorganisms will interact with other organisms and the environment using the principles of microbial ecology.
- Investigate a variety of common microorganisms employing proper microbiological practices in a laboratory setting.
- Analyze quantitative and qualitative scientific data generated in the microbiology laboratory.
Class Meetings
Lectures will be held at 3:40 PM in STEAM 317 on Tuesdays and Thursdays
Labs will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays in STEAM 316 at
- 1:10 PM for the afternoon section 31957-011
- 6:10 PM for the evening section 31958-01
Course Web Site
Students will use the Canvas Learning Management system [for assignment instructions, submitting assignments, and viewing grades. I can help with the course material and with some Canvas issues. But, if you need help uploading an assignment or with the mechanics of Canvas, please use the Student Canvas Guides or live support available through Canvas Chat.
For 24/7 help with Canvas, use Canvas Chat Support.
Great news: your textbook for this class is available for free online, in web view and PDF format! You can also purchase a print version, if you prefer, via the campus bookstore or from OpenStax on Amazon.com. You can use whichever format you want. The web view is recommended -- the responsive design works seamlessly on any device. If you buy on Amazon, make sure you use the link on your book page on openstax.org so you get the official OpenStax print version. (Simple printouts sold by third parties on Amazon are not verifiable and not as high-quality.)
Microbiology Text
Microbiology from OpenStax, ISBN 1-947172-23-9
- 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.)
CCSF Lab Manual:
Our lab manual is free and each lab will be available for digital viewing and/or printing.
Expectations
Student Expectations [EDIT TO REFLECT YOUR POLICIES]
You will succeed in this course if you meet the following expectations:
- Complete the assigned activities. Please let me know as soon as you can concerning difficulties you may have in getting assignments in on time.
- Complete the discussion posts and replies within the given window of time. Our discussions are much more vibrant when we all participate!
- Complete the weekly quizzes, the final project, and the final exam on time.
- Think critically about the weekly topics. Is something surprising? Is it new to you? How does it contrast with what you know about XYZ, or how does it compare to ABC?
- Do your own and your best work.
Instructor Expectations [EDIT TO REFLECT YOUR POLICIES]
Here is what you can expect of me:
- I will respond to your email or message within 48 hours during the week unless I inform you otherwise.
- I will treat you and your ideas with respect.
- I will grade your course assignments within a week. (If you have posted late work, it may take longer.) Grades on the final project and final exam will be done within a week.
- You will see your grades in the Canvas Gradebook.
- I will work hard to make this a great class.
Grading
Methods of Evaluation
Grading in BIO 120 is based on Lecture Exams, Lecture Quizzes, Laboratory Quizzes, reports, and online activities.
Grading Policy
Visit the “Grades” in Canvas to keep track of your grades. I grade assignments and exams promptly (typically within 48 hours) and post grades and comments on the online Canvas gradebook. I do not "round up". For example, if you need a "B", you must get AT LEAST 80% of the points possible. 79.999999999% is still a "C". Don't email me at the end of the semester about this. I will have to tell you "No" and it makes me sad. Please review my policy on "Grade Begging" on the
Canvas Policies page.
How do I view my grades, teacher comments, and an assignment rubric as a student?
Grades will be assigned as follows:
Letter Grade | Percent |
---|---|
A |
90% |
B |
80% |
C |
70% |
D |
60% |
F or FW |
<60% |
If taking Pass/No Pass, you need at least 70% of the total class points and complete the midterm and final exams to pass the class.
An "F" grade indicates that a student attended, participated, and completed the course but failed to master the course curriculum.
An "FW" grade indicates the student stopped attending a course after the "last day to withdraw" deadline and subsequently did not submit any work or participate in any exams. Please check with your counselor and financial aid advisor for possible implications of the FW grade on residency and financial aid status.
Course Summary:
Date | Details | Due |
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