Biography (50 points)

Research a historic microbiologist. Prepare a 7-minute Power Point presentation on this microbiologist. You should cover a summary of the person's life and education, their contribution to microbiology, and the impact of their contribution to science. In addition to your 7-minute in-class presentation, you must hand-in the presentation on a diskette or Zip disk (which will be returned to you). The presentation will be uploaded onto the class web page. Please be sure to include all references and web site links.

Informational Interview (75 points)

Interview a microbiologist. This assignment is divided into three parts: Preparation, the actual interview, and reflection.

Food of the Day (25 points)

Students are required to bring in a microbial-based food to share with the class once during the semester. Alcoholic beverages do not qualify for this project. Students will sign up for a day on the first day of class. Please clear your choice of food with the professor two weeks in advance to prevent duplications. The instructor will purchase the food. If your food item requires preparation, notify the instructor of the date you require the food item.

Your presentation will consist of a Power Point presentation that includes a summary of the process used to create the food item including the microbe and its role, the food’s nutritional value and any cultural significance. The presentation to the class will consist of a maximum of six power point slides and should last no more than 5 minutes. A one page print out of the slides (you can print 6 per sheet), with your name on the first slide, two web sites and an additional sheet of all references used will be submitted on the same day during lecture. While it may not be considered breakfast, sampling the food of the day is a great opportunity to expand your culinary repertoire.

Speaker reports (25 points ea.)

On at least two occasions, guest speakers will speak to our class about the wonderful world of microbiology. You are expected to prepare questions for the speaker, take notes, and write a brief report due the next lecture period. Summarize the talk in 3-4 sentences. What was the most interesting to you? What was new to you? If you worked in the speaker's field, what would you like about being in the speaker's line of work. You may combine the information in paragraph form, or write an answer for each item. Your grade will be based on accuracy of your summary, clarity of your answers, grammar and spelling. Each report is worth 25 points.

Attendance and Participation (50 points)

Class attendance will greatly enhance your ability to succeed in this course. If you miss class, it is your responsibility to provide a valid written excuse within a week. If you plan to miss a class for a scheduled academic activity, please notify the professor in advance. Attendance is based on three factors: Arriving prepared for class on time, staying the entire class period, and staying awake. If you have a choice between coming late or missing a class, choose the former. Failing to attend class will have a deleterious affect on your grade.

Participation will greatly enhance your ability to succeed in Biology 317. Participation includes asking pertinent questions in class, contributing to class discussions, sampling the food of the day, taking part in on-line discussions, and other activities.

Class participation will also include completing the assigned computer quiz or exam after class and prior to the beginning of the next lecture. The web site can be accessed at http://cw.prenhall.com/bookbind/pubbooks/brock2/. Once at the site, select the appropriate chapter and type of test. We will go over how to set up your student profile in class. Students are expected to participate in list-serve discussions. Each interactive discussion/debate will occur around a central theme or issue. The class may choose the discussion issues.

Late papers and projects:

Turn in papers and projects on time. For each day the assignment is late, 10 percent of the project’s possible points will be deducted from the grade. Regardless of points, all papers and projects must be completed in order to receive a passing grade in this course.

Grading:

Points for the course components are as follows:

Academic Integrity:

Academic integrity is essential to the educational mission of Nazareth College; any form of academic dishonesty seriously impedes the free pursuit of knowledge and understanding. Hence, the college will not condone any form of academic dishonesty.

"Academic dishonesty" is understood as any act of deceit bearing on one’s own or another’s academic work, where "academic work" is understood to mean any activity pertaining to the educational mission of the college. Such acts include, but are not limited to, plagiarism in any form; the use during an exam of information or materials not authorized by the instructor for such use and any other activities which are designed to deceive an instructor in the evaluation of the level of the student’s achievement.

To borrow Dr. Witz’s phrase, "You cheat – you fail. No exceptions."

Statement of cultural and lifestyle respect

This course and its instructor, embrace both respect for the person and freedom of speech. In class we will promote civility and denounce acts of hatred or intolerance. The free exchange of ideas is possible only when concepts, values, and viewpoints can be expressed and challenged in a manner that is neither threatening nor demeaning. It is the policy of Nazareth College, in keeping with its efforts to foster a community in which the diversity of all members is respected, not to discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, sex, age, marital or veteran status, or disability. Respect for the dignity of all people is an essential part of the college's tradition and mission, and its vision of the future.

Students with Disabilities:

Nazareth College provides appropriate support services and accommodations to students with documented disabilities. Please see the professor in private so that she may assist you with any needed support. For additional information, you may request a copy of the Nazareth College’s Students with Disabilities handbook. You are encouraged to make direct contact with Anne-Marie House, the Academic Counselor for students with Disabilities. She may be reached at 389-2754.

Note: The instructor reserves the right to alter this syllabus as necessary during the semester. This written syllabus takes precedence over any syllabus available on the internet.