BIOL2444_002_Fa_2025 syllabus-6.docx

BIOL 2444 Section 002: General Microbiology

Fall 2025

As the instructor for this course, I reserve the right to adjust this schedule
in any way that serves the educational needs of the students enrolled in this course.
– Cara Boutte, PhD

Jump to: Instructor Information | Course Information | Grading Information | University & Program Policies | Academic & Wellness Resources | Safety Information & Resources | Course Schedule

Instructor Information

Instructor Name

Cara Boutte, PhD (she/ her/ hers)

Office Location

SEIR 345

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Office Phone Number

Please use the chat function on Microsoft Teams or email.

Email Address

cara.boutte@uta.edu

Faculty Profile

https://www.uta.edu/academics/faculty/profile?username=bouttec#About%20Me

Office Hours

Tuesdays, 2:00pm-3:00pm, SEIR345. I will come through the SEIR lobby after class at ~1:50pm, try to meet me there so I can go with you up to my office – you will not have access to the 3 ^rd floor of SEIR. If you are available during office hours but can’t meet me at 1:50pm in the lobby, please chat me on Teams and I will go down and get you. If you aren’t available during office hours, please email me to ask for a meeting, and give me at least 5-10 time slots when you are available to meet over the next week, so that we can find a time when we are both available. We can meet in person or over Teams.

Communication Guidelines

My preferred communication method is email.

I will respond to emails within 24 hours during the work week, unless you ask a question that is answered on the syllabus or in Canvas: then I will not respond.

Course Information

Section Information

BIOL 2444 Section 002

Course Delivery Method

This course is designated ON-CAMPUS , which means you should come to class each day in person if you wish to earn an A or B.

For a full definition of the course modalities, please visit the Course Modalities page .

Time and Place of Class Meetings

SEIR 198, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 12:30p – 1:50p

Time Zone

This course operates on Central Time. All times listed for class meeting times, exams, and assignment deadlines are in Central Time.

Description of Course Content

Fundamental principles of microbiology includes the structure and function of microbial cells and their activities in nature. Bacteria are most of the focus for this course, but some material will cover eukaryotic microbes and viruses. Laboratory exercises are intended to provide training and experimental methodology in microbiology.

Prerequisites

Prerequisites: BIOL 1441 and two credits of Chemistry.

Student Learning Outcomes

At successful completion of this course students will be able to:

• Describe key historical events associated with the birth of microbiology
• Describe how microorganisms are classified and distinguished as unique species
• Compare historical and current systems of taxonomy used to classify microorganisms
• List the various types of microorganisms and describe their defining characteristics
• Give examples of different types of cellular and viral microorganisms and infectious agents
• Describe the similarities and differences between archaea and bacteria
• Describe the distinguishing features and typical uses for various types of light microscopes, electron microscopes, and scanning probe microscopes
• Explain the procedures and name clinical applications for Gram, endospore, acid-fast, negative capsule, and flagella staining
• Explain the theory of spontaneous generation and why people once accepted it as an explanation for the existence of certain types of organisms
• Explain the key points of endosymbiotic theory and cite the evidence that supports this concept
• Explain the contributions of key scientist to the development of germ theory
• Compare differences in cellular structure of prokaryotic and eukaryotic microbes.
• Describe how the cell structure of Gram-negative and Gram-positive cells leads to a given Gram stain result.
• Explain how prokaryotes and eukaryotes are classified and provide examples from various phylogenetic classes.
• Describe the general characteristics of viruses and the different viral life cycles
• Compare and contrast the respiration pathways in a prokaryotic cell and a eukaryotic cell
• Describe the fermentation pathways and their end products and give examples of microorganisms that use these pathways
• Describe examples of cell division including binary fission, budding, and fragmentation
• Identify and describe different categories of microbes with requirements for growth under varying levels of oxygen, temperature, pH, and osmolarity
• Describe the principles of controlling the presence of microorganisms through sterilization and disinfection
• Describe the mechanisms of action associated with drugs that inhibit or alter various cellular pathways to control growth
• Describe how microorganisms develop or acquire drug resistance
• Summarize Koch’s postulates and molecular Koch’s postulates and limitations
• Explain the concept of pathogenicity (virulence) in terms of infectious and lethal dose
• Summarize the stages of pathogenesis
• Explain the roles and examples of portals of entry and in the transmission of disease
• Identify the differences between DNA replication and transcription in bacteria and eukaryotes
• Compare and contrast methods used to introduce DNA into prokaryotic cells and eukaryotic cells

Textbooks and Other Course Materials

Required Textbooks and Materials

1. OpenStax Microbiology Print ISBN: 1938168143
2. Laptop or computer that is compatible with Respondus Lockdown Browser

Students can access an electronic version of the OpenStax textbook for FREE(!) or purchase a hard copy from the UTA bookstore or another online retailer such as Amazon.

Students: Additional materials for this course may range in cost depending on the project and or topic you choose to work on.

Required Lab Class Materials:

1. UTA Microbiology Lab Manual (Available through UTA bookstore)
2. 50+ page Carbonless notebook (Available through UTA bookstore or Amazon)
3. Stick lighter or matches
4. Black or blue permanent marker

Recommended Course Materials

The textbooks and other materials listed below are optional, but recommended.

I recommend that you take notes on paper with a pen or pencil, or on a tablet during lecture.

Descriptions of major assignments and examinations

Typical class day:
There will be a lecture on the corresponding topic for the day. (See the end of this syllabus for the schedule). With time permitting, we may also go over practice questions or activities applying the knowledge learned.  It is highly recommended that you spend some time briefing yourself over the upcoming material so that you may ask questions during class time.

Lab : this component of the course includes 9 quizzes, 2 practicals, 9 post-lab assignments, 2 group projects/presentations, 1 lab report, and 1 final exam. For a complete lab grade breakdown, please refer to the lab syllabus available through your lab section’s Canvas .

Lecture Assignments:

Exams - Your performance in the lecture part of this course will be assessed through six examinations administered in Canvas using Lockdown Browser and proctored with Honorlock using a web camera. See testing policies later in this syllabus.

• Exams are composed of material from BOTH the book and lectures and may consist of multiple choice, true/false, fill-in-the-blank, and short answer questions.
• Midterm exams contain 40 questions. There is a time limit of 50 minutes.
• The final exam contains 100 questions. There is a time limit of 150 minutes.
• Each exam (including the final) is worth 100 points toward your overall course grade. Canvas will drop the lowest exam grade.
• Although effort will be made to adhere to the tentative exam schedule, exam dates may be shifted, and students are required to be aware of any changes communicated by the professor.
• There are no make-up exams. If you miss an exam, Canvas will automatically give a score of zero. As reminder, the lowest exam score (including the final) is dropped from your grade.

Extra Credit – Occasionally, there will be extra credit assignments to serve as a potential boost for your grade. These assignments are at random and therefore, not included in the course schedule. Examples of extra credit assignments may be pop quizzes, short answer assignments, or participation in class activities. You must be present on the day of the activity to receive the extra credit for that day.

Expectations for Out-of-Class Study

Beyond the time required to attend each class meeting, students enrolled in this four credit-hour course should expect to spend at least an additional 12 hours per week of their own time in course-related activities, including reading required materials, completing assignments, preparing for exams, etc.

Testing Rules and requirements

• Lecture exams will be administered in class, using the Lockdown Browser (LDB) software.
• You may use your own computer or borrow a laptop from the university’s central library. These devices already have LDB installed on them. It is wise to reserve the library laptops well ahead of time. https://libraries.uta.edu/services/technology/dell-laptop
• If using your own device, download LDB prior to taking an exam. You will be required to take the “syllabus quiz” in Canvas to make sure your LDB is working properly. You will be prompted to download it when you attempt to access the practice quiz, or you can access it here: https://download.respondus.com/lockdown/download.php?id=163943837
• Your desk must be completely clear of all materials. Papers, pencils, pens, books, cell phones, smart watches, etc. are NOT allowed on your desk while taking the exam.
• Once you have started a quiz or test you are not allowed to leave the room. You must complete and submit the quiz or test prior to leaving.
• Ensure your devices are fully charged prior to starting each exam. There are limited outlets in the classroom.
• Talking is prohibited unless communicating an issue to the instructor.
• YOU MAY NOT USE ANY KIND OF HEADSET OR EARBUDS DURING THE EXAM.
• Headdresses, hats, or other head coverings are not allowed unless there is a religious exemption. Please discuss your religious exemption with the professor prior to beginning an exam.
• If you experience technical issues during the exam, please notify the instructor immediately . You will need to attempt to fix the issue, then log back in as quick as possible to complete the exam, as the timer keeps running even if you are not logged in.
• Reopening or a retake of an exam is not permitted due to technological difficulties. Students are expected to ensure their device is working properly prior to each exam. Exams that have been submitted cannot be re-opened for additional work to be completed.

Technology Requirements

• A laptop with Lockdown Browser (LDB) software is required
• You will need to access course information on Canvas

Visit the UTA Libraries Technology page for a list of items that can be checked out or used at the library.

Recording of Classroom and Online Lectures

Faculty maintain the academic right to determine whether recording of classroom and online lectures is permitted by students. Recordings of classroom lectures, if permitted by the instructor or pursuant to an ADA accommodation, may only be used for academic purposes related to the specific course and may not be used for commercial purposes or shared with non-course participants except in connection with a legal proceeding.

As the instructor of this course, I elect to allow recording of classroom or online lectures.

Other Requirements

Attendance at lab class is required.

Grading Information

Points earned in class:

Assignment	Points
Exam #1	100
Exam #2	100
Exam #3	100
Exam #4	100
Final Exam	100
Lab grade	100
Extra credit	1-3 ea.

The lowest exam grade will be dropped, so the maximum number of points you can earn (excluding extra credit) is 500.

The grading scale is strictly enforced. Assignment grades are reported as displayed in Canvas.

Important note: the grade letter displayed in Canvas may be inaccurate. To know your current grade, add up your points and refer to the grading scheme above.

Students are expected to keep track of their performance throughout the semester which Canvas facilitates, and seek guidance from available sources (including the instructor) if their performance drops below satisfactory levels; see “Student Support Services,” below.

Final Grade Calculation

The following grade scheme will be used to determine final course grade:

Range (pts or %)	Letter Grade
89.5-100	A
79.5-89.4	B
69.5-79.4	C
59.5-69.4	D
<59.5	F

Make-Up Exams & Late Work Policy

You are required to be present/available for all exam dates and times.  Whether or not an absence for an exam or a missed exam will be excused is at the discretion of the instructor.  If seeking an excused absence for a future date, a 24-hour notice prior to the exam date and time is required.  A written request by a physician or responsible professional or written proof of jury duty can be examples of documentation needed when seeking an excused absence.  No exceptions.  If you miss an exam, Canvas will automatically give a score of zero. Approved make-up exams will consist of short answer and essay questions, or oral exams.

Extra Credit Policy

Occasionally, there will be extra credit assignments to serve as a potential boost for your grade. These assignments are at random and therefore, not included in the course schedule. Examples of extra credit assignments may be pop quizzes, short answer assignments, or participation in class activities. You must be present on the day of the activity to receive the extra credit for that day.

Grades & Feedback Timeline

Exams are on Canvas, and grades will be available no more than one day after the exam.

Grade Grievances

Any appeal of a grade in this course must follow the procedures and deadlines for grade-related grievances as published in the current University Catalog Grades and Grading Policies .

If you are experiencing an issue in class, you should first arrange a meeting with your instructor to discuss the issue. If you feel the issue requires further attention, you may then consult the lab or course coordinator (if applicable). If the issue is still not resolved, you may then submit your concern to the Associate Chair of the Department of Biology by filing a grievance at https://common.forms.uta.edu/view.php?id=3403 . You must file the online form and have all supporting documentation to have your issue reviewed. Grievances must be filed in writing to be addressed. Please note, none of the listed personnel will discuss the issue with you until you have first consulted all of those preceding them. A disagreement with the judgment made by the instructor regarding a grade is not a valid reason for submitting a grievance. The department will not override an instructor's determination of a grade except in cases of documented policy violations or discriminatory practices.

Do not contact the Chair of Biology, the Dean’s office, Student Affairs, the Office of the Provost, or any other office on campus. They will not hear your complaint, and you will be referred to the grievance process above.

University & Course Policies

UTA students are encouraged to review the below institutional policies and informational sections and reach out to the specific office with any questions. To view this institutional information, please visit the Institutional Information page (https://resources.uta.edu/provost/course-related-info/institutional-policies.php) which includes the following policies among others:

• Drop Policy
• Disability Accommodations
• Title IX Policy
• Academic Integrity
• Student Feedback Survey
• Final Exam Schedule

Attendance

Attending class sessions is a critical predictor and indicator of student success. The University of Texas at Arlington does not recognize a single attendance policy but encourages faculty  to establish class-specific policies on attendance. As the instructor of this section, I will not take attendance, but I strongly recommend that you attend each lecture if you wish to perform well in the class.

The U.S. Department of Education requires that UT Arlington have a mechanism in place to verify Federal Student Aid recipients’ attendance in courses. UT Arlington instructors are expected to report the last date of attendance when submitting students’ final course grades; specifically, when a student earns a course grade of F, instructors must report the last date a student attended their class. For on-campus classes, last date of attendance can be based on attendance rosters or on academic engagements—a test, participation in a class project or presentation, or Canvas-based activity. Online or distance education courses require regular and substantive online interaction and participation. Students must participate in online course activities in Canvas to demonstrate attendance; logging into an online class is not sufficient by itself to demonstrate attendance. The last date of attendance is reported to the U.S. Department of Education for federal financial aid recipients.

Generative AI Use in This Course

The use of Generative AI (GenAI) in course assignments and assessments must align with the guidelines established by the instructor. Unauthorized use of GenAI could result in breaches of academic integrity. Instructors bear the responsibility of clearly delineating the permissible uses of GenAI in their courses, underscoring the importance of responsible and ethical application of these tools.

The UTA Office of Community Standards articulate the university's stance on academic integrity and scholastic dishonesty . These standards extend to the use of GenAI. Unauthorized or unapproved use of GenAI in academic work falls within the scope of these policies and will be subject to the same disciplinary procedures.

As the instructor of this course, I have adopted the following policy on Student use of GenAI: Prohibition of GenAI Use

Approach	Description
Prohibition of GenAI Use	In this course, the focus is on the development of independent critical thinking and the mastery of subject-specific content. To ensure that all submitted work accurately reflects personal understanding and original thought, the use of Generative AI (GenAI) tools in completing assignments or assessments is strictly prohibited. This policy supports our commitment to academic integrity and the direct measurement of each student's learning against the course's Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs). Any work found to be generated by AI will be subject to academic review.
Restricted Use of GenAI	While this course recognizes the potential benefits of Generative AI (GenAI) as a supplementary tool for certain learning activities, its use is restricted to specific assignments where GenAI's role is clearly defined and aligns with the course's Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs). These assignments will be clearly marked, and students must adhere to the guidelines provided for GenAI use. Unauthorized use of GenAI outside these parameters will be considered a breach of academic integrity.
Cited Use of GenAI	This course permits the use of Generative AI (GenAI) as a resource for completing assignments. However, transparency is crucial, students are required to explicitly cite any GenAI tools they utilize in the creation of their work. This citation requirement allows for the acknowledgment of the collaborative nature of GenAI in the learning process while enabling the assessment of student learning to remain focused on the achievement of the course’s Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs).
Unrestricted Use of GenAI	In this course, the integration of technology, including the use of Generative AI (GenAI), is encouraged to fulfill the course's Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs). Students may use GenAI tools freely to assist in the creation of content and to achieve learning objectives. It is expected that students will engage with these tools ethically and responsibly, ensuring that their use of GenAI contributes to a deeper understanding of the subject matter and the development of relevant competencies.

Academic & Wellness Resources

Academic Success Center

The Academic Success Center (ASC) includes a variety of resources and services to help you maximize your learning and succeed as a student at the University of Texas at Arlington.  ASC services include supplemental instruction, peer-led team learning, tutoring, mentoring and TRIO SSS.  Academic Success Center services are provided at no additional cost to UTA students. For additional information visit: Academic Success Center (https://www.uta.edu/student-success/course-assistance). To request disability accommodations for tutoring, please complete this tutoring request form (https://www.uta.edu/student-success/course-assistance/tutoring/request).

The English Writing Center (411LIBR)

The Writing Center offers FREE tutoring in 15-, 30-, 45-, and 60-minute face-to-face and online sessions to all UTA students on any phase of their UTA coursework. Register and make appointments online at the Writing Center (https://uta.mywconline.com). Classroom visits, workshops, and specialized services for graduate students and faculty are also available. Please see Writing Center: OWL (http://www.uta.edu/owl) for detailed information on all our programs and services.

Academic Plaza

The Library’s 2 ^nd floor Academic Plaza (http://library.uta.edu/academic-plaza) offers students a central hub of support services, including IDEAS Center, University Advising Services, Transfer UTA and various college/school advising hours. Services are available during the library’s hours (https://library.uta.edu/hours) of operation.

UTA CARE Team

UT Arlington is committed to the safety, success, and well-being of our students. To support our community, UTA has created a CARE Team, which is a dedicated group of campus professionals responsible for helping students who could benefit from academic, emotional, or psychological support, as well as those presenting risk to the health or safety of the community. If you know of someone experiencing challenges, appearing distressed, needing resources, or causing a significant disruption to the UTA community, please submit a CARE Referral by visiting the Behavior Intervention Team (https://www.uta.edu/student-affairs/dos/behavior-it) page. You may also submit a referral for yourself if you would like additional support.

NOTE: If a person’s behavior poses an immediate threat to you or someone else, contact UTA Police at 817-272-3303 or dial 911. If you or someone you know needs to speak with a crisis counselor, please reach out to the MAVS TALK 24-hour Crisis Line (https://www.uta.edu/student-affairs/caps/crisis)at 817-272-8255 or the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (https://988lifeline.org/) at 988.

Student Services

Everything you need to make the most of your time as a student (and beyond) is all on campus. Below are a few resources to get you started.

• Student Services Home
• Student Access and Resource (SAR) Center
• Military and Veteran Services
• Health Services
• Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)
• Activities and Organizations
• Recreation

Librarian to Contact

Each academic unit has access to Librarians by Academic Subject (https://libraries.uta.edu/research/librarians) that can assist students with research projects, tutorials on plagiarism and citation references as well as support with databases and course reserves.

Safety Information & Resources

Lab Safety Training

Students registered for this course must complete all required lab safety training prior to entering the lab and undertaking any activities. Once completed, Lab Safety Training is valid for the remainder of the same academic year (i.e., Fall through Summer II) and must be completed anew in subsequent years. There are no exceptions to this University policy. Failure to complete the required training will preclude participation in any lab activities, including those for which a grade is assigned.

Face Covering Policy

Face coverings are not mandatory; all students and instructional staff are welcome to wear face coverings while they are on campus or in the classroom.

Emergency Exit Procedures

Should we experience an emergency event that requires evacuation of the building, students should exit the room and move toward the nearest exit, which is located at the top and bottom of the classroom, to the right or left, dependending on where the student is sitting. . When exiting the building during an emergency, do not take an elevator but use the stairwells instead. Faculty members and instructional staff will assist students in selecting the safest route for evacuation and will make arrangements to assist individuals with disabilities.

MavAlert System

The MavAlert system sends information in case of an emergency to cell phones or email accounts of subscribed users. Anyone can subscribe to MavAlerts at Emergency Communication System (https://www.uta.edu/uta/emergency.php).

Emergency Phone Numbers

In case of an on-campus emergency, call the UT Arlington Police Department at 817-272-3003 (non-campus phone), 2-3003 (campus phone). You may also dial 911. Non-emergency number 817-272-3381

Course Schedule All readings are in the OpenStax Microbiology textbook Print ISBN:  1938168143 This is a tentative schedule and I reserve the right to make changes to the schedule.

*Lab classes start                      **Last day to drop classes; submit requests to advisor prior to 4:00pm

Week	Date		Activity
1	08/19	Tue	Syllabus Overview; Chapter 1: An Invisible World
	08/21	Th	Chapter 2: How We See the Invisible World
2	08/26*	Tue	Chapter 3: The Cell
	08/28	Th	Chapter 3: The Cell
3	09/02	Tue	EXAM #1 (Ch. 1, 2, 3)
	09/04	Th	Chapter 4: Prokaryotic Diversity
4	09/9	Tue	Chapter 4: Prokaryotic Diversity
	09/11	Th	Chapter 5: Eukaryotes of Microbiology
5	09/16	Tue	Chapter 5: Eukaryotes of Microbiology
	09/18	Th	Chapter 6: Acellular Pathogens
6	09/23	Tue	Chapter 6:  Acellular Pathogens
	09/25	Th	Chapter 8: Microbial Metabolism
7	9/30	Tue	Chapter 8: Microbial Metabolism
	10/02	Th	EXAM #2 (Ch. 4, 5, 6, 8)
8	10/07	Tue	Chapter 9: Microbial Growth
	10/9	Th	Chapter 9: Microbial Growth;  Chapter 13: Control of Microbial Growth
9	10/14	Tue	Chapter 13: Control of Microbial Growth
	10/16	Th	Chapter 14: Antimicrobial Drugs
10	10/21	Tue	EXAM #3 (Ch. 9, 13, 14)
	10/23	Th	Chapter 10: Biochemistry of the Genome
11	10/28	Tue	Chapter 11: Mechanisms of Microbial Genetics
	10/30**	Th	Chapter 11: Mechanisms of Microbial Genetics
12	11/04	Tue	Chapter 12: Modern Applications of Microbial Genetics
	11/06	Th	Chapter 12: Modern Applications of Microbial Genetics
13	11/11	Tue	Chapter 15: Microbial Mechanisms of Pathogenicity
	11/13	Th	Chapter 15: Microbial Mechanisms of Pathogenicity
14	11/18	Tue	Honor’s presentations and Test review – come with questions!
	11/20	Th	EXAM #4 (Ch. 15, 10, 11, 12)
15	11/25	Tue	Makeup exam day. You MUST email Cara by 11/24 if you wish to makeup an exam on this date, and you must say which exam you want to re-take.
	11/27	Th	Thanksgiving – no class
16	12/02	Tue	No class
	12/09	Tue	FINAL EXAM (All chapters) 11:00AM -1:30PM – SEIR 198 Official date & time of final exams can be found on the University’s website: https://www.uta.edu/records/calendars/final-exams.php

Download Syllabus