Instructor: Professor Rola Bekdash

Course: Principles of Microbiology

Course Description: The course covers the biology of microorganisms, their structures and functions. Emphasis is placed on fundamental concepts and techniques of microbiology such as isolation, cultivation, morphology, metabolism, growth and microbial genetics. The role of microorganisms in infections and immunity, microbial mechanisms of pathogenesis, mode of transmission and microbial control are also covered. Biohazard safety measures or working with potential pathogens are stressed throughout the course. This course also covers basic microbiological procedures such as staining, isolation of pure culture, use of selective and differential media, and identification of microorganisms to species level using different biochemical tests. A research project about a pathogenic microbe and the impact of transmission of infection on human health is required. Number of students: 35

Student Profile: Most students taking this course are students who will join the Nursing program

Project Title: Microbial Pathogenesis and Human Health

Project Description: This service learning homeland security project aims at accomplishing two goals. First, how to research and find relevant information to become knowledgeable about a particular microbe and its pathology. Second, train students on how to assume leadership and active roles in case of emergencies. That includes disseminating their knowledge and increasing public awareness of safety measures that prevent infection and transmission of disease.

Each group of students will choose a pathogenic microbe of interest, gather appropriate information and give a 10 minutes oral presentation on their findings and on how they worked together.

Students’ research and findings will be posted on the Service Learning Homepage for further dissemination to the community.

Project Organization:

a) Cover page

i) Title
ii) Date, Course name, Section and Names of students

b) Introduction
Provide description of the microorganism. This should include identifying characteristics such as Gram reaction, specific nutritional requirements, shape as well as a picture of the microorganism. Use of Bergey’s Manual as a reference is highly recommended

c) Major portion of the paper
Discuss the microbe pathogenesis and its effects on human welfare

i) Pathogenesis: How the microorganism causes disease?
ii) Clinical symptoms: Signs and symptoms observed
iii) Diagnosis: How the microbe in question is detected i.e. by conventional microbiology laboratory techniques, by immunologic tests or by molecular techniques?
iv) Mode of transmission
v) Treatment: to discuss the current methods followed in controlling the growth of this microorganism
vi) Measures or precautions taken to prevent transmission
vii) How to increase public awareness of safety measures that prevent infection

d) Conclusion
Your comments should include:
• Why you selected this microbe in particular?

• Does this project increase your knowledge about it?
• How this project can increase the public awareness about how to avoid or prevent risks of transmission of disease?
• How your research can be related to Homeland security issues?

e) References

i) You must have at least 2 references outside of your textbook. Please cite ALL references

(1) One reference must be from a medical journal
(2) One reference must be from a reputable internet site
(E.g. medical school)

ii) Please provide a copy of the first page of your references
(E.g. first page of an article)

iii) Highly suggested references

(i) www.cdc.gov
(ii) www.bacteriamuseum.org
(iii) www.microbes.info
(iv) www.microbeworld.org
(v) www.cfsan.fda.gov

f) Bibliography page
Cite references, using APA style. Please Click on Subject Guide in the Library Homepage to learn more about it. http://library.raritanval.edu/SubjectGuides/subjectGuides.html

g) Presentation of the microbe Project
Each group of students is required to give a 10 minutes oral presentation of the microbe project in a power point format. Each student in each group will present the section that he/she searched for and worked on.

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