Tentative Lecture Syllabus – Fall 2016
Lectures: M, W, F 10.30 –11.20 AM, 215LSE
Dr. Babu Fathepure, 421 Life Science East
babu.fathepure@okstate.edu
WEB SITE: http://environmentalmicrobiology.okstate.edu/
LABORATORY INSTRUCTORS: Ms. Swechchha Pradhan
PURPOSE OF THE COURSE: With the recent advances in modern molecular tools, it has become very clear that the earth’s surface is populated by a far greater diversity of microbes than originally thought. The knowledge of both microbial diversity and microbial activity is key to our understanding of their role in biogeochemical processes and the fate of organic and inorganic compounds in the natural ecosystems. This course will emphasize the importance of microbial species, interactions, and their metabolic capabilities under various redox conditions. Also, in this course you will learn about microbial evolution, diversity of niche, genes and genetic exchange in the environment, and molecular tools in microbial identification.
This course will build on the knowledge that you have acquired in the Introductory Microbiology (MICR 2123) and Advanced Microbiology (MICR 3223) classes. The objective of this class is to introduce the upper-division undergraduate and graduate-level students to the fascinating and rapidly growing field of microbiology that deals with complex microbial systems of diverse ecosystems and the processes they catalyze.
PREREQUISITES: Introduction to Microbiology (MICR 2123) and The Chemstry of Organic Compounds (CHEM 3015) or Organic compounds (CHEM 3053).
TEXTBOOK REQUIRED: Madigan, M.T., J.M. Martinko, K.S. Bender., D.H. Buckley, and D.A. Stahl. Brock Biology of Microorganisms, 14th edition. Pearson Publishers.
ATTENDANCE: Students are expected to attend all classes. Come to every class prepared. Studies have shown that student absenteeism is one of the greatest factors contributing to the student dropout and failure. I expect students to ask and answer questions. Full attendance is worth 20 points. Students missing 20 % of class lectures will receive “ZERO” points for the attendance. This policy will be strictly enforced. Classes will begin promptly at 10.30 PM, so you are anticipated to arrive to the class on time.
EXAMINATIONS & GRADING: There will be Two in-term examinations and a comprehensive final examination. There will be 5 homework assignments and 3 presentations. Each homework should be of 1 to 1.5 page long, single space, 12 point font with 1 inch margin all sides. Each presentation and homework assignment is worth 10 points. Final grades will be based on your performances in the class tests and in the laboratory. Grades will be determined as follows:
Attendance = 20 points
In-Class presentations 3 @ 10 points = 30 point
Homework 5 @ 10 points = 50 points
In-Term Examinations 2 @150 points = 300 points
Final Examination = 200 points
Laboratory (Total) = 400 points
Grand Total = 1,000 points
GRADE TYPE: Letter grades will be assigned as follows: A ? 90 %; B ? 80-89.9 %; C ?70-79.9 %; D ? 60-69.9 %; F < 59.9 %
GRADUATE CREDIT: Enrolled graduate students may receive graduate credit for MICR 5214 by submitting a Term Paper in addition to all other designated requirements. In your term paper, you will review, contrast, and compare 4 – 5 current research articles in the area of microbial ecology or environmental microbiology. To ensure that you are dealing with a current topic, at least two of your references should have been published in the last 2 years. Each student must prepare an outline and meet with the instructor prior to final approval of a research paper topic. The deadline for submitting a research paper topic and outline is 5th November.
The Term Paper should be 10-12 pages long (excluding tables, figures, and references). Use 12 point font, 1.5 line spacing, 1-inch margin all sides. I will not read over 12 pages of submitted paper. The term paper should be written as a review article. For style and format, please look at any journal in microbiology.
EXAMINATIONS & GRADING FOR GRADUATE CREDIT: There will be Two in-term examinations and a comprehensive final examination. All grades are final except in the case of mathematical errors. There will be 3 presentatons and 5 homework assignments. Each presentation and homework assignment is worth 10 points. Final grades will be based on your performances in the class tests and in the term paper. Grades will be determined as follows:
Attendance = 20 points
In-Class presentations 5 @ 10 points = 50 points
Homework 5 @ 10 points = 50 points
In-Term Examinations 2 @150 points = 300 points
Final Examination = 200 points
Independent Study (Term paper) = 400 points
Grand Total =1,000 points
GRADE TYPE: Letter grades will be assigned as follows: A ? 90 %; B ? 80-89.9 %; C ?70-79.9 %; D ? 60-69.9 %; F < 59.9 %
ACADEMIC DISHONESTY AND CLASSROOM DECORUM: University policy will be strictly enforced. The penalty for ANY act of dishonesty in the class, including cheating and plagiarism will be a basis for an “F” grade for the entire course. All participants in this class are expected conduct themselves as courteous adults all the times. General norms of polite behavior will be expected. Inappropriate behavior during class time, interference with the learning of the others and unauthorized removal of laboratory materials will not be tolerated.
MAKEUP EXAMINATIONS: Make-up policy will be strictly enforced and there will be no exceptions! Make-up examinations will only be allowed following a discussion with the professor prior to the scheduled examination time except in the case of sudden illness or death of a closest family member or prior military commitment. Serious illness must be documented by a signed, written explanation from your physician on a letterhead. All physicians’ notes will be verified by telephone. Letterhead must include the physician’s office telephone number. Appropriate notes from the Student Health Center will be accepted and will be verified. If you have already missed one exam, for each makeup exam thereafter, you will lose 10% of your final grade, irrespective of incident.
TEXT BOOK READING ASSIGNMENTS: You should read lecture material in advance. Lectures will only highlight interesting and important points from the chapters taught. Points maybe covered in lectures that are not in the textbook. You will be responsible for all material assigned from the textbook and lectures, whether it is covered in the class or not.
ADDITIONAL POLICY INFORMATION: Class starts promptly at 10.30 AM. Attendance at all classes is mandatory. If you need to miss any scheduled event, please inform Dr. Fathepure as soon as possible. Additional information can be obtained from the class schedule for Fall 2016.
TO MAKE OUR TIME TOGETHER AS VALUABLE AS POSSIBLE
* Come prepared to discuss the material.
* Please turn off cell phones and refrain from sending text messages, checking email, or any other behavior that might be disruptive to other students.
* If you have trouble concentrating on the lecture because of a distraction, quietly ask those responsible for the distraction to stop. If the distraction continues, please let me know.
* Please contact me immediately if you have any problem which is preventing you from performing satisfactorily in this class.
