MCB2340C - General Microbiology

Fundamentals of Microbial Reproduction, Growth, and Control

Supplemental Videos:

Life Functions of Organisms: Prokaryotes

Life Functions of Eukaryotes

From Microbiology: A Systems Approach (6th ed.) by M. K. Cowan and H. Smith, Figures 8.18 and 8.19. McGraw-Hill.

Flow and Control of Genetic Information Within and Between Microbes and Other Living Organisms

Supplemental videos:

Epigenetic Mechanism

Segment from Our Genes Under Influence

Genetic Mutation

Segment from Genetics: Popular Guide to the Principles of Human Genetics

A New Genetic Map That Could Make Your Skin Crawl

Basic Immune Response to Infection by Microbial Agents

Supplemental videos:

Immune Response to Bacteria

The Immune System at Work

Humans and Bacteria

Pathogenic Features of Disease-Causing Microorganisms

Supplemental Videos:

Fighting Antimicrobial-Resistant Pathogens

Fighting the Microbes: The History of Antibiotics

Basic Microbiology Laboratory Functions

Supplemental Videos:

Safety in the Senior Science Lab

Getting Started with McGraw-Hill Connect Platform

Your eLaboratory Manual is provided to you through the McGraw-Hill Connect platform. The first time you access the McGraw-Hill Connect platform, you will have to login. If you don't have an account with the McGraw-Hill Connect platform, you will have to create one by clicking on the "Register" button. When registering for the first time on the McGraw-Hill Connect platform, USE YOUR RASMUSSEN COLLEGE email address (first.last@smail.rasmussen.edu) as your email address.

If you already have previously created a McGraw-Hill Connect platform account with your Rasmussen College email address, then use that login information to sign-in.

After you sign in for the first time, you should not have to do it again within this course. Once registered, you need to locate the class:

1. Select the “Menu” in the upper left corner
2. Select “Classes”
3. Select the correct course name

4. Click on the chevron on the far right for the Virtual Labs Tutorial and then on the blue arrow to proceed to the lab activity.

5. Select "Begin"

View the documents linked below for additional support.

Cell Biology Basics

Watch this video for a review of basic concepts:

Note: From How Cells Work: The Lego Version by David Faulkner (2017, January 26). Creative Commons.

View videos on cell biology by launching the  Anatomy & Physiology collection > Course Topics > Cells and tissues

Selections from the Online Library

Stay Calm and Manage Your Time

When asked what factor contributed the most to their academic success, students respond consistently that the answer is being able to manage their time effectively.  Effective time management can mean the difference between feeling busy and accomplishing what you want to versus feeling behind and overwhelmed.

Take a look at the resources below and reach out right away if you start feeling overwhelmed.  

• How to set up assignments
• How to create a study schedule
• Managing Your Time for 5.5 Week Classes - From a Student's Perspective
• Make a success plan for school

Time Management Tips

Step #1:  Determine how much time is needed to prepare for and study in each class.  Click here for assistance.

Step #2:  Make a plan!  Watch this short video How to Create a Study Schedule, and then use the Planner Handout to identify blocks of ideal study times.  You may also want to learn about how often you should study to learn new information.

        TIP: Monitor your study time so that you identify the "right" amount of time for each course for the grade you want.

Step #3:  Visit the Time Management page of the Student Success Guide for additional resources and information.

Step #4:  Consult the Time Management Cookbook for practical advice and tips--plus time-saving recipes!

Need more help?                                                                                                                                                                 

Set up an appointment for a Time Management tutoring session with one of our specially trained tutors. Use the Success Skills topic option and select Time Management. Click here for directions.

Reading Comprehension Strategies

Click on the questions below to reveal helpful reading tips and strategies to better understand and retain complex information:

• What can I do before reading to help me better understand the information presented?
• How can I read more efficiently?
• What is active reading? How do I do it?
• What can I do post-reading to help me really learn the material?
• What is SQ3R? 

Reading Academic Literature

Academic journals publish the results of research studies performed by experts in an academic discipline.  Articles selected for publication go through a rigorous peer-review process.  This process includes a thorough evaluation of the research submitted for publication by journal editors and other experts or peers in the field.  Editors select articles based on specific criteria including the research methods used, whether the research contributes new findings to the field of study, and how the research fits within the scope of the academic journal.  Articles selected often go through a revision process prior to publication.

Most academic journal articles include the following sections:

• Abstract  (An executive summary of the study)
• Introduction (Definition of the research question to be studied)
• Literature Review (A summary of past research noting where gaps exist)
• Methods (The research design including variables, sample size, measurements)
• Data (Information gathered through the study often displayed in tables and charts)
• Results (Conclusions reached at the end of the study)
• Conclusion (Discussion of whether the study proved the thesis; may suggest opportunities for further research)
• Bibliography (A list of works cited in the journal article)

TIP: To begin selecting articles for your research, read the highlighted sections to determine whether the academic journal article includes information relevant to your research topic.

Step 1: Skim the article

When sorting through multiple articles discovered in the research process, skimming through these sections of the article will help you determine whether the article will be useful in your research.

1. Article title  and subject headings assigned to the article

2. Abstract

3. Introduction

4. Conclusion

If the article fits your information need, go back and read the article thoroughly.

Step 2: Determine Your Purpose

Think about how you will evaluate the academic articles you find and how you will determine whether to include them in your research project.  Ask yourself the following questions to focus your search in the academic literature:

• ​Are you looking for an overview of a topic? an explanation of a specific concept, idea, or position?
• Are you exploring gaps in the research to identify a new area for academic study?
• Are you looking for research that supports or disagrees with your thesis or research question?
• Are you looking for examples of a research design and/or research methods you are considering for your own research project?

Step 3: Read Critically

Before reading the article, ask yourself the following:

• What is my research question?  What position am I trying to support?
• What do I already know about this topic?  What do I need to learn?
• How will I evaluate the article?  Author's reputation? Research design? Treatment of topic? 
• What are my biases about the topic?

As you read the article make note of the following:

• Who is the intended audience for this article?
• What is the author's purpose in writing this article?
• What is the main point?
• How was the main point proven or supported?  
• Were scientific methods used in conducting the research?
• Do you agree or disagree with the author? Why?
• How does this article compare or connect with other articles on the topic?
• Does the author recommend areas for further study?
• How does this article help to answer your research question?

Academic Support: How to Connect with a Peer Educator or Tutor

Microbiology students have various options when seeking academic support. 

Peer Educators

Q: What does a Peer Educator do?

Peer Educators are certified tutors trained to show you how to navigate the entire process of being a student while supporting you in various aspects, including those beyond academics. 

A Peer Educator:

• Has been exactly where you are right now
• Shares the expectations that lay ahead
• Provides tips that save you time and effort
• Speak directly to your concerns of the unknown
• Recommends regular touch points to gauge progress & stay on track

Q: How do I meet with a Peer Educator?

We offer Peer Educator appointments for new students.  Click HERE for instructions.  

Tutoring

Q: What does a Tutor do?  

A Tutor is a student who has been trained in tutoring strategies and has successfully passed the courses they tutor in with a grade of ‘B’ or better. 

A Tutor:

• Has likely taken the course you need help with (the exception is Live Help tutors)
• Can support you when you have specific questions about assignments
• Can provide perspective about what will be helpful for the course   

Q: How do I schedule a meeting with a tutor for Microbiology?

• In BlackBoard, click on Tutoring in the left column to connect to the tutor scheduling system, Tutor Match:

• Once in Tutor Match, select General Education from the top dropdown menu and select General Microbiology from the second dropdown menu.

• Click Schedule and choose a meeting time from the calendar. 
• A confirmation email will be sent by the tutor with instructions for how to join the tutoring session.