Specific course requirements - Microbiology Lab

Below are descriptions of the assignment categories for this course. Detailed information, such as question types, number of questions, time limits, number of attempts, etc. can be found by clicking on the appropriate link(s) in the “Detailed information specific to Dr. Hollier’s Microbiology Lab classes” part of this syllabus.

Midterm and final exams
Laboratory exams assess your competency in the course content at multiple Blooms taxonomy levels (knowledge, comprehension, application, analysis, synthesis, and/or evaluation) and using different styles of questions (MultiSelect and/or multiple choice).
The Midterm exam and Final exam are closed book exams. You are NOT allowed anything to assist you other than your own brain. This means you cannot have anything, including, but not limited to, books, notes, electronic devices, etc. during these tests.
The mid-term exam will cover all material up to the day of the exam. The final exam will be comprehensive (cover everything from start of the semester up to the final). 

Laboratory reports
Students are required to submit one or more lab reports on a laboratory exercise in which the scientific method is used. Students are expected to have basic knowledge of the topic prior to completing the laboratory activity. Students will perform an activity and collect data. Data will be analyzed and evaluated. Experiments are performed in groups, but reports are written up individually (see cheating and plagiarism section). Which exercises are written up as lab reports is indicated in the class schedule along with the due dates for each report.

Quizzes
Quizzes assess your competency in the course content at multiple Blooms taxonomy levels (knowledge, comprehension, application, analysis, synthesis, and/or evaluation) and using different styles of questions (MultiSelect and/or multiple choice). Quizzes will be given online according to the schedule.

Histology
The histology requirement for this course will be performed in iCollege. Assignments will focus on identification of specific fungi, protozoa, and helminths (including parts of organisms), diseases they cause, signs/symptoms of that disease, locations in the host they colonize, entry method into the host, transmission methods for that disease, diagnosis, and treatments. Questions will be MultiSelect and/or multiple choice style.

Pre-lab homework
Homework assignments assess your competency in the course content at multiple Blooms taxonomy levels (knowledge, comprehension, application, analysis, synthesis, and/or evaluation) and mostly use multiple choice questions (a few questions may of other types such as MultiSelect, true/false, or labeling). Online homework assignments will be given in iCollege according to the class schedule (online homework column). Online homework assignments are given before the exercise is covered in class. These homework assignments cannot be extended, except for extenuating circumstances.

Disease project
To meet the Board of Regents (BOR) IMPACTS for this course, a group project requiring writing, application of the scientific method, inquiry and analysis of scientific literature and data, problem-solving, teamwork, and information literacy will be completed. During the first week of classes the groups will be assigned (tables you sit at). The project will cover week 2 of the semester to the last full week before classes end. Components of the project will be submitted on a weekly basis (mini-mester classes) or biweekly basis (full semester classes).

Start of the semester quizzes
Students must complete the following quizzes (these have unlimited attempts; you must score 100% on each quiz for all other content in iCollege to be released to you).

You can have the syllabus and schedule open when taking these quizzes. All of these “start of the semester quizzes” are due by the end of roll verification (due date will be listed in the class schedule). You will not be able to complete any course work until you have completed all of the start of the semester quizzes. The sooner you pass them, the sooner you can start learning.

Discussions
Discussions held in the classroom are intended to engage you in the material covered in the course as an individual student and this requires that you actively participate, provide dialogue, and demonstrate that you have learned from the course material by applying your understanding to the topic. Discussions will be conducted in the classroom / laboratory each class as part of your course grade. Only students present in the room are eligible to participate. Dr Hollier will display a QR code on the projector for students to scan on their mobile device. The QR code will direct the student to an online form where they are to follow the instructions in the discussion on the form.

Attendance
Students’ academic success is the major priority of the College.  Because regular participation enhances the learning process, students are expected to adhere to the attendance policy set forth by the College and individual faculty members.  Differences in content and teaching styles exist among courses, which can impact students’ learning.  Therefore, students are strongly encouraged to attend all classes to better prepare them for assignments, tests, and other course-related activities.  Students are accountable for assignments, announcements, and material covered during an absence. You are expected to attend all classes and take all exams.  Students’ responsibility for materials covered is unaffected by absence.  Arrival to any class 10 minutes after the scheduled class time is counted as absence; similarly an early departure 10 minutes before the class is over is also counted as an absence. Attendance after the roll verification period will be determined by attendance sheets in the classroom.

Extra credit
Two different categories of extra credit are given to students. Both should be completed.