Course Content and Outcomes Guides (CCOG)

CCOG for APR 261L archive revision 202604

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Effective Term:
Fall 2026

Course Number:
APR 261L
Course Title:
Microbiology I
Credit Hours:
3
Lecture Hours:
30
Lecture/Lab Hours:
0
Lab Hours:
0

Course Description

Introduces clinical microbiology and the taxonomic approach to major human pathogens. Presents an overview of the organization and function of the clinical microbiology laboratory. Introduce the principles of basic practices for specimen processing, handling, and work-up. Explores lab skills via on-the-job training.

Intended Outcomes for the course

Upon successful completion of the course, students should be able to:

  1. Analyze and make decisions about the pathogenicity of organisms associated with human infections.

  2. Demonstrate appropriate microbiology laboratory techniques, methodologies, instruments and use of equipment in accordance with current laboratory safety protocols.

Course Activities and Design

This online course is delivered through lecture/discussion, audio-visual presentations, handouts, web-based instructional media, and other educationally sound practices. Hands-on laboratory content will be learned through on-the-job training, with classroom instruction focusing on the theoretical background necessary to perform laboratory tasks. There is no laboratory component in this course.

Outcome Assessment Strategies

Assessment methods may include written examinations, homework assignments, quizzes, and discussion activities. Evaluation will focus on students’ understanding of theoretical knowledge, problem-solving skills, communication, and comprehension of clinical laboratory protocols, safety regulations, and quality assurance measures. Practical lab skills will be assessed during on-the-job training, rather than in the classroom.

Course Content (Themes, Concepts, Issues and Skills)

Course Themes:

Microbial Cell Biology

  • Anatomy of veins and arteries

  • Regulation of cellular activities

  • Cellular structure and function

  • Growth and division

  • Cell energy metabolism

  • Microbial Genetics

Interactions and Impact of Microorganisms and Humans

  • Host defense mechanisms

  • Mechanisms of microbial pathogenicity

  • Disease transmission

  • Antibiotics and chemotherapy

  • Normal flora

Clinically Significant Pathogens and Infectious Diseases

  • Staphylococcaceae and Streptococcaceae

  • Neisseriaceae

  • Clinically important Gram-positive Rods

  • Coccobacilli

  • Clinically important Anaerobes

  • Enterobacterales and other significant Gram-negative rods

  • Mycobacterium

  • Yeast

  • Parasites

  • Fungi Specimen processing and documentation

Professionalism in Healthcare

  • Code of ethics, patient confidentiality, and reporting protocols

  • Professional conduct and communication in clinical settings

Course Skills:

Cognitive Skills:

  • Explain the organization and operation of clinical laboratories and safety protocols.

  • Integrate knowledge to interpret and analyze laboratory results.

  • Apply phlebotomy theory to describe safe and effective blood collection techniques.

  • Understand and articulate laboratory regulations and quality assurance measures.

Performance and Professional Skills:

  • Demonstrate initiative, adaptability, and professionalism through classroom participation and discussions.

  • Engage with course materials independently, showing motivation and commitment to learning.

Safety Awareness Skills:

  • Recognize laboratory safety equipment and proper usage.

  • Understand the importance of safety measures in preventing accidents and exposure to pathogens.