Molecular, biochemical and evolutionary diversity of the microbial world, including Bacteria (a.k.a. eubacteria), Archaea (archaebacteria), and unicellular Eucarya (eukaryotes). Evolutionary perspective on microbial relationships, molecular methods of study and classical and modern biotechnological methods utilizing this genetic diversity to meet the needs of our own species.

Microbial Diversity is a 4 credit-hour, senior-level, lecture and lab course that meets 4 times each week: twice for 50 minute traditional lectures, once for a 50 minute informal discussion session, and once for a 3 hour lab. The course is required for Microbiology majors, and is taught every spring semester.

After taking this course, students should be able to ...

1. demonstrate an in-depth familiarization with the evolutionary perspective on microbial relationships, and how these relationships are determined,
2. demonstrate a wide range on knowledge on the morphological, ecological, biochemical, and evolutionary diversity of the microbial world,
3. demonstrate the laboratory skills required of a microbiologist,
4. read, interpret, and summarize scientific articles in microbiology and related fields, and
5. apply this knowledge and perspective to microbiological problems, in the form of experimental design and written reports.

Lecture : The first lecture is on Wednesday, January 7th

• Section 001 : 11:20-12:10 Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 2312 Williams
• Section 002 : on-line at http://www.mbio.ncsu.edu/MB451
  

Lab : The first labs are on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, January 14-16

• Section 201 : 1:30 - 4:20, Wednesday, 1522 Gardner Addition
• Section 202 : 1:30 - 4:20 Thursday, 1522 Gardner Addition
• Section 203 : 1:30 - 4:20 Friday, 1522 Gardner Addition

• MB 411 & 412 (Medical Microbiology & lab)
• Either BCH 451 (Principles of Biochemistry) or GN 311 (Principle of Genetics) - these can be concurrent
• MB 414 (Metabolic Regulation) is recommended but not required

The course web site is located at http://www.mbio.ncsu.edu/MB451/

This web site contains a wide variety of information that will be critical for all students throughout the semester, including announcements, the lecture and lab schedules, syllabus, lecture notes, lab manual, exam keys, term project information, and lab data.

Grades will be posted on the web site by anonymous self-assigned PIN. Contact the instructor if you not not wish your scores to be posted.

Academic Integrity

Students are expected to abide by the North Carolina State University Code of Student Conduct (http://www.ncsu.edu/policies/student_services/student_conduct/POL445.00.1.htm). All members of the university community (students, faculty, and staff) share the responsibility and authority to challenge and make known to the appropriate authority acts of apparent academic dishonesty.

Academic Honesty

See http://www.ncsu.edu/policies/student_services/student_discipline/POL11.35.1.php for a detailed explanation of academic honesty.

Honor Pledge

Your signature on any test or assignment indicates "I have neither given nor received unauthorized aid on this test or assignment."

Students who wish to take the lecture portion of this course online (section 002) will need to get my permission in person (in my office) or by email (james_brown@ncsu.edu), and register in the Microbiology Office.

• Special Information for online students

This courses requires only the usual materials for taking notes in both lecture and lab. Routine access to a computer with a modern web browser, word processor, email, and printer is required. A digital camera would useful, but by no means essential, for documenting lab results.

There are no extra fees or expenses for this course.

This course will not require students to provide their own transportation. Non-scheduled class time for field trips or out-of-class activities is NOT required for this class.

This course does not fulfill any General Education Program category or co-requisite.

Reasonable accommodations will be made for students with verifiable disabilities. In order to take advantage of available accommodations, student must register with the Disability Services Office (http://www.ncsu.edu/dso) located at 1900 Student Health Center, Campus Box 7509, 515-7653. For more information on NC State's policy on working with students with disabilities, please see the Academic Accommodations for Students with Disabilities Regulation at http://www.ncsu.edu/policies/academic_affairs/courses_undergrad/REG02.20.1.php.

NC State University provides equality of opportunity in education and employment for all students and employees. Accordingly, NC State affirms its commitment to maintain a work environment for all employees and an academic environment for all students that is free from all forms of discrimination. Discrimination based on race, color, religion, creed, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or sexual orientation is a violation of state and federal law and/or NC State University policy and will not be tolerated. Harassment of any person (either in the form of quid pro quo or creation of a hostile environment) based on race, color, religion, creed, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or sexual orientation also is a violation of state and federal law and/or NC State University policy and will not be tolerated. Retaliation against any person who complains about discrimination is also prohibited. NC State's policies and regulations covering discrimination, harassment, and retaliation may be accessed at http://www.ncsu.edu/policies/campus_environ or http://www.ncsu.edu/equal_op. Any person who feels that he or she has been the subject of prohibited discrimination, harassment, or retaliation should contact the Office for Equal Opportunity (OEO) at 515-3148.