BIOLOGY 251

ASSESSMENT

ASSESSMENT 1: will focus on the history of microbiology; cell structure; and basic laboratory techniques. You are expected to demonstrate level 2 of analysis and problem solving in the context of microbiology and valuing level 1 and 2.

ASSESSEMENT 2: will focus on growth and control mechanisms of microbes. You are expected to demonstrate level 3 of analysis and ability to create mini case studies regarding choice of control mechanisms selected. In addition, you will need to demonstrate level 3 of quantitative literacy.

ASSESSMENT 3: will focus on metabolic pathways and microbial genetics and virology. You will need to demonstrate quantitative literacy, analysis and problems solving at level three in order to interpret the case studies and models.

ASSESSMENT 4: will be divided into Part A and Part B and is based on Part two and three of your laboratory work.

PART A	.

will be your laboratory report of your unknown organism. Although you may discuss your results with your peers, the report is your individual analysis.

The report must include:

• a flow chart showing your experimental movement to reach a conclusion about the genus and species;

• a written analyis explaining the basis of your decision;

• a statement of what software you used and how it assisted you in organizing data or drawing a conclusion;

• a completed official DESCRIPTIVE CHART ;

• an annotated bibliography of 2 or more references where your unknown organism is used in research.
  • The Biological and Agricultural Index is a good starting point for gathering research as well as Internet and Infotrack;

• a statement analyzing how this process is generalizable.

Successsful completion of this report based on your experimental work will partially validate you for ANALYSIS and PROBLEM SOLVING, level 4.

PART B	.

will be a joint project with a partner. You and your partner will design and implement an investigative research project using either your unknown, your partners or both. Since you already know much about one of these (or both) organisms, what else do you want to ask about the organism?

• You will do the experimental work and report orally and in writing your results.

• In your oral report, you must reflect on what new questions or new designs occurred in reflecting on your experimental design.

• Your report should follow a typical scientific journal format:
  • Introduction
  • Methods Used
  • Data Generated
  • Discussion
  • Conclusions

  It is expected that you research your topic and include any references that support your data.

• An addendum to your report should include a reflective statement comparing the two problem solving approaches you used. Part A (Identification) and Part B (Hypothesis). This need not be longer than a single page.

  Effective completion of this second part will validate you for Analysis and Problem Solving, level 4.

ASSESSMENT 5: will focus on epidemiology, immunology and the applied aspects of microbiology.

VALUING LEVEL 3	.

For those who wish to demonstrate Valuing Level 3.

During the semester, there will be a number of learning experiences for level 3 of Valuing in the context of microbiology. However, if you wish to be validated for level 3 in this context

• Select 3 articles on microbial genetics, immunology or applied microbiology. These may be either handouts or you own choice. Highlight the value statements and reflect on values held by microbiologists. React to these values in regard to whether you agree with the values, whether you think this is held by present day society and comment if there is any conflict that exists between your values and those held by society.

• Make a list of five societal microbial issues that involve values in decision making about the issue.

On completion of the above two components and the approval of the instuctor, you can go to the Assessment Center and ask to take Level 3, Microbiology Assessment in Valuing and Decision Making. Be certain to complete the self assessment.

This assessment must be completed two weeks before the end of the course.

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