MCB 2006 – Microbes without Borders


General Education Credit: Elective
College Credit: 3

About The Course

This course will make students aware of the importance of the diversity of microbes and the significance in our everyday lives. Different microbes are explored in readings, audiovisual materials, and hands-on explorations. Topics include viruses, bacteria, parasites and fungi, microbes and art, bioterrorism, GMOs and biotechnology, food production, and the role of microbes in agriculture. Issues like disease spread and prevention, vaccines, and drug resistance will be examined. Students will participate in a challenging project to solve some of the global issues that are currently facing humanity.

Course Goals

By the end of the course, students:

  • Have examined the building blocks of life and DNA replication, understand mutations, and resistance mechanisms.
  • Can name and explain the basic historic milestones that caused paradigm shifts in our thinking and behavior as it pertains to microbiology.
  • Can define and identify the basic difference between groups of microbes (viruses, bacteria, protists, parasites, and fungi).
  • Show increased awareness of global microbial issues and geographic locations.
  • Can intellectually discuss controversial topics like GMOs, vaccines, and antibiotic resistance.
  • Defend the importance of microbes in their personal lives, their community, and across the globe.
  • Can discuss scientifically the difference between the Germ theory of disease and the hygiene hypothesis.
  • Are familiar with vocabulary and concepts in microbiology to excel in other courses like MCB 3023.

Satisfied High School Graduation Requirement Subject: Elective
High School Credit: 0.5