Sophia just launched Microbiology with (or without) Lab and we have the syllabus and topical outline for both in the post below.
Syllabus downloadable on Sophia’s website. Text copied/pasted below can be hard to read. You can download the syllabus on Sophia’s website but you will have to provide your email address to them.
HS4CC23 code at checkout gives you 10% off your subscription.
Sophia courses are the type of credit called ACE credit (See black box)
The companies/organizations in this category sell courses “for college credit” that have been evaluated by the American Council on Education (ACE). ACE credit is not as transferable as credit earned directly through a college, but can be very transferable when used with the intention of transferring to one of the partner colleges. ACE is a third party credit evaluator that evaluates all types of learning that happens outside of a college. This kind of college credit is guaranteed to transfer into partner colleges (varies by provider) but transfers poorly outside of partnerships.
Using ACE credit requires creating an account with another third party, Credly to “hold” your teen’s credit until they’re ready to use it. HS4CC List of ACE Partners
Microbiology
SCIE1046: Microbiology Lab (1 semester credit)
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Sophia’s science lab courses are designed to be used with the accompanying lecture course, creating a
robust investigation and journey into the natural sciences. It’s recommended that you complete this
Microbiology Lab course simultaneously with Microbiology, so you fully experience the application and real world relevance of the subject. (Uses Labster)
Sophia Learning
SCIE1045: Microbiology (3 semester credits)
COURSE DESCRIPTION
How are our day-to-day lives affected by organisms too small to see with the naked eye? Sophia’s
Microbiology course is designed to introduce you to the field of microbiology including the tools used,
organisms studied, methods of clinical testing, control of microorganisms, and the role of microorganisms in health and disease. The course also covers essential biological concepts as they relate to microbiology,
including metabolic processes, genetics, evolution, genetic engineering, biotechnology, immunology, and
more. The content is intended to be interesting and relevant for learners studying allied health or preparing
for non-STEM careers while also providing clear information to provide a strong foundation for STEM majors.
It’s recommended that you complete Microbiology (this course) simultaneously with Microbiology Lab.
Important!
Please plan ahead. While you can take as many Sophia courses as you’d like each month with your
membership, you are only allowed to be active in two courses at a time. Taking this lab course along
with the Microbiology lecture will occupy your two-course limit. This course requires a reliable
internet connection and a laptop or desktop computer that meets minimum specifications.
COURSE EFFECTIVE DATES: April 2023 – Present
PREREQUISITES: No prerequisites; prior completion of a college introductory biology course is
recommended.
LENGTH OF COURSE: This is a self-paced course. Students may use as much or as little time as needed to complete the course.
GRADING: This is a pass/fail course.
Challenge 1.1: Introduction to Microbiology 4
Challenge 1.2: Tools of the Microscopic World 5
Challenge 1.3: Cell Structures and Function 5
Challenge 2.1: The Prokaryotes of Microbiology 4
Challenge 2.2: The Eukaryotes of Microbiology 4
Challenge 2.3: Acellular Pathogens 5
Challenge 3.1: Biotechnology 5
Challenge 3.2: Microbial Metabolism 5
Challenge 3.3: Introduction to Microbial Genetics, DNA, and RNA 4
Challenge 3.4: Protein Synthesis and Genetic Transfer 5
Challenge 3.5: Modern Application of Microbial Genetics 4
Challenge 4.1: Microbial Growth 4
Challenge 4.2: Control of Microbial Growth 5
Challenge 4.3: Antimicrobial Drugs 6
Challenge 5.1: Microbial Strategies to Causing Disease 6
Challenge 5.2: Epidemiology and Immunity 8
Challenge 5.3: Adaptive Immunity, Vaccines, and Disease of the Immune System 7
Challenge 5.4: Laboratory Analysis of Pathogens 6
Challenge 5.5: Common Infections Diseases 7
Milestones/ Points Possible
Milestone 1 /42
Milestone 2 /39
Milestone 3 /69
Milestone 4 /45
Milestone 5 /102
Final Milestone /150
OUTLINE OF MAJOR CONTENT AREAS for the COURSE
The History and Field of Microbiology
Classification, Taxonomy, Types, and Characteristics of Microorganisms
Types and Parts of the Microscope
Preparing Slides for Microscopy and Staining Slides
Spontaneous Generation, Koch’s Postulates, and Germ Theory of Disease
Understand classifications of prokaryotes based on organismal features.
Categorize eukaryotic microorganisms based on organismal characteristics.
Describe the characteristics of viruses and other acellular pathogens.
Prokaryotic Cells, Eukaryotic Cells, and Cell Division
Prokaryote Structure, Function, & Habitat
Gram-Negative Bacteria, Gram-Positive Bacteria, Phototrophic Bacteria, and Deep Branching Bacteria
Characteristics of Unicellular Eukaryotic Protists
Parasitic Helminths, Algae, and Fungi
Characteristics of Viruses, Viral Life Cycles, and Eukaryotic Viruses
Culture and Identification of Viruses
Viroids, Virusoids, and Prions
Organic Molecules & Isomerism, Carbohydrates, Lipids, and Proteins
Energy, Matter, Enzymes, Catabolism, Cellular Respiration, and Fermentation
Microbial Photosynthesis and Biogeochemical Cycles
Microbial Genetics, DNA, RNA
Genome Structure and Function, Translation, Mutations, Reproduction, and Regulation
Genetic Engineering, Analysis of DNA and RNA
Amplifying, Visualizing, and Characterizing DNA, RNA, and Proteins
Bacterial Growth, and Communication
Physical and Chemical Microbial Control
Mechanisms of Action of Antibacterial Drugs, Antifungals, Antiprotozoal, Antihelminthic, and Antiviral
Drugs
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Antimicrobial Drug Therapy Options, Drug Resistance, and Effectiveness of Antimicrobial Agents
Koch’s Postulates and Molecular Koch’s Postulates
Pathogenicity and Virulence Factors of Bacteria and Viruses, and Eukaryotic Pathogens
Endotoxins and Exotoxins
Epidemiology, Disease Transmission, and Public Health
Innate Immunity and Physical and Chemical Defense Mechanisms
Cellular Defense and Immunity, Inflammation, and Fever
Adaptive Immunity, Histocompatibility Complex, and T and B Lymphocytes in Immunity
Vaccines, Hypersensitivities, Autoimmune Disorders, and Immunodeficiencies
Cancer Immunobiology and Immunotherapy
Antibody Production, Laboratory Testing, In Vitro Assays, Agglutination, and Hemagglutination
Blood Typing and Crossmatching
EIA, FEIA, and ELISA Testing, Fluorescent Antibody Techniques
Common Infections Diseases
OUTLINE OF MAJOR CONTENT AREAS for the LAB
The Scientific Method and the Nature of Scientific Inquiry
Microscopy
Lab Reporting
Lab Safety
Aseptic Technique
Bacterial Cell Structures
Microscopy
Bacterial Isolation
Gram Staining
Identification of Unknown Bacteria
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Eutrophication
Bacterial Growth Curves
Control of Microbial Growth
Pasteurization and Sterilization
Biosafety
Genetic Transfer in Bacteria
ELISA
Western Blot Transfer
CONTENT ALIGNMENT BETWEEN LAB AND LECTURE
The following table shows the tutorials from the lecture course (right column) that support each Activity in the
lab course (left column). You’ll have access to these tutorials from inside the lab course. Look for the sections
marked “Make the Connection” at the beginning of each lab Activity.
MAKE THE CONNECTION
Lab Course Lecture Course
LAB RELATED TUTORIALS
Unit 1: Introduction to the Lab Unit 1: The Microscopic World
Lesson 1.1 Getting Started with Labs N/A
Lesson 1.2 The Nature of Scientific Inquiry N/A
Lesson 1.3 The Scientific Method N/A
Lesson 1.4 How to Use a Microscope N/A
Lesson 1.5 How to Write a Lab Report N/A
Unit 2: The Microscopic World Unit 1: The Microscopic World
Activity 2.1 Lab Safety See Lab Manual
Activity 2.2 Aseptic Technique: Culture your sample
without contamination
4.1.4 Media Used for Microbial Growth
4.2.1 Bacterial Growth
Activity 2.3 Bacterial Cell Structures: An introduction
to the bacterial cell
1.1.4 Types and Characteristics of
Microorganisms
1.2.3 Types of Microscopes
1.3.3 Prokaryotic Cells
Activity 2.4 Fluorescence Microscopy 1.1.4 Types and Characteristics of
Microorganisms
1.2.1 Light & Lenses of Microscopy
1.2.2 Observing the Microscopic World
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1.2.3 Types of Microscopes
1.2.4 Preparing Slides for Microscopy
1.2.5 Staining Methods
1.3.3 Prokaryotic Cells
Unit 3: Prokaryotes & Eukaryotes Unit 2: Prokaryotes & Eukaryotes
Activity 3.1 Bacterial Isolation 4.1.3 Environmental Effects on Microbial Growth
4.1.4 Media Used for Microbial Growth
4.3.5 Drug Resistance
Activity 3.2 The Gram Stain: Identify and differentiate
bacteria
1.2.4 Preparing Slides for Microscopy
1.2.5 Staining Methods
2.1.2 Gram-Negative Bacteria
2.1.3 Gram-Positive Bacteria
5.5.7 Infections of the Nervous System
Unit 4: Genetics and Biochemistry Unit 3: Genetics and Biochemistry
Activity 4.1 Identification of Unknown Bacteria: Help
save baby Kuppelfangs from an epidemic!
1.2.5 Staining Methods
3.1.5 Biochemistry to Identify Microbes
4.1.4 Media Used for Microbial Growth
5.1.1 Classifications, Types, and Terminology of
Disease
Activity 4.2 Eutrophication 2.2.3 Algae
3.2.4 Microbial Photosynthesis
3.2.5 Biogeochemical Cycles
Unit 5: Microbial Growth and Control Unit 4: Microbial Growth and Control
Activity 5.1 Bacterial Growth Curves: Experiment with
bacterial growth
4.1.1 Bacterial Growth
4.2.1 Sterilization, Disinfectants, and Antiseptics
Activity 5.2 Control of Microbial Growth: Explore
decontamination and selective toxicity
4.2.1 Sterilization, Disinfectants, and Antiseptics
4.3.1 The History of Antimicrobial Drugs
4.3.2 Antimicrobial Drug Therapy Options
4.3.3 Mechanisms of Action of Antibacterial
Drugs
4.3.6 Effectiveness of Antimicrobial Agents
Activity 5.3 Pasteurization and Sterilization 4.1.3 Environmental Effects on Microbial Growth
4.2.3 Physical Control of Microorganisms
4.2.4 Chemical Control of Microorganisms
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Activity 5.4 Biosafety 1.2.5 Staining Methods
2.1.2 Gram-Negative Bacteria
2.1.3 Gram-Positive Bacteria
4.2.2 Biological Safety Levels
5.1.4 Virulence Factors of Bacteria and Viruses
Unit 6: Disease Pathogenicity and Epidemiology Unit 5: Disease Pathogenicity and Epidemiology
Activity 6.1 Genetic Transfer in Bacteria: Prevent the
rise of superbugs!
3.4.4 Asexual Reproduction and Genetic
Diversity
5.1.1 Classification, Types, and Terminology of
Disease
5.1.4 Virulence Factors of Bacteria and Viruses
5.2.1 An Introduction to Epidemiology
5.2.2 Disease Transmission
Activity 6.2 ELISA 5.4.1 Antibody Production and Laboratory Testing
5.4.5 EIA, FEIA, and ELISA Testing
Activity 6.3 Western Blot Transfer: Prepare for
protein detection
5.4.1 Antibody Production and Laboratory Testing
5.4.2 In Vitro Assays
