Preface  (Page 4/7)

Information Flow and Genetics

1. Genetic variations can impact microbial functions (e.g., in biofilm formation, pathogenicity and drug resistance).
2. Although the central dogma is universal in all cells, the processes of replication, transcription, and translation differ in Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukaryotes.
3. The regulation of gene expression is influenced by external and internal molecular cues and/or signals.
4. The synthesis of viral genetic material and proteins is dependent on host cells.
5. Cell genomes can be manipulated to alter cell function.

Microbial Systems

1. Microorganisms are ubiquitous and live in diverse and dynamic ecosystems.
2. Most bacteria in nature live in biofilm communities.
3. Microorganisms and their environment interact with and modify each other.
4. Microorganisms, cellular and viral, can interact with both human and nonhuman hosts in beneficial, neutral or detrimental ways.

Impact of Microorganisms

1. Microbes are essential for life as we know it and the processes that support life (e.g., in biogeochemical cycles and plant and/or animal microbiota).
2. Microorganisms provide essential models that give us fundamental knowledge about life processes.
3. Humans utilize and harness microorganisms and their products.
4. Because the true diversity of microbial life is largely unknown, its effects and potential benefits have not been fully explored.

PART 2: Competencies and Skills

Scientific Thinking

1. Ability to apply the process of science
   a. Demonstrate an ability to formulate hypotheses and design experiments based on the scientific method.
   b. Analyze and interpret results from a variety of microbiological methods and apply these methods to analogous situations.
2. Ability to use quantitative reasoning
   a. Use mathematical reasoning and graphing skills to solve problems in microbiology.
3. Ability to communicate and collaborate with other disciplines
   a. Effectively communicate fundamental concepts of microbiology in written and oral format.
   b. Identify credible scientific sources and interpret and evaluate the information therein.
4. Ability to understand the relationship between science and society
   a. Identify and discuss ethical issues in microbiology.

Microbiology Laboratory Skills

1. Properly prepare and view specimens for examination using microscopy (bright field and, if possible, phase contrast).
2. Use pure culture and selective techniques to enrich for and isolate microorganisms.
3. Use appropriate methods to identify microorganisms (media-based, molecular and serological).
4. Estimate the number of microorganisms in a sample (using, for example, direct count, viable plate count, and spectrophotometric methods).
5. Use appropriate microbiological and molecular lab equipment and methods.
6. Practice safe microbiology, using appropriate protective and emergency procedures.
7. Document and report on experimental protocols, results and conclusions.

Openstax Microbiology Correlation to asm recommended curriculum guidelines for undergraduate microbiology education