Module 1: Introduction to Microbiology

SMI2. Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information to differentiate among types of microorganisms based on defining characteristics.
  1. Develop and use models to distinguish between different kinds of microorganisms (Prokaryotes and Eukaryotes) based on cellular structure (including but not limited to, cell wall, cell membrane, organelles, cilia, and flagella), molecular biology (plasmids, DNA, RNA and proteins), and biochemical composition (lipids, proteins, and carbohydrates).
  2. Construct explanations of how viruses differ from other cellular parasites.
  3. Construct explanations for the relative sizes and different types of cell shapes of microorganisms.
  4. Plan and carry out investigations to explore various methods used to visualize microorganisms.
SMI3. Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information to examine the structural components of prokaryotic and eukaryotic microorganisms and their functions.
  1. Develop and use models to demonstrate how internal organization differs between prokaryotes and eukaryotes and explain the functions of internal structures.

Module 2: Infectious Diseases

SMI8. Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information to examine relationships among microbes and other organisms.
  1. Ask questions to gather and communicate information about how pathogenic microbes cause disease in humans and other organisms
SMI5. Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information regarding the molecular mechanisms underlying DNA replication, gene expression (transcription and translation), and genetic variation, in microbes.
  1. Construct explanations on how genetic variations in microbes arise due to mutations and gene transfer (via transformation, transduction, and/or conjugation) and how these genetic variations affect survival and functioning of prokaryotes.
  2. Construct an explanation of how genetic variation can lead to microbial evolution and ultimately how this information impacts modern biotechnological applications.
SMI6. Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information to determine parameters affecting prokaryotic microbial growth, ways of controlling microbial growth and how microorganisms respond to control mechanisms.
  1. Ask questions and define problems related to how the use of antimicrobials influences the evolution of resistant pathogens via genetic changes in the population (e.g., the evolution of multi-drug resistant bacteria, treatment resistant HIV, or viral recombination)
SEPI1. Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information to understand and analyze the disease process.
  1. Construct an argument from evidence to explain how the rapid evolution of pathogens results in diseases that will continue to be a public health concern. (Clarification statement: Instruction should include an emphasis on the importance of antibiotic resistance from both domestic and global perspectives).

Module 3: Epidemiology

SEPI1. Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information to understand and analyze the disease process.
  1. Obtain, evaluate and communicate information about the history and uses of epidemiology. (Clarification statement: This element is intended to include scientists, public health organizations and scientific breakthroughs.)
  2. Ask questions about diseases and pathogens that cause them.
  3. Develop and use models to explain the different modes of disease transmission and how timing of exposure during the disease process affects spread of disease.
SEPI2. Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information to identify and formulate hypotheses about patterns of health and disease.
  1. Analyze and interpret data focusing on the amount, distribution and patterns of disease within a population by person, place and time. (Clarification statement: Instruction should focus on the amounts, distributions and patterns from local and global perspectives).
  2. Use models that are based on empirical evidence to identify patterns of health and disease to characterize a public health problem.
MAMDM.D.2. Students will build the skills and vocabulary necessary to analyze and critique reported statistical information, summaries, and graphical displays.
MMIG.PD.4 Students will use computer simulations to make decisions.
  1. Use technology to simulate a real-world situation.
  2. Analyze, evaluate, and interpret results.
  3. Examine alternate decisions in response to contextual changes.