BE107 Biology of Microbes

Welcome!

Biology of Microbes

BE 107 LaTeX: -− Block 4 LaTeX: -− Fall 2024

Click on the drop-down menu headings below to learn more about course basics.

For more details and a tentative course schedule, check out the syllabus in the course modules 

Land Acknowledgement and Inclusion of Diverse Perspectives

LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I recognize that CC is located on land stewarded by the Ute Peoples and descendant nations. Historically, this land has been home to the Apache, Arapaho, Comanche, Cheyenne, and other tribal nations. I honor and express my gratitude towards the many individuals that were forced to surrender their land, because without their sacrifice, we would not have these natural spaces to explore and learning institutions to pursue knowledge.

DIVERSITY & INCLUSION

I believe that fostering antiracism, diversity, equity, and inclusion (ADEI) in higher education is necessary for student engagement and learning. My experience as a gay, first-generation Mexican immigrant raised by working class parents, helps me understand that inequity and privilege disparity affect students' educational experiences, sense of belonging, and retention. I am committed to co-creating a learning environment that supports students of all abilities, ethnicities, creeds, genders, orientations, and identities. Throughout the course, I will work to amplify the diverse voices and perspectives that exist in the field.

 

Who and Where

Jesús F. Peña, PhD (he/him/él) LaTeX: -− Professor

  • Contact: jpena2023@coloradocollege.edu (weekdays 8:00am-6:00pm; weekends may vary)
  • Office/Phone: Barnes 418 / (719) 389-6209
  • Office Hours: By appointment

 

William Lewis LaTeX: -− Paraprofessional 

  • Contact: wlewlis2024@coloradocollege.edu
  • Office/Phone: Olin 472 / (719) 389-6843
  • Office Hours by appointment only. Please be respectful of William's time, and contact him directly for scheduling. 

 

Meeting Times and Locations

In-class lectures, discussions, and activities

  • Meet in Barnes 413 (unless otherwise noted)
  • Monday: morning in-class sessions begin at 9:30am
  • Tuesday-Friday: morning in-class sessions begin at 9:15am
  • Afternoon in-class sessions begin at 1:15pm, unless otherwise specified
  • We have 1 field trip this block
    • Meet at 12:45p at the Barnes loading dock
    • Expected return is 4:00p

 

Getting Started with the Course 
    1. Remember to check Announcements regularly.
    2. the Syllabus and the course schedule can be found in the Course Resources module located at the top of the modules page.
    3. The materials for the course are divided into weekly modules. 
    4. Explore the course layout by reviewing the different modules. 
    5. Follow along in the required textbook using the readings in the Course Schedule. Verify that you have access to the textbook before the start of block.
Canvas Overview and Canvas Notification Preferences

 

Sending and Receiving E-mails

The Canvas e-mail tool (Inbox) is located on the far left navigation pane. Read What is the Inbox? for directions on how and why to use this system.

If you use regular e-mail, instead of Canvas email:

      • Please include “BE107” as part of the subject line in all e-mails (e.g. “BE107: Content Question")
      • Send all e-mails to me at jpena2023@coloradocollege.edu 
Academic and Technical Support
  • For additional assistance, you may attend office hours (see above or on Syllabus). You may also seek help from our tutors or the QRC, located in Tutt Library. 
  • Academic integrity is expected of all students. Review the CC Honor Council website and the CC Honor Code for more information.
  • Canvas Technical Support is available 24/7 via phone (1-855-740-0505). You may also contact ITS at (719) 389-6449 or at its@coloradocollege.edu. The primary Canvas support contact for CC is Jennifer Golightly (Jennifer.Golightly@ColoradoCollege.edu) or (719) 389-6671.
  • If you have other technical issues, then please consult with the Office of Information Technology (ITS) at (719) 389-6449 or at its@coloradocollege.edu.
  • Accessibility Resources: If you have a disability that requires special accommodation in this class, then you may be eligible for accommodations/auxiliary aids under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. To determine eligibility for accommodations or auxiliary aids during this class, please contact Accessibility Resources in Room 219 in Armstrong Hall. You may also contact them via phone (719-227-8285) or e-mail (accessibilityresources@coloradocollege.edu). 
  •  NEED HELP? CC is a community that cares for you.
Feeling Unwell

If you are feeling sick, do not come to class. Contact me ASAP.

If you are feeling ill or unwell in any capacity, please contact me prior to our class/field trip. If you are feeling physically ill (COVID, cold, flue etc.), please prioritize recovery and do not come to class – contact me ASAP and we will work on a way forward.

 

Each of you is entitled by the College to take one day off from class per block to take care of your wellbeing. We all face challenges at different times, so I want to give you freedom to choose when you need a day off. You need only send me an email saying that you are taking your wellbeing day, no explanation or documentation required. If you are taking your wellbeing day or are otherwise unwell and should miss class, you should email me by 8:30 am day-of.

 

In general, I will not be able to recreate class, lectures, and specific instruction when you miss, so it will be up to you to access resources to get caught up (classmates notes, our TA, online lectures etc.). Additional absences require timely external documentation. Unexcused absences will result in 1% penalty from the final grade.

 

In order to ensure the health and safety of all students, staff, and faculty, CC has established COVID-19 risk mitigation guidelines. Please refer to CC Coronavirus Updates & Resources for news and information related to COVID. 

Given the uncertainty surrounding COVID at CC, I kindly request that you practice patience and flexibility in the event of scheduling and course changes.

 

“Microbiology teaches us that size is no measure of significance; even the smallest microbe can wield immense power...these tiniest beings possess the strength to spark a revolution”

— Aloo Denish

image.png

2018 Winner of American Society for Microbiology Agar Art Contest

"The Battle of Winter and Spring" By Ana Tsitsishvili, Undergraduate Student, Agricultural University of Georgia - Tbilisi, Georgia

Staphylococcus and Bacillus mycoides, pale as winter snow, grow and outcompete every other microbe. But when they meet red spring flowers, made by Serratia marcescens, they retreat due to the antibiotic properties of prodigiosin, the red pigment produced by Serratia. Flowers of prodigiosin-resistant Micrococcus and Rhodotorula invade the spaces cleared by Serratia, as after winter always comes spring and the promise of new life.

CC Attribution This course content is offered under a CC Attribution Links to an external site. license. Content in this course can be considered under this license unless otherwise noted.