Chemistry (English) Preview
Bachelor	TR-NQF-HE: Level 6	QF-EHEA: First Cycle	EQF-LLL: Level 6

Course Introduction and Application Information

Course Code:

UNI407

Course Name:

Journey to the Micro World of Cells

Semester:

Fall
Spring

Course Credits:

ECTS

Language of instruction:

English

Course Condition:

Does the Course Require Work Experience?:

Type of course:

University Elective

Course Level:

Bachelor

TR-NQF-HE:6. Master`s Degree

QF-EHEA:First Cycle

EQF-LLL:6. Master`s Degree

Mode of Delivery:

E-Learning

Course Coordinator:

Prof. Dr. FEVZİYE FİGEN KAYMAZ

Course Lecturer(s):

fevziye figen kaymaz

Course Assistants:

Course Objective and Content

Course Objectives:

The aim of this course is to introduce students to the fascinating and diverse world of microorganisms and their significant roles in nature and human life. Through a combination of theoretical knowledge and presentationof students will:
1. Understand Microbial Diversity and Function: Learn about the various types of microorganisms, including bacteria, archaea, fungi, protists, and viruses, and how they impact ecosystems, human health, and industry.
2. Explore Cellular Structures and Processes: Gain an understanding of the fundamental differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, as well as the role of cellular organelles, membranes, and genetic material in microbial function.
3. Master Microscopy and Imaging Techniques: Acquire practical skills in using microscopes to observe microorganisms, cells, and tissues, learning how to apply these techniques in both scientific research and practical contexts.
4. Understand the Human Microbiome: Study the role of microorganisms in the human body, especially the gut microbiome,
5. Connect Micro world to Real-World Issues: Develop an appreciation for the impact of micro world on global health, environmental sustainability, and scientific advancements, and explore how modern research is using micro world to solve pressing issues.
This course aims to build foundational knowledge in microbiology and cellular biology, fostering critical thinking that prepare students for further study or careers in biological research, healthcare, biotechnology, and environmental science.

Course Content:

Week 1: Introduction to the Micro World
o Overview of the Micro World
o Importance of Microorganisms in Nature and Human Life
o Introduction to Microscopes and Imaging Technologies
• Activities:
o Introduction to microscopy techniques
o Micrograph observation of basic samples (onion cells, pond water)
Week 2: Cellular Biology
• Topics:
o Structure of Prokaryotic vs. Eukaryotic Cells
o Functions of Cellular Organelles
o Cell Membranes and Transport Mechanisms
• Activities:
o Micrograph examination of plant and animal cells
Week 3: Bacteria and Archaea
• Topics:
o Introduction to Bacteria and Archaea
o Structure and Functions of Bacterial Cells
o The Role of Bacteria in Ecosystems (Nitrogen Fixation, Decomposition)
• Activities:
o Explore bacterial cultures on agar plates
o Examine bacterial diversity with Micrograph
Week 4: Viruses – Life at the Edge
• Topics:
o Structure of Viruses
o How Viruses Replicate: Lytic vs. Lysogenic Cycles
o The Role of Viruses in Disease and Genetic Engineering
• Activities:
o Discuss historical pandemics caused by viruses
Week 5: Fungi and Protists
• Topics:
o Introduction to Fungi: Yeasts, Molds, and Mushrooms
o Protists: Diversity and Habitats
o The Ecological Importance of Fungi and Protists
• Activities:
o Observe fungal growth and study protists from water samples
Week 6: The Human Microbiome
• Topics:
o Microorganisms that Live in and on the Human Body
o The Role of the Gut Microbiome in Health and Disease
o The Impact of Antibiotics and Probiotics
Week 7: Microorganisms and the Environment
• Topics:
o Microbial Roles in Biogeochemical Cycles (Carbon, Nitrogen, Sulfur)
o Microbial Decomposition and Waste Management
o Bioremediation: Using Microorganisms to Clean Up Pollution
Week 8: Student Presentations
Week 9: Student Presentations
Week 10: Student Presentations
Week 11: Student Presentations
Week 12: Student Presentations
Week 13: Student Presentations
Week 14: Student Presentations

Learning Outcomes

The students who have succeeded in this course;
1) Explain Microbial Diversity and Subcellular Structures: Understand and describe the diversity of microorganisms, including bacteria, archaea, fungi, protists, and viruses, and explain their roles in ecosystems, human health, and disease.
2) Differentiate Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells: Identify and explain the differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, their structures, and functions, particularly in relation to cellular organelles, membranes, and genetic material.
3) İdentify Microscopy Techniques: Demonstrate proficiency in using light microscopes and other imaging tools to observe and analyze microorganisms, cellular structures, and biological samples.
4) Examine the Human Microbiome: Describe the significance of the human microbiome, particularly the gut microbiome, and explain how it influences human health, disease, and treatments, including the role of antibiotics and probiotics.
5) Evaluate Real-World Applications: Critically assess the role of microorganisms in real-world scenarios, such as environmental sustainability, biotechnology, public health, and epidemiology, by applying microbiological concepts to global challenges.
6) Collaborate in Research and Discussion: Work effectively in groups to research, discuss, and present findings on topics related to microbial biology, genetic engineering, and the microbiome

Course Flow Plan

Week	Subject	Related Preparation
1)	Week 1: Introduction to the Micro World o Overview of the Micro World o Importance of Microorganisms in Nature and Human Life o Introduction to Microscopes and Imaging Technologies	o Introduction to microscopy techniques o Micrograph observation of basic samples (onion cells, pond water)
2)	Cellular Biology • Topics: o Structure of Prokaryotic vs. Eukaryotic Cells o Functions of Cellular Organelles o Cell Membranes and Transport Mechanisms	o Micrograph examination of plant and animal cells
3)	Bacteria and Archaea • Topics: o Introduction to Bacteria and Archaea o Structure and Functions of Bacterial Cells o The Role of Bacteria in Ecosystems (Nitrogen Fixation, Decomposition)	o Explore bacterial cultures on agar plates o Examine bacterial diversity with Micrograph
4)	Viruses – Life at the Edge • Topics: o Structure of Viruses o How Viruses Replicate: Lytic vs. Lysogenic Cycles o The Role of Viruses in Disease and Genetic Engineering	o Discuss historical pandemics caused by viruses
5)	Fungi and Protists • Topics: o Introduction to Fungi: Yeasts, Molds, and Mushrooms o Protists: Diversity and Habitats o The Ecological Importance of Fungi and Protists	o Observe fungal growth and study protists from water samples
6)	The Human Microbiome • Topics: o Microorganisms that Live in and on the Human Body o The Role of the Gut Microbiome in Health and Disease o The Impact of Antibiotics and Probiotics
7)	Microorganisms and the Environment o Microbial Roles in Biogeochemical Cycles (Carbon, Nitrogen, Sulfur) o Microbial Decomposition and Waste Management o Bioremediation: Using Microorganisms to Clean Up Pollution
8)	Student Presentations
9)	Student Presentations
10)	Student Presentations
11)	Student Presentations
12)	Student Presentations
13)	Student Presentations
14)	Student Presentations
15)	final exam
15)	final exam

Sources

Course Notes / Textbooks:

Molecular Biology of the Cell by Bruce Alberts, Alexander D. Johnson, Julian Lewis, and Martin Raff
Provides an in-depth exploration of cell biology, with sections on cellular processes, organelles, and the differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.

Microbiology: An Introduction by Gerard J. Tortora, Berdell R. Funke, and Christine L. Case
A foundational textbook that provides an introduction to microbial structure, function, and the role of microorganisms in health and disease.

Principles of Virology by Jane Flint, Vincent R. Racaniello, Glenn F. Rall, and Anna Marie Skalka
Focuses on the biology of viruses, including their structure, replication cycles, and role in diseases and genetic engineering.

The Human Microbiome: A New Frontier in Health and Disease by Julian R. Marchesi and Jacques Ravel
Offers an overview of the human microbiome, its role in health and disease, and its implications for medicine and biotechnology.

References:

Course - Program Learning Outcome Relationship

Course Learning Outcomes	1	2	3	4	5	6
Program Outcomes
1) Knows the basic concepts related to the theory and applications of chemistry, uses theoretical and applied knowledge, can select, develop and design methods.
2) Makes experimental planning and application for analysis, synthesis, separation and purification methods, provide solutions to the problems encountered and interpret the results.
3) Expresses the basic principles of sample preparation techniques and instrumental analysis methods used in qualitative and quantitative analysis of items, discusses their application areas.
4) Has knowledge about the sources, production, industrial applications and technologies of chemical substances.
5) Makes structural analyzes of chemical substances and interprets the results.
6) Work individually and in multidisciplinary groups, take responsibility, plan their tasks and use time effectively.
7) Follows the information in the field and communicates with colleagues by using English at a professional level.
8) Uses information and communication technologies along with computer software at the level required by the field.
9) Follows the national and international chemistry literature, transfers the knowledge gained orally or in writing.
10) Determines self-learning needs, manages/directs his/her learning.
11) Takes responsibility and adheres to the ethical values required by these responsibilities.

Course - Learning Outcome Relationship

No Effect	1 Lowest	2 Average	3 Highest

	Program Outcomes	Level of Contribution
1)	Knows the basic concepts related to the theory and applications of chemistry, uses theoretical and applied knowledge, can select, develop and design methods.
2)	Makes experimental planning and application for analysis, synthesis, separation and purification methods, provide solutions to the problems encountered and interpret the results.
3)	Expresses the basic principles of sample preparation techniques and instrumental analysis methods used in qualitative and quantitative analysis of items, discusses their application areas.
4)	Has knowledge about the sources, production, industrial applications and technologies of chemical substances.
5)	Makes structural analyzes of chemical substances and interprets the results.
6)	Work individually and in multidisciplinary groups, take responsibility, plan their tasks and use time effectively.
7)	Follows the information in the field and communicates with colleagues by using English at a professional level.
8)	Uses information and communication technologies along with computer software at the level required by the field.
9)	Follows the national and international chemistry literature, transfers the knowledge gained orally or in writing.
10)	Determines self-learning needs, manages/directs his/her learning.
11)	Takes responsibility and adheres to the ethical values required by these responsibilities.

Assessment & Grading

Semester Requirements	Number of Activities	Level of Contribution
Attendance	14	% 10
Presentation	1	% 40
Final	1	% 50
total		% 100
PERCENTAGE OF SEMESTER WORK		% 50
PERCENTAGE OF FINAL WORK		% 50
total		% 100