Master Syllabus - MLAB 1231 Summer
Master Syllabus - MLAB 1231 Summer
Schedule: There are NO on campus classes; all instruction will be on-line using
Blackboard, streaming video, a required textbook, and internet websites. The schedule for completing
instructional units and taking exams is listed under “Schedule” in Blackboard, located on the left side of
the screen. Please note that schedule changes may occur during the semester. Any changes will be
posted as a Blackboard Announcement.
COURSE INFORMATION
Campus Distance Learning
Length of Course 10 Weeks
Synonym/Section 80950 / 001
Dates May 28th – August 4th 2024
Credit Hours 2
Lecture Contact Hours/ Week 1
Laboratory Contact Hours/Week 4
Total Contact Hours 80
Campus Distance Learning
FACULTY INFORMATION
Campus Distance Learning
Instructor D. Scott Brewster, M.S., MB(ASCP), MLS(ASCP)
Office Hours There are no scheduled office hours. A face-to-face appointment may be made with the
instructors. Contact Mr. Brewster via email, text or phone. He will respond to you within 24
hours, if between the hours of 9 AM and 9 PM.
Also, students may ask an instructor for a live video chat via Skype. (Student would need to
download free Skype software at http://www.skype.com/intl/en-us/get-skype/on-your-
computer/windows/AND have access to a computer camera.) Students with an Apple iPhone
or iPad may also use Face Time.
Text/Cell Phone 512-223-0250 (office) or 806-317-2454 (cell)
Email [email protected]
Course Description
A study of the taxonomy, morphology, and pathogenesis of human parasites and fungi, including the
practical application of laboratory procedures, quality control, quality assurance, and safety.
Transferability of workforce courses varies. Students interested in transferring courses to another college
should speak with their Area of Study (AoS) advisor, Department Chair, and/or Program Director.
Prerequisites
None
Required Materials
Students must also be able to access on-line material via a computer with Internet access, either from
home or some other place, such as a library or learning resource center.
• Visit this Blackboard website:
https://acconline.austincc.edu/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_tab_group_id=_11_1 to see the
computer system requirements and for software downloads. The schedule (including open lab
hours) for ACC Computer labs can be found at https://www.austincc.edu/students/student-
technology-services.
• ACC and the Medical Technology program use a broad range or Google products and find the
preferred operating system for this course to be Chrome. You may download this product for free
at https://www.google.com/chrome/browser/desktop/.
Recommended Materials
• Medical Parasitology: A Self-Instructional Text, Leventhal, Ruth, and Cheadle, Russell F., F.A.
Davis. ISBN-13: 978-0803675797 or ISBN-10: 0803675798. Older editions of this book are
comparable and can be substituted for the latest edition upon request.
Instructional Methodology
• MLAB 1231 course outline/objectives, lecture presentations, and lab material
• Blackboard On-line Course System (http://acconline.austincc.edu/)
• Streaming videos (links are posted in Blackboard)
• Internet Resources
The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board is now requiring all degree plans in institutions of higher
education incorporate these competencies and identify to the student how these competencies are
achieved in course objectives.
Examples of SCANS competencies being incorporated are as follows:
Attendance
Although there are no on-site classes for this course, the student will be expected to post answers to case
studies and projects at assigned intervals and to complete all assignments and exams by the deadlines
posted in the Course Schedule. Students will be required to post questions on the instructional material
under “Discussion Board” in Blackboard, so that the instructor can post the answers for everyone in the
class to see and learn from.
Students are responsible for proactively communicating any extenuating circumstance(s) that may
interfere with the student’s ability to progress in the course. The student is responsible for communicating
with the instructor during any partial or entire college closures and completing any assignments or other
activities designated by the instructor.
Students who fail to complete the 'Week One' checklist by the posted due date
will be dropped from the course for non-attendance.
Students may use their home computers OR may access all materials and take exams at any public
computer, including those in Learning Labs and libraries at all ACC campuses. The schedule (including
open lab hours) for ACC Computer labs can be found at https://students.austincc.edu/learning-lab.
BLACKBOARD EXAMINATION POLICY - Students are expected to exhibit the highest level of
ethical and honest behavior.
1) These examinations will be taken in Blackboard and will be timed.
2) Unless otherwise stated, NO unauthorized study materials are to be used during the
examination. This includes, but is not limited to, internet resources, notes, lab materials,
dictionaries, translators, or textbooks. In addition, cell phones must be set to “silent” or
turned off during exams. The Program’s Corrective Actions/Disciplinary Measures policy
will be implemented at the Probation level if a student is found using unauthorized
materials
3) Students are expected to take each test at its assigned time and within the posted time
limit.
In addition to the exams, assignments for each learning unit are to be completed. Also, a parasitology
case study must be submitted by the deadline listed under “Schedule” in Blackboard. Finally, students will
be graded according to their online participation, including parasitology case study postings, “Grow Your
Own Fungus” project, and other projects, as assigned.
A passing grade (75% or better) is required in order to receive a passing grade for this course.
A = 90-100%
B = 80-89%
C = 70-79%
D = 60-69%
F = 59% and below
Incomplete - To receive an “I”, a student must have a passing average (70% or better) and have
completed at least 80% of the course work. An instructor may award a grade of “I” (Incomplete) if a
student was unable to complete all of the objectives for the passing grade in a course. An incomplete
grade cannot be carried beyond the established date in the following semester. The completion date is
determined by the instructor but may not be later than the final deadline for withdrawal in the subsequent
semester.
Departmental Policies
Withdrawal Policy
It is the responsibility of each student to ensure that his or her name is removed from the roll should he or
she decides to withdraw from the class. The instructor does, however, reserve the right to drop a student
should he or she feel it is necessary. If a student decides to withdraw, he or she should also verify that the
withdrawal is recorded before the Final Withdrawal Date. The student is also strongly encouraged to
retain their copy of the withdrawal form for their records.
Students are responsible for understanding the impact that withdrawal from a course may have on their
financial aid, veterans’ benefits, and international student status. Per state law, students enrolling for the
first time in Fall 2007 or later at any public Texas college or university may not withdraw (receive a “W”) from
more than six courses during their undergraduate college education. Some exemptions for good cause
could allow a student to withdraw from a course without having it count toward this limit. Students are
NOTE: Due to their severity, some situations or violations do not allow for each step of the progressive
discipline process and the student involved may be immediately placed on probation or may be dismissed
from the course and program.
COLLEGE POLICIES
ACC EMAIL
All College e-mail communication to students will be sent solely to the student’s ACCmail account, with
the expectation that such communications will be read in a timely fashion. ACC will send important
information and will notify you of any college related emergencies using this account. Students should
only expect to receive email communication from their instructor using this account. Likewise, students
should use their ACCmail account when communicating with instructors and staff. Instructions for
activating an ACCmail account can be found at: http://www.austincc.edu/accmail/activation-and-login-
assistance
As a student of Austin Community College, you are expected to abide by the Student Standards of
Conduct. https://www.austincc.edu/students/students-rights-and-responsibilities/student-standards-of-
conduct
If you would like to talk with someone confidentiality, please contact the District Clinical Counseling Team
who can connect you with a clinical counselor on any ACC campus: (512) 223-2616, or to schedule
online: https://www.austincc.edu/students/counseling .
While students are not required to report, they are encouraged to contact the Compliance Office for
resources and options: Charlene Buckley, District Title IX Officer, (512) 223-7964;
[email protected] .
If a student makes a report to a faculty member, the faculty member will contact the District Title IX Officer
for follow-up.
Student Complaints
A defined process applies to complaints about an instructor or other college employee. You are
encouraged to discuss concerns and complaints with college personnel and should expect a timely and
Student complaints may include (but are not limited to) issues regarding classroom instruction, college
services and offices on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, national origin, religion, age, gender,
gender identity, sexual orientation, political affiliation, or disability.
Further information about the complaints process, including the form used to submit complaints, is
available at: http://www.austincc.edu/students/students-rights-and-responsibilities/student-complaint-
procedures
Statement on Privacy
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) protects confidentiality of students’ educational
records. Grades cannot be provided by faculty over the phone, by e-mail, or to a fellow student.
Recording Policy
To ensure compliance with the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), student recording of
class lectures or other activities is generally prohibited without the explicit written permission of the
instructor and notification of other students enrolled in the class section. Exceptions are made for
approved accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Recording of lectures and other class activities may be made by faculty to facilitate instruction, especially
for classes taught remotely through BlackBoard Collaborate or another platform. Participation in such
activities implies consent for the student to be recorded during the instructional activity. Such recordings
are intended for educational and academic purposes only.
Safety Statement
Health and safety are of paramount importance in classrooms, laboratories, and field activities. Students
are expected to learn and comply with ACC environmental, health and safety procedures and agree to
follow ACC safety policies. Emergency Procedures posters and Campus Safety Plans are posted in each
classroom and should be reviewed at the beginning of each semester. All incidents
(injuries/illness/fire/property damage/near miss) should be immediately reported to the course instructor.
Additional information about safety procedures and how to sign up to be notified in case of an emergency
can be found at http://www.austincc.edu/emergency
Everyone is expected to conduct themselves professionally with respect and courtesy to all. Anyone who
thoughtlessly or intentionally jeopardizes the health or safety of another individual may be immediately
dismissed from the day’s activity and will be referred to the Dean of Student Services for disciplinary
action.
In the event of disruption of normal classroom activities due to an emergency situation or an outbreak of
illness, the format for this course may be modified to enable completion of the course. In that event,
students will be provided an addendum to the class syllabus that will supersede the original version.
Campus Carry
The Austin Community College District concealed handgun policy ensures compliance with Section
411.2031 of the Texas Government Code (also known as the Campus Carry Law), while maintaining
ACC’s commitment to provide a safe environment for its students, faculty, staff, and visitors. Beginning
August 1, 2017, individuals who are licensed to carry (LTC) may do so on campus premises except in
locations and at activities prohibited by state or federal law, or the college’s concealed handgun policy.
Discrimination Prohibited
The College seeks to maintain an educational environment free from any form of discrimination or
harassment including but not limited to discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, national
origin, religion, age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability.
Faculty at the College are required to report concerns regarding sexual misconduct (including all forms of
sexual harassment and sex and gender-based discrimination) to the Manager of Title IX/Title VI/ADA
Compliance. Licensed clinical counselors are available across the District and serve as confidential
resources for students.
Additional information about Title VI, Title IX, and ADA compliance can be found in the ACC Compliance
Resource Guide available at: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1o55xINAWNvTYgI-fs-
JbDyuaMFDNvAjz/view
Student Support
ACC strives to provide exemplary support to its students and offers a broad variety of opportunities and
services. Information on these campus services and resources is available at
http://www.austincc.edu/students. A comprehensive array of student support services is available online
at:
https://www.austincc.edu/coronavirus/remote-student-support
Until the instructor receives the NAA from the student accommodations should not be provided. Once the
NAA is received, accommodations must be provided. Accommodations are not retroactive, so it is in the
student’s best interest to deliver the NAA on the first day of class.
Please contact [email protected] for more information.
Academic Support
ACC offers academic support services on all of its campuses. These services, which include online
tutoring, academic coaching, and supplemental instruction, are free to enrolled ACC students. Tutors are
available in a variety of subjects ranging from accounting to pharmacology. Students may receive these
services on both a drop-in and referral basis.
Library Services
ACC Library Services offers both in-person and extensive online services, with research and assignment
assistance available in-person during limited hours of service. Although all college services are subject to
change, plans include ACC students signing up for study space and use of computers
at open libraries, extensive online instruction in classes, online reference assistance 24/7 and reference
with ACC faculty librarians. In addition, currently enrolled students, faculty and staff can access Library
Services online (also 24/7) via the ACC Library website and by using their ACCeID to access all online
materials (ebooks, articles from library databases, and streaming videos). ACC Libraries offer these
services in numerous ways such as: "Get Help from a Faculty Librarian: the 24/7 Ask a Librarian chat
service," an online form for in-depth research Q and A sessions, one-on-one video appointments, email,
and phone (voicemail is monitored regularly).
Student Organizations
ACC has over seventy student organizations, offering a variety of cultural, academic, vocational, and
social opportunities. They provide a chance to meet with other students who have the same interests,
engage in service-learning, participate in intramural sports, gain valuable field experience related to
career goals, and much else. Student Life coordinates many of these activities, and additional
information is available at http://sites.austincc.edu/sl/.
Personal Support
Resources to support students are available at every campus. To learn more, ask your professor or visit
the campus Support Center. All resources and services are free and confidential. Some examples
include, among others:
Mental health counseling services are available throughout the ACC Student Services District to address
personal and or mental health concerns: http://www.austincc.edu/students/counseling .
If you are struggling with a mental health or personal crisis, call one of the following numbers to connect
with resources for help. However, if you are afraid that you might hurt yourself or someone else, call 911
immediately.
Free Crisis Hotline Numbers:
• Austin / Travis County 24-hour Crisis & Suicide hotline: 512-472-HELP (4357)
• The Williamson County 24-hour Crisis hotline: 1-800-841-1255
• Bastrop County Family Crisis Center hotline: 1-888-311-7755
• Hays County 24 Hour Crisis Hotline: 1-877-466-0660
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
• Crisis Text Line: Text “home” to 741741
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline: 1-
800-662-HELP (4357)
• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Helpline:1-800-950-NAMI (6264)