	Biology 202 - Introduction to Microbiology
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Oral Presentations Spring 2026

Students will be assigned to groups of 3-4 students (usually around mid-semester). Groups will then meet to decide on a topic. Topics can be selected from a list of microbial (infectious) diseases. Student groups will then prepare a case presentation for a patient with the selected infection. Case studies can be searched for and selected from scientific journals, health care organization websites or other reliable sources. A clear citation must be included. Topics must then be submitted to the instructor for approval. Student groups can then prepare a 6-8 minute long case presentation (to be done in person during finals week or submitted as a video recording). Case presentations are worth 50 points and should include:

Patient presentation
Physical exam findings
Patient history
Relevant laboratory tests
Any treatments that were initiated
Case resolution/outcome

Schedule of Oral Presentations

Time	Team	Topic

Oral presentations will take place during the assigned final exam time for BIO202 (5/15 - 5/19)
Team presentation topics and time slots are first-come, first-served. Teams may use the term paper topic sign-up page to choose their topic
You may choose any topic as long as no one has chosen it for their term paper topic
Teams are assigned into groups of 4 students

Guidelines: Team Presentations

Teams are to consist of 4 students.
Presentations are to last 6-8 minutes.
Topic must be a microbial disease - you can choose one from the list.
Each team member must contribute an equal share of the presentation.
Presentations should be innovative and creative: Please do not simply throw facts up on the screen and read from notes! Some very successful presentations in the past have been short skits, musical presentations, student-created videos, PowerPoint slides with high-quality photos/diagrams (& little text), etc. BE CREATIVE!
Presenters must prepare a one-page "Fact Sheet" to be handed out before their presentation. This sheet should include all major aspects of the disease in outline form (no lengthy text). See example below.
Maximum credit is 25 points:
- Fact sheet: 5 points
- Audience evaluation: 5 points
- Instructor evaluation: 12 points
- Completion of evaluation forms: 3 points

Sample Fact Sheet

(This outline is basic and can be much more informative; use of pictures is encouraged)

Tetanus

Introduction.

Tetanus, also called lockjaw, results from an infection with Clostridium tetani. These bacteria are strict anaerobes and are able to survive in deep puncture wounds. Once in the body, they multiply and secrete an AB-type exotoxin (Tetanus toxin) which blocks release of inhibitory neurotransmitters in the CNS. This causes spastic paralysis.

Summary

Cause:

Clostridium tetani: Gram-positive strictly anaerobic endosporing rods in the Phylum Firmicutes

Symptoms:

Spastic paralysis of facial muscles, progressing to other skeletal muscles and the diaphragm. Can lead to death through paralysis of respiratory muscles.

Transmission:

Most commonly through wound infection, often deep puncture wounds (e.g. "rusty nail")

Pathogenesis:

C. tetani grow in the anaerobic tissues and produce Tetanus toxin (an Exotoxin) that travels to the CNS in the bloodstream. There, it blocks the release of an inhibitory neuotransmitter (GABA) which normally inhibits motor neurons.

Treatment:

Adminitration of an antitoxin is necessary to neutralize circulating toxins; The DPT vaccine (diphtheria/pertussis/tetanus) prevents illness; periodic boosters are necessary. Antibiotics are generally not needed or effective

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