This document provides an overview of the topics to be covered in a bacteriology course. The course will last 5 weeks and cover cell structure and functions, gram reaction, spore formation, nutrition and respiration, growth curves and factors affecting growth, bacterial relationships, bacterial division, and classification. Students will be evaluated through exams, labs, activities, and a final exam. Learning resources include medical microbiology textbooks and online sources. The document then provides background information on bacteria and their classification, including an overview of prokaryotic life, the universal tree of life consisting of three domains, and methods for identifying bacteria.