The Microbial World
Duration
- One Semester or equivalent
Contact hours
- 56 Hours
On-campus unit delivery combines face-to-face and digital learning.
Prerequisites
BIO10001 Concepts of BiologyAims and objectives
This unit of study aims to develop basic concepts of microbiology and the practical skills and techniques required in microbiological analysis. It will prepare students for studies in advanced topics in microbiology and applications in biomolecular science and will provide a variety of practical laboratory experiences where students can apply their theoretical knowledge to practical situations
Unit Learning Outcomes (ULO)
Students who successfully complete this Unit will be able to:
1. Demonstrate an understanding of the fundamental ideas and applications of a variety of microbiological methods
2. Describe the unique properties of microbial cell organisation, metabolism, growth and nutrition
3. Recognise how microbial growth can be monitored and controlled, particularly in the context of human health and disease
4. Describe and appreciate the important roles microorganisms play in biomolecular applications
Students who successfully complete this Unit will be able to:
1. Demonstrate an understanding of the fundamental ideas and applications of a variety of microbiological methods
2. Describe the unique properties of microbial cell organisation, metabolism, growth and nutrition
3. Recognise how microbial growth can be monitored and controlled, particularly in the context of human health and disease
4. Describe and appreciate the important roles microorganisms play in biomolecular applications
Unit information in detail
- Assessment, general skills outcomes and content.
Assessment
| Types
| Individual or Group task
| Weighting
| Assesses attainment of these ULOs
|
| Exam 1 | Individual | 25-30% | 1,2,4 |
| Exam 2 | Individual | 25-30% | 1,2,4 |
| Online quizzes | Individual | 2 x 5% | 1,3,4 |
| Lab reports | Individual | 25-30% | 1,2,3 |
As the minimum requirements of assessment to pass the unit and meet all Unit Learning Outcomes to a minimum standard, a student must achieve:
(i) An aggregate mark of 50% or more, and
(ii) Obtain at least 40% in the final exam, and
(iii) Complete a minimum of 80% of laboratory work based on the criteria for successful completion as explained in the lab handout(s).
Students who do not successfully achieve hurdle requirements (ii) and (iii) will receive a maximum of 44% as the total mark for the unit and will not be eligible for a conceded pass.
General skills outcomes
During this unit, students will receive feedback on the following key generic skills:
• Teamwork Skills
• Analysis Skills
• Problem Solving Skills
• Communication Skills
• Ability to tackle unfamiliar problems
• Ability to work independently
• Teamwork Skills
• Analysis Skills
• Problem Solving Skills
• Communication Skills
• Ability to tackle unfamiliar problems
• Ability to work independently
Content
• Major types of microorganisms
• Structure and function of bacterial cells, including morphology, and key internal and external structures
• Nutrition and growth of bacteria, including metabolism, energy use, culture media and enumeration methods
• Control of microbial growth, including physical and chemical methods
• Microbial genetics, including DNA function, mutation and gene transfer
• Structure and function of bacterial cells, including morphology, and key internal and external structures
• Nutrition and growth of bacteria, including metabolism, energy use, culture media and enumeration methods
• Control of microbial growth, including physical and chemical methods
• Microbial genetics, including DNA function, mutation and gene transfer
Study resources
- References.
References
A list of reading materials and/or required texts will be made available in the Unit Outline.