MCRO06001 2008 MICROBIOLOGY

Understand that microorganisms  comprise   a diverse  range  of  organisms  that  includes  bacteria, fungi, protozoans, algae, viruses and sub-viral particles.

Understand microbial structural diversity and classification.

Be  aware  of microbial  physiological  diversity  which  is  reflected in a range of  microbial  activities  in  nature,  in  their  importance in biotechnology and in health and disease. Understand  the  theoretical  and   practical   principles  underpinning  a  diverse  range  of  methodologies  aimed  at  controlling microbial growth.

Be capable of  manipulating and  interpreting  numerical  data  relating  to  microbiological    analysis.

Understand  the  importance  of,  and  work  in compliance with, health and safety policies  and good laboratory practice as it pertains to microbiology laboratories.

Demonstrate an awareness of key principles of Microbiology and be able to explain major microbiological concepts by demonstrating a capacity for critical scientific analysis of relevant issues.

Be able to design and execute experiments, systematically collect and analyze data, identify sources of error, and interpret the results and reach logical conclusions.  They should also have a basic understanding of safety issues.

Operate basic laboratory instruments used in microbiology practical experimentation.

Apply the scientific method by stating a question; researching the topic; determining appropriate tests; performing tests; collecting, analyzing, and presenting data; and finally proposing new questions about the topic.

Be able to (1) differentiate between fact and opinion, (2) recognize and evaluate author bias and rhetoric, (3) develop inferential skills, (4) recognize logical fallacies and faulty reasoning, and (5) make decisions and judgments by drawing logical conclusions using sound quantitative and statistically-based reasoning.

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Theory:

•1.       History of microbiology.

•2.       Microscopy.

•3.       The structure of the bacterial cell.

•4.       Aseptic technique.

•5.       Microbial classification.

•6.       Chemical factors affecting microbial growth.

•7.       Physical factors affecting microbial growth.

•8.       Controling microbial growth.

•9.       Culturing microbes.

Indicative Practical:

•1.       Aseptic techniques.

•2.       Staining of microbial cells - Gram stain, spore stain.

•3.       Microbial motility tests - direct microscopic observation and motility agar technique.

•4.       Culture techniques- aerobic and aerobic culture.

•5.       Enumerating microbes - pour plate, spread plate.

•6.       Controling microbial growth- disinfectant efficacy tests (MIC), antibiotic susceptibility tests.