MCRO06001 2008 MICROBIOLOGY
The aim of this module is to introduce the student to both the theoretical and practical aspects of basic microbiological techniques required to safely handle, investigate and manipulate micro-organisms in laboratory setting. Students will be provided with the opportunity to acquire knowledge of the subject matter through a variety of lecturer led activities and self-directed study. Such activities will include traditional and interactive lectures, problem solving and revision tutorials and laboratory practical classes. Theoretical and practical problems will be employed to assist students in the development of their analytical and problem solving capabilities.
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this module the learner will/should be able to;
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.
Teaching and Learning Strategies
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Module Assessment Strategies
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Repeat Assessments
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Module Dependencies
Indicative Syllabus
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.
Coursework & Assessment Breakdown
Coursework Assessment
Title | Type | Form | Percent | Week | Learning Outcomes Assessed | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Mid term assessment. | Continuous Assessment | UNKNOWN | 15 % | Week 7 | 1,2,3 |
2 | Health and safety compliance - safe handling of microbes, safety glasses compliance | Continuous Assessment | UNKNOWN | 5 % | OnGoing | 5 |
3 | Post practical assessments | Continuous Assessment | UNKNOWN | 15 % | OnGoing | 4,10 |
4 | Practical skills assessment. | Continuous Assessment | UNKNOWN | 10 % | OnGoing | 8 |
5 | Group laboratory based mini project on identification of an unknown microbe | Continuous Assessment | UNKNOWN | 15 % | OnGoing | 7,9,11 |
6 | Report preparation and submission | Continuous Assessment | UNKNOWN | 5 % | OnGoing | 4 |
End of Semester / Year Assessment
Title | Type | Form | Percent | Week | Learning Outcomes Assessed | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Final theory examination | Final Exam | Assessment | 35 % | End of Term | 1,2,3,4,5,6 |
Full Time Mode Workload
Type | Location | Description | Hours | Frequency | Avg Workload |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Lecture | Tiered Classroom | Lecture | 2 | Weekly | 2.00 |
Laboratory Practical | Science Laboratory | Laboratory Work | 2 | Weekly | 2.00 |
Independent Learning | UNKNOWN | Self study | 4 | Weekly | 4.00 |
Module Resources
Prescott L.M., Harley J.P. and Klein D.A., Microbiology (6th edition). 2004. McGraw Hill.
Nicklin J., Graeme-Cook K. and Killington R., Instant Notes - Microbiology (2nd edition). 2002. Bios Scientific Publishers.
Alexander S.K. and Strete D., Microbiology: a photographic atlas for the laboratory. 2001. Benjamin Cummings.
Microbiology Webbed Out-http://www.bact.wisc.edu/MicrotextBook
Pats Medical Microbiology Sites-http://www.ualberta.ca/~pletendr/micro.html
Federation of European Microbiology Societies: http://www.fems-microbiology.org/
Society for General Microbiology: http://www.socgenmicrobiol.org.uk/
FDA Bacteriological Analytical Manual (BAM) http://vm.cfsan/
Journals:
Annual Reviews in Microbiology / Microbiology and Molecular Biology Reviews / Nature Reviews in Microbiology / Trends in Microbiology