Overview

This topic is designed to give students a broad understanding of major elements of microbiology including bacteriology, microbial genomics, the role of microbes in disease and microbial ecology, expanding on the material covered in Foundations of Microbiology. The practical work is designed to extend skills in handling bacteria, to apply … For more content click the Read More button below.

Topic availabilities

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Tuition pattern

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Aims

The theory component will present information to prepare students for further study in specific areas of molecular biosciences that include a microbiological aspect, such as; biology, biotechnology, forensics, infectious disease and ecology. The laboratory-based experimental section of the topic will provide students with practical experience in the handling, isolation and identification of microbes and will provide them with opportunities to work independently and as part of a team. 

The specific aims and objectives of this topic are to:

  • Consolidate bacteriological techniques, such that students can conduct work with bacteria with confidence and safety
  • Examine the diversity of form and biological activity found amongst bacteria
  • Learn strategies for isolating and enumerating specific bacterial species
  • Learn methods for confirming the identity of specific bacteria
  • Study bacteria which have a direct impact on human welfare
  • Develop techniques for recording observations accurately in a notebook which is then available as a definitive long-term record of experimental work
  • Learn analytical skills relevant to practical microbiology
  • Mastering skills in communicating (oral and written) for a general and expert scientific audience

Learning outcomes

On completion of this topic you will be expected to be able to:
1.
Understand key processes in microbiology, including microbial cell biology, microbial genetics, microbial interactions and impacts on humans and the environment
2.
Possess the technical mastery required to handle microorganisms as well as the confidence to work safely and independently in a laboratory
3.
Assimilate, formulate and interpret information in microbiology, all of which can be applied to other fields
4.
Communicate (oral and written) for a general and expert scientific audience

Assessments

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Current students should refer to FLO for detailed assessment information, including due dates. Assessment information is accurate at the time of publishing.

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Requisites information

Pre-requisites:
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