INTRODUCTION TO MICROBIOLOGY

BIO2IMB

2015

Credit points: 15

Subject outline

This subject introduces microbiology through units of ever increasing size and complexity. We begin with molecules and cells, proceed to whole organisms and then onto how microbes interact with their environment, including humans. Topics covered in the lectures include microbial cell and molecular biology, structure and function of microbes and viruses, the control of microbial growth, causes of common microbial and viral diseases, and microbial interactions with humans and the environment. The practical component focuses on developing the practical skills required to safely study microorganisms.

School: School of Molecular Sciences/LIMS

Credit points: 15

Subject Co-ordinator: Ian Swift

Available to Study Abroad Students: Yes

Subject year level: Year Level 2 - UG

Exchange Students: Yes

Subject particulars

Subject rules

Prerequisites: BIO1CO OR BIO1OF

Co-requisites: N/A

Incompatible subjects: N/A

Equivalent subjects: N/A

Special conditions: N/A

Learning resources

Readings

Resource Type	Title	Resource Requirement	Author and Year	Publisher
Readings	Brock Biology of Microorganisms	Prescribed	Madigan, MT, Martinko, JM, Dunlap, PV and Clark DP 2012	13TH EDITION, SYDNEY, PEARSON
Readings	Foundations in Microbiology	Prescribed	Talaro, KT 2009	7TH EDITION, SYDNEY, MCGRAW-HILL

Graduate capabilities & intended learning outcomes

01. Define and distinguish between terms in the basic vocabulary of microbiology.

Activities:: The vocabulary of microbiology is introduced in lectures, reinforced in practicals and assessed in assignments and tests.
Related graduate capabilities and elements:: Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research); Writing(Writing); Discipline-specific GCs(Discipline-specific GCs)

02. Display basic competency in the safe handling, observation and enumeration of microbes in the laboratory.

Activities:: Safe handling and observation of microbes in the laboratory is taught and assessed in small group practical classes.
Related graduate capabilities and elements:: Discipline-specific GCs(Discipline-specific GCs); Quantitative Literacy/ Numeracy(Quantitative Literacy/ Numeracy); Creative Problem-solving(Creative Problem-solving)

03. Compare the structure and function of different types of microorganisms (both prokaryotic and eukaryotic) and relate these to the other living organisms.

Activities:: Lectures and practical work will introduce and consolidate the concepts of structure and function of different types of microorganisms. Assessment of the student's ability to compare these and relate them to other organisms will take place in tests and the final exam.
Related graduate capabilities and elements:: Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking); Discipline-specific GCs(Discipline-specific GCs); Writing(Writing)

04. Explain how microorganisms grow, interact with their environment, and predict those factors that are likely to affect growth for a given set of environmental conditions.

Activities:: Lectures will be where the students are introduced to microorganism interactions with the environments. Practical work and textbook questions will reinforce this. Assessment will be via class tests, a written assignment and the final exam.
Related graduate capabilities and elements:: Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking); Creative Problem-solving(Creative Problem-solving); Discipline-specific GCs(Discipline-specific GCs); Writing(Writing)

05. Describe and compare various microbes and explain the roles that microbes play in human diseases and health and functioning of the environment.

Activities:: Microbial roles in disease and the environment will be introduced in the lectures and consolidated by a written assignment which will be assessed and feedback provided, along with class tests and the final exam.
Related graduate capabilities and elements:: Writing(Writing); Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking); Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research); Discipline-specific GCs(Discipline-specific GCs)

Bendigo, 2015, Semester 1, Day

Overview

Online enrolment: Yes

Maximum enrolment size: N/A

Enrolment information:

Subject Instance Co-ordinator: Joseph Tucci

Class requirements

LectureWeek: 10 - 22
Three 1.0 hours lecture per week on weekdays during the day from week 10 to week 22 and delivered via face-to-face.
"Or Delivery Method: On-Line"

PracticalWeek: 10 - 22
Three 1.0 hours practical per week on weekdays during the day from week 10 to week 22 and delivered via face-to-face.
"Or Type: Directed Learning Activity Or Delivery Method: On-Line"

Assessments

Assessment element	%	ILO*
2-hour examination	40	01, 03, 04, 05
4 online quizzes	8	01, 03, 04, 05
Class Test 2 - essay (40 minutes worth of writing)	6	01, 03, 04, 05
Laboratory Report	20	01, 03, 04
Module A. Skills Competency Tests, in practicals	10	02, 03
Module B. Skills Competency Tests, in practicals	10	02, 03
class test 1 - 30 multiple choice questions	6	01, 03, 04, 05

Singapore, 2015, Semester 1, Blended

Overview

Online enrolment: Yes

Maximum enrolment size: N/A

Enrolment information:

Subject Instance Co-ordinator: Joseph Tucci

Class requirements

LectureWeek: 10 - 22
One 36.0 hours lecture per study period on weekdays during the day from week 10 to week 22 and delivered via face-to-face.
"36-hours of Blended Lectures and Online Learning Activities in the teaching period delivered as a combination of face-to-face and online."

PracticalWeek: 10 - 22
One 15.0 hours practical per study period on weekdays during the day from week 10 to week 22 and delivered via face-to-face.
"15-hours of Practical or Directed Learning Activities during the teaching period and delivered via face-to-face or online."

Assessments

Assessment element	%	ILO*
2-hour examination	40	01, 03, 04, 05
4 online quizzes	8	01, 03, 04, 05
Class Test 2 - essay (40 minutes worth of writing)	6	01, 03, 04, 05
Laboratory Report	20	01, 03, 04
Module A. Skills Competency Tests, in practicals	10	02, 03
Module B. Skills Competency Tests, in practicals	10	02, 03
class test 1 - 30 multiple choice questions	6	01, 03, 04, 05