Introduction to Microbiology (6510.5)

Availability

• UC - Canberra, Bruce

  Year	Teaching Period	Convener		Mode of Delivery
  2019	Semester 2	DR   Michael   FRESE	(Ph: +61 2 62012243 )	ON-CAMPUS

Unit Outlines

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• Semester 2, 2018, ON-CAMPUS, BRUCE (181689) - View
• Semester 2, 2017, ON-CAMPUS, BRUCE (166330) - View
• Semester 2, 2016, ON-CAMPUS, BRUCE (151746) - View
• Semester 2, 2015, ON-CAMPUS, BRUCE (140450) - View

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Syllabus

This unit introduces students to the microbial world consisting of bacteria, viruses, prions, algae, fungi and parasites. The focus is usually on medically important pathogens but other micro-organisms are also discussed. The unit integrates aspects of biochemistry, molecular biology, immunology, genetics, biotechnology, and environmental sciences. Laboratory exercises introduce the student to basic techniques used in microbiology such as microscopy, staining techniques, cultivation and diagnostic methods. The laboratory exercises reinforce topics introduced in lectures.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of the unit, students will be able to:

1. Describe the morphology, metabolism and reproduction of bacteria; understand diagnostics, symptoms and treatment/ prevention of common bacterial diseases;

2. Describe the morphology and reproduction of viruses; understand diagnostics, symptoms and treatment/ prevention of common viral diseases;

3. Describe the nature, reproduction and diseases associated with prions;

4. Describe morphology, metabolism and reproduction of fungi; understand symptoms and treatment/ prevention of common fungal diseases;

5. Describe the morphology, metabolism and reproduction of parasites; understand symptoms and treatment/ prevention of common parasitic diseases;

6. Discuss ways to control microorganisms by physical and chemical means;

7. Discuss general principles in water management, sewage treatment, fermentation and biotechnology;

8. Understand key principles in the evolution of life and to apply this knowledge to the field of microbiology; and

9. Employ a range of laboratory skills (microscopy, staining, biochemical tests, etc) to isolate, cultivate, characterise and identify microorganisms.

Assessment Items

Contact Hours

2 hours of lectures and 3 hours of practicals per week.

Prerequisites

483 Concepts in Biology AND 1516 Chemistry 1A OR 1517 Chemistry 1B

Corequisites

None.

Assumed Knowledge

None.

Incompatible Units

None.

Equivalent Units

None.