AM2M32: Physiology and Genetics of the Bacterial Cell

Module Provider:

AMS

Number of credits:

10 [5 ECTS credits]

Level:

I (Intermediate)

Terms in which taught:

Autumn

Module Convenor:

Prof PS Poole

Pre-requisites:

AM1M11 AM1M12

Co-requisites:

AM2M34

Modules excluded:

Module version for:

2006/7

Aims:
The purpose of this module is to provide students with an understanding of fundamental aspects of bacterial biochemistry, metabolism, physiology and genetics. By the end of the course students should understand how bacteria manage to utilise a wide variety of nutrients through the diversity of their metabolic capabilities and how these processes are regulated. Students will also learn about the mechanisms of important-bacterial processes, such as genetics exchange, membrane assembly, solute transport, cell growth, motility and taxis, and stress (e.g. osmotic and pH) resistance. At the practical level students will learn to perform membrane preparations, solute transport measurements, and enzyme assay.

Assessable learning outcomes:
By the end of the module it is expected that the student will be able to:
Assessable outcomes

Additional outcomes:
Students will improve their computing skills

Outline content:
The course will provide a general knowledge of many key aspects of the biochemistry, metabolism and physiology of bacteria. Several topics will be covered: plasmids, transposition, conjugation, transduction, motility and taxis, transport, membrane assembly, cell growth and division, and osmotic and pH regulation, respiration, fermentation and food biotechnology. Much of the information content of the module will be in the form of lectures, but practicals will also be used to reinforce the lectures and to introduce new laboratory skills. Use of the WWW will provide opportunities to widen the experience beyond that of laboratory bench work.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
There will be sixteen 50-minute lectures, approx 16 hours of practicals, and an end of course assessment and discussion (~2 hours). Students will be expected to hand in practical write-ups for assessment.

Contact hours:

Assessment:
Coursework
Practical write-ups and end of course test.
Relative percentage of coursework : 30%
Examinations
A one-and-a-half hour examination requiring answers to two questions out of four. This contributes 70% of the overall assessment for this module.
Requirements for a pass
A mark of 40% overall
Reassessment arrangements
Re-examination in September only