BI1BD1-Introductory Microbiology

Module Provider: School of Biological Sciences
Number of credits: 10 [5ECTS credits]
Level: 4
Terms in which taught: Autumn
Module Convenor: Dr S MacIntyre
Pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Module version for: 2009/0

Email: s.macintyre@reading.ac.uk

Aims:
This course aims to provide students, with interest in Biomedical/Biomolecular sciences, with an introduction to the broad compass of Microbiology - ways in which fundamental principles are put into practice and a range of elementary skills and techniques used in the study of micro-organisms.
Note: This version of the course is recommended for students interested in taking Microbiology: a medical perspective BI2BJ5 in Part 2. Students of Pharmacy, Food Bioscience, Agriculture, Animal science, Chemistry and SBS students, unlikely to take further microbiology, should register for the alternative version of Introductory Microbiology, AM1P11.

Assessable learning outcomes:
Students will be able to:
• recount key landmarks in Microbiology
• state fundamental characteristics of major groups of bacteria, viruses and fungi
• list and discuss requirements for growth and replication of these microorganisms
• list and discuss methods of control of bacterial and viral growth
• give an account of the significance of microbes in biotechnology and disease
• perform a range of core microbiological techniques

Additional outcomes:

Outline content:
Key landmarks in Microbiology will introduce this course, which will cover fundamental aspects of the structure, growth, replication and significance of major groups of Microbes with emphasis on bacteria and viruses. Nutritional and physical requirements for growth, propagation and measurement of growth as well as procedures for killing microbes will be dealt with. Students will also be introduced to the topics of infectious disease and the significance of microbiology to industry. In 10 practical sessions students will learn aseptic technique, routine light microscopy, basic skills in handling, growing, isolating and identifying bacteria, and general safe laboratory practice.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
Lectures, practicals, preparation of written reports.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	20
Tutorials/seminars
Practicals	20
Other contact (eg study visits)
Total hours	40
Number of essays or assignments	3
Other (eg major seminar paper)

Assessment:
Coursework
Wrtitten practical questionnaires
Relative percentage of coursework: 20 %

Penalties for late submission
In accordance with University policy.

Examinations: A one-and-a-half hour examination requiring the answer of 50 multiple-choice questions. This contributes 80% of the overall assessment for this module.

Requirements for a pass: A mark of 40% overall.

Reassessment arrangements: Re-examination in August/September only.

Last updated: 23 November 2009