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Microbiology

Module description

This core module provides an introduction to the microbial world. Essentially divided into two parts, concepts and skills, this module will introduce these through lectures and practical sessions. The core concepts are focused around five key themes which are: evolution, information flow, metabolic pathways, structure and function and the impact of micro-organisms. Micro-organisms, including bacteria, protists and fungi, will be used to highlight these concepts. You will thus be introduced to a variety of biological concepts, ranging from an evolutionary perspective through to modern day Medical Microbiology. These lectures are supported by integrated practical sessions in our state-of-the-art teaching laboratory.

In order to take BIO1337 you must normally have an A Level (or equivalent) in Biology.

Module aims - intentions of the module

This module introduces you to core concepts in microbiology. These aspects of biosciences are fundamental to any understanding of the subject and underpin every degree in the subject. The module also aims to provide you with the basic knowledge that will enable you to take second and final year modules in microbiology.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 1. Illustrate the importance and diversity of micro-organisms in the environment as well as of their importance to humans, including their economic impact
• 2. Relate understanding of classification schemes applied to micro-organisms, including those based on molecular criteria
• 3. Distinguish principal features of bacterial cells, particularly those features which differ from eukaryotic cells, including genetic information and its transfer
• 4. Identify the main groups of fungi, and exemplify understanding of their life histories and genetics, their role in nutrient cycling, their relevance to industrial processes and plant disease including their economic consequences, as well as their beneficial and detrimental effects on society
• 5. Provide knowledge of how to study and cultivate micro-organisms
• 6. Handle micro-organisms safely in the laboratory and use the light microscope competently
• 7. Outline the relationship between cell structure and function
• 8. Exhibit general knowledge and understanding in microbiology

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 9. Describe and begin to evaluate aspects of the biosciences with reference to textbooks
• 10. With some guidance, deploy established techniques of analysis, practical investigation and enquiry within the biosciences

ILO: Personal and key skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 11. With some guidance, select and properly manage information drawn from books, journals and the internet
• 12. With some guidance, show skills for independent study

Syllabus plan

Theme 1: Bacteria

• bacterial diversity;
• structure of bacteria – function;
• microscopy;
• structure of bacteria - biological targets;
• metabolic pathways and bacterial growth;
• bacterial environments;
• information flow - DNA transfer;
• biological targets;
• bacteriophages;
• bacteria and disease.

Theme 2: Fungi

• an overview of fungi;
• diversity of fungi;
• structure of fungi;
• fungal lifestyles - information flow;
• fungal impact on the environment;
• fungi and disease.

Theme 3: Protists

• Diversity of protists;
• protist structure and organisation;
• protists in the environment;
• disease causing protists.

Accessibility statement:

As part of this module you will undertake laboratory sessions in the large teaching laboratory (of up to 200 students) that are of 2-3 hrs in duration. These sessions will be undertaken in pairs/groups, and some sessions involve fine laboratory work, Bunsen burner flames and mechanical equipment. Breaks are possible and students are able to leave the laboratory for short periods.

Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

Formative assessment

Summative assessment (% of credit)

Details of summative assessment

Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)

Re-assessment notes

Deferral – if you miss an assessment for certificated reasons that are approved by the Mitigation Committee, you will normally be either deferred in the assessment or an extension may be granted. If deferred, the format and timing of the re-assessment for each of the summative assessments is detailed in the table above ('Details of re-assessment'). The mark given for a deferred assessment will not be capped and will be treated as it would be if it were your first attempt at the assessment.

Referral - if you have failed the module (i.e. a final overall module mark of less than 40%) and the module cannot be condoned, you will be required to complete a re-assessment for each of the failed components on the module. The format and timing of the re-assessment for each of the summative assessments is detailed in the table above ('Details of re-assessment'). If you pass the module following re-assessment, your module mark will be capped at 40%.

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

• Brock Biology of Microorganisms, 12th Edition 2008. Pearson. ISBN 0132324601/978-0132324601
• Oxford Textbook for Medical Mycology. Edited by Christopher C. Kibbler, Richard Barton, Neil A. R. Gow, Susan Howell, Donna M. MacCallum, and Rohini J. Manuel. ISBN-13: 9780198755388

Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources

ELE page: https://vle.exeter.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=10196

Key words search

Bacteria, fungi, protists, medical microbiology, evolution, metabolism, genomes, bacteriophage, plasmids, antibiotics, disease