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Microbiology

Module description

This module introduces the microbial world, enabling you to explore core concepts and skills through lectures and practical sessions. The core concepts are focused around five themes: evolution, information flow, metabolic pathways, structure and function, and the impact of micro-organisms. These themes and concepts will be explored through a diverse range of microorganisms including bacteria, viruses, protists and fungi. This will introduce you to a wide variety of biological concepts ranging from an evolutionary perspective through to modern day medical microbiology. You will learn and practice core microbiology techniques in the laboratory and will develop your statistical and problem-solving skills.

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

Module aims - intentions of the module

This module serves as an introduction to the fundamental 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. Describe the diversity of microorganisms including bacteria, viruses, fungi and protists
• 2. Distinguish the principal features of microrganisms and outline the relationship between cell structure and function
• 3. Explain the environmental impact of microorganisms as well as their beneficial and detrimental effects on society

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

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

• 4. Demonstrate knowledge of core microbiology concepts
• 5. With some guidance, deploy established microbiological techniques and analysis

ILO: Personal and key skills

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

• 6. Demonstrate laboratory competency in microbiological techniques including the safe handling of microorganisms
• 7. Demonstrate skillful observation as well as accurate and precise data collection
• 8. Undertake effective planning, experimental design and problem solving

Syllabus plan

Diversity of microorganisms including examples of bacteria, viruses, fungi and protists which will be used to explore: evolutionary relationships; cell structure and function; metabolic pathways and microbial growth; adaptation to environmental change; DNA information flow; environmental impact; animal and human diseases; antimicrobial strategies; microbiological techniques and biotechnology applications.

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, 16th Edition 2021. Pearson. ISBN: 9781292405063
• 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. 2018 ISBN: 0198755384

Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources

• Module-specific ELE page - https://ele.exeter.ac.uk/

Key words search

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