The Microbial World

Unit Code:HES6502

Credit Points	Duration	Contact Hours	Campus	Prerequisite	Corequisite
12.5 Credit Points	1 Semester or Teaching Period	60 hours	Hawthorn	Nil	Nil

Related Course/s:

A core unit of study in the Graduate Diploma of Science (Biotechnology) and Master of Science (Biotechnology). An elective unit of study in the Graduate Certificate of Science (Good Manufacturing Practices), Graduate Diploma of Science (Good Manufacturing Practices), Master of Science (Good Manufacturing Practices) and Master of Science (Good Manufacturing Practices and Quality Management) and a Group B unit in the Master of Science (Biotechnology) Global Leadership Program.

Aims & Objectives:

This unit of study aims:
* To develop the basic concepts of microbiology.

* To develop the practical skills and techniques required in microbiological analysis.

* To prepare students for studies in advanced topics in microbiology and applications in biotechnology.

After successfully completing this unit, students will be able to:

* Demonstrate an understanding of the fundamental ideas and applications of a variety of microbiological methods

* Understand the unique properties of microbial cell organisation, metabolism, growth and nutrition

* Recognise how microbial growth can be monitored and controlled, particularly in the context of human health and disease

* Understand the important roles microorganisms play in biotechnological applications

Teaching Methods:

Lectures, Practical Demonstrations, Practical Classes, Web Based Unit Presence, Learning Extension Program via the Internet.

Assessment:

Indicative weightings: assignments (40-45%), theory tests (55-60%).

Generic Skills Outcomes:

This unit will provide discipline-based knowledge and professional capabilities and experiences contributing to students’ progress in attaining generic skills such as:
• teamwork skills

• analysis skills

• communication skills

• problem solving skills

• ability to work independently

Content:

• A survey of microorganisms.
• Structure and function of bacterial cells.

• Microbial metabolism including photosynthesis.

• Nutrition and growth of bacteria, counting techniques.

• Control of microbial growth, sterilisation and disinfection.

• Microbial genetics.

Reading Materials:

Madigan, MT, Martinko, Dulap PV and Clark DP. Brock Biology of Microorganisms, 12th edn, Peasron Education Inc. 2009.
Lecture notes (provided via Blackboard).