Module Details

Module Code: BIOM6006
Title: Microbial Diversity
Long Title: Microbial Diversity
NFQ Level: Fundamental
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2017/18 ( September 2017 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 4213 - Microbiology
Module Delivered in: 9 programme(s)
Module Description: This is an introduction to the different types of microrganisms and a general description of their characteristics.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Describe prokaryotic cell structure, function, nomenclature and Identification methods.
LO2 Discuss nutritional and environmental conditions and relevant media for microbial cultivation.
LO3 Discuss microbial growth and methods for its measurement.
LO4 Discuss fungi, algae protozoa and viruses, their classification and general impact on humans.
LO5 Perform analytical procedures, collate data, interpret results and write scientific reports.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).

12930 BIOM6006 Microbial Diversity
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.

Knowledge of biology is required, which includes biological macromolecules and cell structure and function.
 
Indicative Content
Prokaryotes
Prokaryotic cell structure including cell wall, phospholipid membrane, outer membrane, flagella, pili, capsule, nucleoid, ribosomes, endospores and inclusion bodies; and the use of these structures and characteristics in nomenclature and Identification.
Bacterial cultivation
Nutritional and environmental conditions and various media for microbial cultivation including selective agars.
Microbial growth measurement
Discuss microbial growth and the different direct and indirect methods for its measurement including plate counting from serial dilutions.
Viruses and bacteriophages
Important human and animal viruses and the diseases they cause. Bacteriophage lytic and lysogenic cycles, cultivation, purification and plaque assays.
Eukaryotic microorganisms: fungi, algae and protozoa
Major fungal genera relevant to humans; their beneficial role in food and drug production; their detrimental role in disease, food spoilage, crop damage and the relevance of mycotoxins. Properties of algae and protozoa of relevance to humans and the environment.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Written Report % of Total Mark 20
Timing Every Second Week Learning Outcomes 5
Assessment Description
Laboratory reports on themed practical areas of microbiology
Assessment Type Multiple Choice Questions % of Total Mark 30
Timing Week 7 Learning Outcomes 1,2
Assessment Description
Examining material outlined in syllabus
Assessment Type Multiple Choice Questions % of Total Mark 30
Timing Sem End Learning Outcomes 3,4
Assessment Description
Examining material outlined in syllabus
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 20
Timing Sem End Learning Outcomes 5
Assessment Description
Practical Exam
No End of Module Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Repeat examination
Reassessment of this module will consist of a repeat examination. It is possible that there will also be a requirement to be reassessed in a coursework element.

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact on topics outlined in syllabus Every Week 2.00 2
Lab Contact on practical aspects of topics outlined in syllabus Every Week 2.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact self-directed learning Every Week 3.00 3
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
This module has no Part Time workload.
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Madigan, M., Martinko, J., Dunlap, P.V. and Clarke, D.P.. (2014), Brock Biology of Microorganisms, 14th. Benjamin Cummings, [ISBN: 978-032189739].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Joanne Willey, Linda Sherwood, Christopher J. Woolverton. (2016), Prescott's Microbiology, 10th. McGraw-Hill Higher Education, [ISBN: 978125928159].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_SAGBI_8 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Agri-Biosciences 3 Mandatory
CR_SHERB_8 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Herbal Science 3 Elective
CR_SNHSC_8 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Nutrition and Health Science 3 Mandatory
CR_SPHBI_8 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology 3 Mandatory
CR_SAGBI_7 Bachelor of Science in Agri-Biosciences 3 Mandatory
CR_SBIBI_7 Bachelor of Science in Applied Biosciences and Biotechnology 3 Mandatory
CR_SFSTE_7 Bachelor of Science in Food and Health Science 3 Mandatory
CR_SCEBS_8 Common Entry Biological Sciences 3 Mandatory
CR_SBIOS_6 Higher Certificate in Science in Applied Biosciences 3 Mandatory