Module Details
Module Code: |
SCIA S8016 |
Full Title:
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Microbial Ecology
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Valid From:: |
Semester 2 - 2017/18 ( February 2018 ) |
Language of Instruction: | |
Module Owner:: |
Bridget Kelly
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Module Description: |
This module will examine the relationship between micro-organisms and various environments and will furnish students with training in relevant microbial ecological methods.
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Module Learning Outcome |
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to: |
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Module Learning Outcome Description |
MLO1 |
Distinguish between the different types of microbial communities in the environment and how they develop. |
MLO2 |
Discuss and differentiate the various forms of microbial interactions between plants and animals. |
MLO3 |
Appraise and evaluate the principles and applications of a range of microbial ecology techniques. |
MLO4 |
Identify and categorise microorganisms associated with soil and water and evaluate methods used in their microbiological testing. |
MLO5 |
Compare and contrast a range of biotechnological aspects of microbial ecology. |
Pre-requisite learning |
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 DkIT module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
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No recommendations listed |
Module Indicative Content |
Microbial Communities
Development of microbial communities, Dynamics, Population selection within communities, Succession within microbial communities, Adaptations to environmental conditions, Biofilms
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Soil and aquatic environments
Microorganisms found in soil and terrestrial ecosystems. Microbes in marine and fresh water aquatic ecosystems, the significance of waterborne disease. the microbiological testing of water.
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Microbial interactions
Interactions with plants, mycorrhizae, plant pathogens. Interactions with animals, rumen digestion, mutualistic associations between microorganisms and animals.
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Quantitative microbial ecology
Sample collection, Detection of microbial populations, Direct and indirect enumeration of microorganisms in the environment. Nonculturable bacteria. Molecular methods to detect environmental samples for microbial diversity.
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Biotechnological characteristics of microbial ecology
Microbial biomining and bioleaching, bioremediation of various ecosystems, Microbial control of pests and diseases
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Microbial processes in Biogeochemical cycles
Element cycling (such as nitrogen, sulphur, phosphorus, iron), interrelationships between the different element cycles. Winogradsky column.
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Practical component
Microbial Ecology practicals will align with theory and will be selected from the following:
Environmental Sampling for microbiological analysis; Identification and quantification of microbes in water; Soil microbial community analysis, PCR and qPCR applications for soil and water microbes, Biofilm growth of soil isolates, enrichment of soil samples for antibiotics/xenobiotic degrading microorganisms, Winogradsky column preparation. Field trip to Ballyhaise Agricultural College.
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Module Assessment
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Assessment Breakdown | % |
Project | 20.00% |
Practical | 30.00% |
Final Examination | 50.00% |
Module Special Regulation |
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AssessmentsFull Time On Campus
DKIT reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment
Module Workload
Workload: Full Time On Campus |
Workload Type |
Contact Type |
Workload Description |
Frequency |
Average Weekly Learner Workload |
Hours |
Lecture |
Contact |
No Description |
Every Week |
3.00 |
3 |
Practical |
Contact |
No Description |
Every Week |
3.00 |
3 |
Directed Reading |
Non Contact |
No Description |
Every Week |
2.00 |
2 |
Independent Study |
Non Contact |
No Description |
Every Week |
4.00 |
4 |
Total Weekly Learner Workload |
12.00 |
Total Weekly Contact Hours |
6.00 |
This module has no Part Time On Campus workload. |
Module Resources
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Recommended Book Resources |
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Barton, L. L. and Northup, D. E.. (2011), Microbial Ecology, 1st. Wiley, p.407, [ISBN: 9780470048177].
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Atlas, R. M. and Barton, R.. (2003), Microbial Ecology:Fundamentals and Applications, 4th. Pearson, p.640, [ISBN: 978-080530655].
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Paulson, I. T. and Holmes, A. J.. (2014), Environmental Microbiology: methods and Protocols, 2nd. Humana Press, [ISBN: 978-162703711].
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Christon J. Hurst, Ronald L. Crawford, Jay L. Garland, David A. Lipson. (2007), Manual of Environmental Microbiology, 3rd. American Society for Microbiology Press, p.1293.
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Bridget Kelly. (2018), Microbial Ecology Laboratory Manual, DkIT.
| Recommended Article/Paper Resources |
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Microbial Ecology. Microbial Ecology,
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Environmental Microbiology. Environmental Microbiology,
| Other Resources |
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Website, Society for Applied Microbiology,
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Website, SGM- Society for General Microbiology,
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Website, American Society for Microbiology,
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