Module Details

Module Code: SCIA S8016
Full Title: Microbial Ecology
Valid From:: Semester 2 - 2017/18 ( February 2018 )
Language of Instruction: 
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits:: 7.5
Module Owner:: Bridget Kelly
Departments: Unknown
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.
 
Module Learning Outcome
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# 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).
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
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.
Microbial interactions
Interactions with plants, mycorrhizae, plant pathogens. Interactions with animals, rumen digestion, mutualistic associations between microorganisms and animals.
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.
Biotechnological characteristics of microbial ecology
Microbial biomining and bioleaching, bioremediation of various ecosystems, Microbial control of pests and diseases
Microbial processes in Biogeochemical cycles
Element cycling (such as nitrogen, sulphur, phosphorus, iron), interrelationships between the different element cycles. Winogradsky column.
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.
Module Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Project20.00%
Practical30.00%
Final Examination50.00%
Module Special Regulation
 

Assessments

Full Time On Campus

No Course Work
Project
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 20
Marks Out Of 0 Pass Mark 0
Timing n/a Learning Outcome 1,2,4,5
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
Students will conduct research and produce a report on an area relevant to current trends in microbial ecology. Students will also individually present in a succinct 3 minute presentation on an aspect of the report.
Practical
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 30
Marks Out Of 0 Pass Mark 0
Timing n/a Learning Outcome 3
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
Students will participate in laboratory based practical sessions. Formative assessments will be performed (e.g. quizzes, review exercises) Summative assessment may take the form of graded laboratory reports and/or graded lab skill assessments
Final Examination
Assessment Type Formal Exam % of Total Mark 50
Marks Out Of 0 Pass Mark 0
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcome 1,2,4,5
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
End-of-Semester Final Examination

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
Recommended Book Resources
  • Barton, L. L. and Northup, D. E.. (2011), Microbial Ecology, 1st. Wiley, p.407, [ISBN: 9780470048177].
  • Atlas, R. M. and Barton, R.. (2003), Microbial Ecology:Fundamentals and Applications, 4th. Pearson, p.640, [ISBN: 978-080530655].
  • Paulson, I. T. and Holmes, A. J.. (2014), Environmental Microbiology: methods and Protocols, 2nd. Humana Press, [ISBN: 978-162703711].
  • 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.
  • Bridget Kelly. (2018), Microbial Ecology Laboratory Manual, DkIT.
Recommended Article/Paper Resources
Other Resources