Module Details

Module Code: BIOL S8Z03
Full Title: Microbiology 1
Valid From:: Semester 1 - 2018/19 ( September 2018 )
Language of Instruction: 
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits:: 7.5
Module Owner:: Orla Sherlock
Departments: Unknown
Module Description: The student will apply their knowledge of the bacterial cell and basic microbiology to the study of microbial nutrition, ecology, growth, and tools of the microbiology laboratory.
 
Module Learning Outcome
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Module Learning Outcome Description
MLO1 Recall the generalized anatomy of bacterial cells.
MLO2 Describe the purpose and processes of selected procedures used in handling, maintaining, and studying microorganisms.
MLO3 Discuss the major environmental factors to which microbes must adapt for survival.
MLO4 Outline the principles of microbial population growth and apply these to the enumeration of microorganisms using direct and indirect quantification methods.
MLO5 Identify the major categories of commonly encountered microorganisms.
MLO6 Perform basic microbiology laboratory procedures for the growth, maintenance, identification and enumeration of microorganisms.
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
Topic 1: Proteobacteria
Revision of microbial morphology and cytology.
Topic 2: Tools of the Microbiology Laboratory
Laboratory culture and identification of microorganisms: laboratory methods for studying microorganisms: inoculation, incubation, isolation, inspection, information gathering and interpretation, identification.
Topic 3: Microbial Nutrition and Ecology
Impact of nutrient availability, temperature, pH, gas content and osmotic pressure in the environment of microorganisms. Study of microbial associations and biofilm.
Topic 4: Microbial Growth
Bacterial cell division, growth of bacterial populations, generation time calculations, direct and indirect quantification methodologies: ACC plate counts, microscopic counts, MPN techniques, membrane filtration, turbidity and standard curves.
Topic 5: Major Categories of Microorganisms
Study of the commonly encountered bacterial families including Staphylococci, Streptococci and Enterobacteriaceae.
Practicals
1. Laboratory health and safety and GLP. 2. Media preparation, inoculation and aseptic techniques 3. Microbial staining and microscopic examination 4. Culture techniques and characterisation 5. Selective and differential media 6. Determination of metabolic characteristics of microorganisms and rapid identification of microbes using API systems. 7. Enumeration of microorganisms from a variety of samples using a variety of techniques.
Teaching and Learning Strategy
Lectures: Blended and flexible learning will be used throughout. This will take the form of face to face interactive lecture sessions complemented by online resources (reusable learning objects and the National Digital Learning Repository) and online interactive activities (learn smart study assignments). Students will be directed to relevant sections of appropriate text to reinforce material covered in lectures. Online demonstrations will illustrate key concepts of the course and will be available to students via the VLE throughout the year. Practical exercises are designed to enable students to develop the required technical competencies, attitudes and behaviours in microbiology.
Module Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Course Work25.00%
Practical25.00%
Final Examination50.00%
Module Special Regulation
 

Assessments

Full Time On Campus

Course Work
Assessment Type Continuous Assessment % of Total Mark 10
Marks Out Of 0 Pass Mark 0
Timing Every Second Week Learning Outcome 1,2,3
Duration in minutes 30
Assessment Description
Students will complete formative weekly assessments on line via assigned e-reading and subsequent interactive quizzes consisting of a series of multiple choice, true and false, fill in the blank, short answer questions, diagram matching and labelling.
Assessment Type Continuous Assessment % of Total Mark 15
Marks Out Of 0 Pass Mark 0
Timing n/a Learning Outcome 1,2,3
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
Students will complete two online interactive exams which will be prepared for by completing the formative weekly assessments.
No Project
Practical
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 25
Marks Out Of 0 Pass Mark 0
Timing n/a Learning Outcome 4,6
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
Students will complete result report sheets and skills assessment during the practical class that are specifically designed to develop observation skills and to promote accurate data recording and subsequent interpretation.
Final Examination
Assessment Type Formal Exam % of Total Mark 50
Marks Out Of 0 Pass Mark 0
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcome 2,3,4,5
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
End-of-Semester Final Examination
Reassessment Requirement
A 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.

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
Online Learning (non contact) Non Contact Directed e-book reading and subsequent on-line quiz assessment Every Second Week 1.00 2
Independent Study Non Contact No Description Every Week 3.00 3
Total Weekly Learner Workload 10.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 6.00
This module has no Part Time On Campus workload.
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Talaro, K. P.. (2018), Foundations in Micobiology: Basic Principles, 10th. McGraw-Hill, [ISBN: 978-0071316736].
  • Sherlock Orla. (2018), Fundamental Microbiology Laboratory Manual, DkIT..
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Bauman. (2014), Microbiology with Diseases by Taxonomy, 4th. Pearson, [ISBN: 9780321819314].
  • Michael T. Madigan,‎ Kelly S. Bender,‎ Daniel H. Buckley,‎ W. Matthew Sattley,‎ David A. Stahl. Brock Biology of Microorganisms, 15th. Pearson, [ISBN: 978-01342619].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources