Module Details

Module Code: MCBL N8001
Full Title: Practical Microbiology
Valid From:: Semester 1 - 2023/24 ( September 2023 )
Language of Instruction:English
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits:: 10
Module Owner:: Orla Sherlock
Departments: Life and Health Sciences
Module Description: The student will apply their knowledge of the bacterial cell and basic microbiology to the study of Microbiomes, dysbiosis, pathogens, infection and antibiotics. In addition students will learn the practical skills of a microbiologist in lab sessions.
 
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 a bacterial cell and identify functions of bacterial cell components.
MLO2 Describe the microbiome, its origin, its function and agents of dysbiosis.
MLO3 Outline the role of microbes in infection development and disease production.
MLO4 Demonstrate knowledge of selected bacterial pathogens associated with foodborne infections/ gut dysbiosis.
MLO5 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
Bacterial cell structure and function, cell morphology, biofilms, quorum sensing.
Topic 2: Microbiome
Origin, Function, GBA, Dysbiosis, Eubiosis, Feeding it.
Topic 3: Overview of Microbial Infections
Animal microbiota, factors in the development of a disease, sources and transmission of microbes, immune response to infection. Foodborne Bacterial pathogens e.g. Campylobacter
Topic 4: Treatment of Infections
Antibiotics, Antibiotic resistance, Testing regimens
Topic 5: 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.
Practicals
Laboratory health and safety and GLP. Demonstration of hand hygiene and microbiological evaluation of procedure. Collection and handling of specimens and safe disposal of microbiology specimens. Processing specimens for staining and microscopic examination. Staining of microbiological specimens. Aseptic technique, basic media preparation, inoculation of agar plates, colony morphology evaluations. Pathogen isolation from food and water samples via selective and differential plating. Techniques for preliminary identification of microorganisms -API
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 Work20.00%
Practical30.00%
Final Examination50.00%
Module Special Regulation
 

Assessments

Full-time

Course Work
Assessment Type Continuous Assessment % of Total Mark 20
Marks Out Of 0 Pass Mark 0
Timing n/a Learning Outcome 1,2,3,4
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
Assessment for learning will be completed using 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.
No Project
Practical
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 30
Marks Out Of 0 Pass Mark 0
Timing Every Week Learning Outcome 5
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
Students will complete pre and post laboratory quizzes assessing their learning and understanding. In addition, skills assessment will be completed 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
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
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 (non-contact) Non Contact Directed e-book reading and subsequent on-line quiz assessment Every Week 2.00 2
Independent Study Non Contact No Description Every Week 2.00 2
Total Weekly Learner Workload 10.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 6.00
This module has no Part-time workload.
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Barry Chess. (2023), Talaro's Foundations in Microbiology, 12th. MHE, [ISBN: 9781265739362].
  • Sherlock Orla. (2023), Microbiology Laboratory Protocols, DkIT..
  • Scott C. Anderson. (2019), The Psychobiotic Revolution, National Geographic, p.320, [ISBN: 9781426219641].
  • Frans J. de Bruijn,Hauke Smidt,Luca S. Cocolin,Michael Sauer,David N. Dowling,Linda Thomashow. (2022), Good Microbes in Medicine, Food Production, Biotechnology, Bioremediation, and Agriculture, John Wiley & Sons, p.596, [ISBN: 9781119762546].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources