ASC2666

Introductory microbiology

Mr Chris Panter

4 points - First semester - 2 hours of lectures and 2 hours of practical work per week - Gippsland/Distance - Prerequisites: ASC1626 or GAS1185, CHM1011 or GAS1281 or permission of head - Prohibitions: MIC2011,GAS2121, BTH2766

Objectives On completion of this introductory subject in microbiology, students will gain a basic knowledge in microbiology and be able to begin to work with microorganisms in the laboratory. Specifically they will be able to distinguish between the major groups of organisms encountered and handled by microbiologists; handle, grow, examine and describe microorganisms in the laboratory; describe the structure and function of components of the bacterial cell; demonstrate the role of nutritional requirements and environmental conditions on growth of different metabolic types of microorganisms; apply the theory of bacterial growth to practical situations; be able to carry out enumeration exercises with bacteria; and demonstrate how microorganisms can be controlled in specific situations.

Synopsis ASC2666 (Introductory microbiology) is the first in the series of microbiology subjects. It begins with a brief overview of the science of microbiology. This is followed by a comparison between the different types of organisms dealt with in microbiology. Microscopy and staining are covered, with most of this material handled in the laboratory. Basic structure and function of the microbial cell then follows. Methods for cultivation and handling of microorganisms are emphasised by laboratory training. The nutritional requirements of microorganisms are considered alongside an introduction to basic microbial metabolism, and followed by discussion of the effect of various environmental factors on microbial growth. With this background, growth of microorganisms is examined, together with consideration of basic methods of enumeration. Methods for control of microorganisms provides the final section for this introductory unit.

Assessment Final examination: 70% - Practical work: 30%

Prescribed texts

Madigan M T and others Brock: Biology of microorganisms Prentice-Hall, 1997

Recommended texts

Tortora G J and others Microbiology: An introduction Benjamin-Cummings, 1995

Back to the 1999 Science Handbook