ASC2676

The microorganisms

Mr Chris Panter

4 points - First semester - 2 hours of lectures and 2 hours of practical work per week - Gippsland/Distance - Prerequisite or corequisite: ASC2666 - Prohibitions: MIC2011, GAS2121

Objectives On completion of this subject, students will have an understanding of taxonomy of procaryotes and be able to identify the more important bacteria. The Archaebacteria will also be covered. Students will be able to demonstrate knowledge of the characteristics of viruses and a familiarity with their classification. They will have a working knowledge of identification of common fungi. They will know the main groupings of algae, protozoa, parasitic helminths, and arthropod vectors of disease.

Synopsis ASC2676 (The microorganisms) is concerned with the organisms encountered by microbiologists. The subject begins with the procaryotes, examining first the system of taxonomy of procaryotes. Then the major groups of bacteria are examined, with the most important genera and representative or important species being examined, followed by consideration of the Archaebacteria. The section on virology includes the taxonomy of the viruses and their structure, replication and cultivation. Of the eucaryotic microorganisms, the fungi are considered in most detail, while algae and protozoa are covered less fully. Also included in this subject is a brief survey of the multicellular parasites important to humans, as well as arthropod vectors of disease.

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

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