Monash University Handbook 2010 Undergraduate - Unit

Synopsis

Introductory microbiology begins with an overview of microbiology and micro-organisms. Microscopy and staining are covered, followed by a general introduction to the structure and function of microorganisms, emphasising the concept of the cell as a dynamic unit. The handling of micro-organisms, including their nutritional requirements, growth, and their response to environmental factors will be discussed. Consideration of methods for control of micro-organisms follows. The unit concludes with a study of the eucaryotes, with the fungi being considered in more detail than the algae and protozoa.

Objectives

On completion of this unit students will be able to handle, grow, and examine micro-organisms in the laboratory. They will be able to describe the structure and function of prokaryotic cells, and explain how they maintain a stable environment in different conditions. They will be able to discuss the effects of nutritional requirements and environmental conditions on growth of micro-organisms, apply the theory of bacterial growth to practical situations and enumerate them. They will be able to demonstrate how micro-organisms can be controlled. Students will be able to identify common fungi, and discuss the main properties of algae, protozoa, and parasitic helminths.

Assessment

Mid-semester short-answer test (45 mins): 10%
Final examination (3 hours): 60%
Practical work and laboratory reports: 30%

Chief examiner(s)

Dr Alan Howgrave-Graham

Contact hours

Three hours of lectures/tutorials and three hours of laboratory classes per week.

Off-campus attendance requirements

OCL students undertake a 5-day residential school program (offered in odd-numbered years)

Prerequisites

BIO1722 and CHM1011 or CHM1731

Prohibitions

MIC2011, BTH2766