6 points, SCA Band 2, 0.125 EFTSL
Undergraduate - Unit
Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.
Faculty
Chief examiner(s)
Associate Professor Priscilla Johanesen
Coordinator(s)
Unit guides
Synopsis
The unit deals with the study of micro-organisms: their morphological and physiological characteristics, diversity and relationships and their importance to humans and the environment. Practical applications include, the study of selected micro-organisms in the environment and human body, concepts in microbial biotechnology including fermentation processes, control and use of micro-organisms in the food industry, water quality and bioremediation. The practical program includes microscopy, staining techniques, culturing, appropriate handling procedures and methods of enumeration and identification of micro-organisms. This unit provides a basis for the more advanced microbiology study.
Outcomes
On completion of this unit students will be able to:
- Describe different micro-organisms and the relationships that exist between them;
- Describe microbial cell structure, function, nutrition, physiology and growth and how micro-organisms are controlled;
- Explain microbial DNA replication, gene structure and expression, regulation of gene expression and mechanisms of genetic variation;
- Explain the role that micro-organisms play in the preservation, fermentation, preparation and spoilage of food;
- Outline environmental micro-organisms and their importance in the biogeochemical cycles, environmental pollution, water quality and treatment, bioremediation, bioleaching and waste treatment;
- Demonstrate basic microbiological laboratory skills such as the use of the microscope, microscopic staining and visualisation techniques, 'microbial culture', and be able to identify common species of bacteria and fungi;
- Demonstrate effective communication of microbial experiments by oral and written means.
Assessment
Mid-semester test (50 mins): 10%
Examination: Theory Paper I (2 hours): 40% (Hurdle)
Examination: Practical Paper II (2 hours) (15%) and in semester practical assessment (35%): 50% (Hurdle)
This unit is subject to the Hurdle and Threshold Standards policiesHurdle and Threshold Standards policies (http://www.med.monash.edu.au/policies/assessment-policy-2017.html) of the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing & Health Sciences.
Workload requirements
Three 1-hour lectures and one 3-hour practical/tutorial/self-directed learning exercise per week
See also Unit timetable information