Microorganisms in Action

Overview

This module will expand on topics introduced at Stage 1 in the BIO1301 The World of Microorganisms module and aims to promote deeper understanding and appreciation of the importance of microorganisms in our world. Practical skills be will enhanced in the module and students will be introduced to a range of biochemical techniques commonly used by microbiologists.

Content will include:

- Examination of a range of biochemical techniques that are commonly used by microbiologists; this includes chromatography and electrophoresis, use of radioisotopes, kinetic and chemical properties of bio-molecular interactions, antibody production and the potential diagnostic, therapeutic and food safety applications of antibodies

- Methods for studying the role and function of microorganisms in the environment and in biofilms (culturomics, phylogenetic studies, genomics, metagenomics, proteomics, sequencing)

- Extremophiles – how microorganisms adapt to different stresses

- Clinical Microbiology - microbial interactions with humans (how pathogens cause disease, automated methods for detecting human pathogens, emerging antibiotic resistant pathogens, gut microbiome, probiotics)

- Functionality of Fungi – medical and scientific importance of fungi

- Water Microbiology – waterborne pathogens, provision of a safe drinking water supply, measuring water quality

- Food Microbiology – important foodborne zoonotic pathogens, phage based detection of foodborne pathogens, bio-preservation of food and probiotics and food fermentations

Learning Objectives

By the end of the module students should:
1. Be able to demonstrate an understanding of the principles of and have practical experience of a range of biochemical techniques commonly used by microbiologists
2. Have developed an appreciation of the ubiquity, importance and tenacity of microorganisms in our world.
3. Be able to understand and describe the key roles and activities of microorganisms involved in plant health, food production and human health
4. Be able to demonstrate an understanding of the molecular techniques that are used to study microbial populations.
5. Demonstrate competence in specific laboratory practical and manipulative skills

Skills

i) Assimilation of information (lectures and practicals)
ii) Practical laboratory skills (practicals)
iii) Data presentation and interpretation (practicals and practical reports)
iv) Written communication (practical reports and class test)

Assessment

100 % attendance at practical classes is expected

Students must attain an overall mark of at least 40 % in the combined continuous assessments.