BM7105 - Introduction to General Microbiology (2025/26)
| Module specification | Module approved to run in 2025/26 | ||||||||||||
| Module title | Introduction to General Microbiology | ||||||||||||
| Module level | Masters (07) | ||||||||||||
| Credit rating for module | 10 | ||||||||||||
| School | School of Human Sciences | ||||||||||||
| Total study hours | 100 | ||||||||||||
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| Running in 2025/26(Please note that module timeslots are subject to change) |
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Module summary
This module focuses on the structure, classification and identification of a selected range of microorganisms and their impact on human society and their control
Syllabus
An introduction to microbiology: historical perspectives. Basic microbiology techniques, including laboratory cultivation, formulation of growth medium, laboratory-based methods of identification, safety aspects.
Growth requirements: physical parameters (temperature, pH, redox potential, water activity, gaseous environment, atmospheric pressure, light), macro- and micro-nutrients, growth factors.
Microbial ecology, diversity of habitats and microbial interactions.
The morphology and reproduction of bacterial, and animal viruses, prokaryotic microorganisms (eubacteria and archaebacteria), eukaryotic microorganisms (fungi, algae and protozoa).
The basis of control of microbes and infection control mechamisms. (LO1-3)
Balance of independent study and scheduled teaching activity
Information pertaining to the subject matter will be presented through an integrated programme of lectures and supporting exercises, together with some use of a problem-based learning approach and the guided use of student-centred learning resources. Lectures will be used to provide a conceptual framework. Student centred assignments will enable students to reinforce and expand their knowledge, and develop subject specific skills and competence.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this module students will be able to:
1. Understand that microorganisms comprise a diverse range of organisms that includes sub-viral particles, viruses, bacteria, fungi, algae, and protoctista and have some understanding of their structural diversity and classification and have knowledge of the physiological diversity that is reflected in the broad range of microbial activity in the environment, in their importance in biotechnology and in health and disease, manipulate and interpret numerical data relating to microbial cell counts
2. Show an understanding of pathogenicity, virulence mechanisms of major groups of microorganisms and the use of laboratory investigations identify and control.
3. Understand the processes relating to compliance with health and safety policies, good laboratory practice, risk and infection control., risk and infection control through completion of the reflective learning log and written assignment