Undergraduate Course: The Microbial World 2 (BILG08018)
Course Outline
| School | School of Biological Sciences |
College | College of Science and Engineering |
| Credit level (Normal year taken) | SCQF Level 8 (Year 2 Undergraduate) |
Availability | Available to all students |
| SCQF Credits | 20 |
ECTS Credits | 10 |
| Summary | A solid foundation in microbiology is essential for understanding how life arose on the planet and how global processes operate to sustain life. By using knowledge of microbial form and function we are also able to harness the power of microbes to solve industrial and environmental problems. This course will promote an understanding of core concepts in microbial growth and form with an emphasis on diversity of biochemical function and metabolism. |
| Course description |
Microbes rule the world (or at least influence it in major ways). A solid foundation in microbiology is essential for understanding how life arose on the planet and how global processes operate to sustain life. By using knowledge of microbial form and function we are also able to harness the power of microbes to solve industrial and environmental problems. This course will promote an understanding of core concepts in microbial growth and form, with an emphasis on diversity of function.
The course covers material that all biologists should know. It explores microbes, their major properties, and how they influence processes, such as global warming, acid rain, and nutrient cycling in the world. It examines how microbes interact with plants to influence crop production and spoilage, or affect the safety of the food we eat. The course also explores how microbes are exploited in the biotechnology industry, as well as how we might make new products in the future, using cutting edge technology, such as synthetic biology.
We aim to provide the following skill-base: Good microbial practice and bacterial characterisation, knowledge and understanding of the subject matter, report writing, and analytical skills, including data analysis, literature exploration and appraisal.
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Information for Visiting Students
| Pre-requisites | None |
| High Demand Course? |
Yes |
Course Delivery Information
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| Academic year 2024/25, Available to all students (SV1)
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Quota: None |
| Course Start |
Semester 2 |
Timetable |
Timetable |
| Learning and Teaching activities (Further Info) |
Total Hours:
200
(
Lecture Hours 12,
Programme Level Learning and Teaching Hours 4,
Directed Learning and Independent Learning Hours
184 )
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| Assessment (Further Info) |
Written Exam
0 %,
Coursework
64 %,
Practical Exam
36 %
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| Additional Information (Assessment) |
The outcome of the course will be based entirely on In Course Assessment.
Practical report (36%)
Question Mark Perception Test 1 (10%)
Question Mark Perception Test 2 (26%)
Literature comprehension/data analysis test. (28%)
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| Feedback |
Learn. |
| No Exam Information |
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- To be able to describe microbial diversity in relation to habitat
- Understanding of microbial differentiation and major evolutionary drivers
- To understand and be able to describe key principles of how microorganisms respond to abiotic and biotic chemico-physical environments
- Awareness of the major use of microorganisms and their products in current and emerging biotechnological applications
- To understand the principles and practicalities of microbial isolation
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Reading List
Brock Biology of Microorganisms - Michael T. Madigan and John M. Martinko (2014)
Microbiology: An Evolving Science - Joan Slonczewski, John Foster (2013)
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Additional Information
| Graduate Attributes and Skills |
Literature Comprehension
Project Writing
Data Analysis |
| Keywords | Microbial Microbiology Biochemistry Metabolism Ecology Microbes Biotechnology |
Contacts
| Course organiser | Dr Prerna Vohra
Tel: (0131 6)51 9237
Email: Prerna.Vohra@ed.ac.uk |
Course secretary | Mrs Carolyn Wilson
Tel: (0131 6)50 8651
Email: Carolyn.Wilson@ed.ac.uk |
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