91314 General Microbiology

Description

Microbes are small but they have important relationships with the human world and environment. Although some are involved in food spoilage and a minority are capable of causing disease in humans, animals and plants, many have numerous beneficial effects including maintaining health in our guts and maintaining balance in the environment by recycling chemical elements such as carbon and nitrogen. Additionally, microbes have a number of important industrial and biotechnological applications in food and chemical production, bioremediation and sewage treatment. When considering their diverse roles, microbes are an exciting and important group of organisms to learn about.

This subject provides an introduction to the structure, function and taxonomy of microorganisms, including bacteria, archaea, protozoa, fungi, and viruses. Several key topics in the study of microbiology are discussed including microscopy, sterilisation, disinfection, microbial nutrition, growth and diversity, bacterial identification schemes, as well as antibiotic and anti-microbial agents and contemporary techniques in molecular microbiology. Basic mycology, parasitology, and virology are covered, with an emphasis on transmission control of these organisms. The practical components give students experience in the principal laboratory procedures for the isolation, growth, control and identification of microorganisms, including aseptic techniques that are used extensively in a great variety of scientific applications.

Typical availability

Autumn session, City campus

Footnote(s)

This subject was formerly called Microbiology 1.