Handbook 1996 : Faculty of Agriculture, Forestry and Horticulture (Volume 4 page 20)
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526-041 Agriculture Microbiology 2

Year 4 Agriculture.

Credit points: 16.0

Coordinator: Dr B Hodgson.

Prerequisite: 526-031 Agricultural Microbiology 1

Contact: 26 hours of lectures (two a week) and 65 hours of practical work (five hours a week).

Timetable: First semester

Aims: To describe how selected microorganisms impact on agricultural practice. To explain the ways in which these microorganisms mediate these effects. To demonstrate how microbial processes have been or can be modified to improve their impact on agricultural practices and illustrate the advantages gained by acheiving this.

Objectives:

On completion of the subject students should be able to:

Describe the ways in which different microorganisms satisfy their basic requirements for growth; experimentally Isolate and characterise microorganisms and viruses that can have significant impacts on agricultural practices; describe the nitrogen gas fixing processes of both free living and symbiotic microorganisms; explain the mechanisms regulating the expression of genes that respond to changes in the environment and to have a detailed knowledge of at least 2 such systems; appreciate the potential ways by which the productivity of plants and animals involved in agricultural practices may be increased by genetic modifications and by the biological control of potential pathogens; desribe how Agrobacterium plasmids are being used to modify the behaviour of plants and microorganisms; explain the fundamental characteristics of the immune system of animals and plants and how these systems can be used to protect animls and plants from disesase; describe research in the last 5 years which has resulted in the development of at least 2 new animal vaccines; appreciate the factors involved in the pathogenicity of microorganisms for both animals and plants; understand the reasons for and principles of the current Australian Government quarantine regulations.

Content:

Microbiological and molecular biological aspects of the cycling of C, N, S, and P, of particular relevance to agricultural practices. Microbial symbiosis with plants and animals. Mechanisms of pathogenesis including recognition phenomena at cell surfaces. Animal and plant disease and disease resistance mechanisms. Detection, culture and characterisation methods for microorganisms of particular relevance to agriculture. Control methods for microbial pathogens including biological control and the use of vaccines. Possibilities of genetic engineering to improve agricultural practices and products.

Assessment:

A 3-hour written examination (60 per cent) and a 2-hour practical examination (15 per cent) at the end of the subject; marks are given for reports on practical work (25 per cent).

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Handbook 1996 : Faculty of Agriculture, Forestry and Horticulture (Volume 4 page 20)

Status:          Official 1996
Date created:    Oct  9 1995
Last modified:   Oct  9 1995
Authorised by:   Academic Registrar
Email enquiries: Course_Information@registrar.unimelb.edu.au

Copyright © University of Melbourne 1995,1996.