526-201 Principles of Microbiology: Theory and Practice

Note:

1. Special requirement: Students must register for Laboratory Classes in the Department of Microbiology (Room 206, 2nd floor) during the second last week of the long vacation. Three alternative times are offered for laboratory classes, final allocations will be at the discretion of the Department.

2. Students may gain credit for only one of 526-201, 526-203 and 526-205.

Credit Points:

Coordinator:

Prerequisite/s:

Timetable:

Contact:

Objectives:

This subject aims to give the student sufficient knowledge and technical skills to form a foundation for future courses in Microbiology.

Successful completion of this subject should enable the student to:

Understand:

• fundamental life processes and illustrate this understanding by using microorganisms as the prototype of all living things;

• principles of host-parasite relationships and illustrate these principles with examples of pathogenic microorganisms and human diseases;

• principles of taxonomy and phylogeny, as applied to microorganisms.

Appreciate:

• biodiversity of microorganisms;

• significance of microorganisms in the global, natural cycles of synthesis and degradation;

• significance of the contribution of microorganisms to the fields of biotechnology and genetic engineering.

Perform:

• basic microbiological techniques safely and effectively in a microbiology laboratory.

Recognise:

• valid applications of basic microbiological techniques in the study of microorganisms.

Content:

Lecture Component: Comparative properties of Eubacteria, Archaebacteria, eukaryotic microbial cells, viruses. Control of microbial growth. Classification and identification of bacteria. Introduction to biotechnology, virology and immunology. Host-parasite relationships, pathogenic bacteria, vaccines. Laboratory classes: isolation of pure cultures; sterilisation and disinfection; aseptic technique; differential staining; biochemical and serological tests.

Assessment:

Prescribed Texts:

• Prescott L M, Harley J P and Klein D A Microbiology 3rd edition 1996, Department of Microbiology Techniques Manual 1997