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Handbook 1997 : Faculty of Science : Microbiology

526-204 Environmental Microbiology

Credit Points:

12.5

Coordinator:

Dr B Hodgson, Dr P Janssen, Dr L Kirk

Prerequisite/s:

Microbiology 526-201 or 526-031/203 and Chemistry 610-121 and 610-122 or 610-141 and 610-142, or 610-161 and 610-162 and Biochemistry 521-201 or 521-211, or Cell Biology 606-205.

Corequisite/s:

Either Biochemistry 521-212, or Cell Biology 606-206. This subject may be taken concurrently with Microbiology 526-202.

Timetable:

Semester 2

Contact:

39 Lectures (3 per week) and 26 hours practical work (2 per week)

Objectives:

Successful completion of this subject should enable the student to:

Understand and describe:

  • the fundamental roles of microorganisms in the environment;

  • experimental methods used in the study of environmental microbiology;

  • biotechnological aspects of microbial ecology;

Appreciate:

  • biodiversity of microorganisms;

  • the complexity of microbial communities;

  • roles of microorganisms in the major biogeochemical cycles;

Perform:

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

Communicate:

  • orally and in writing.

Content:

Lecture topics are supplemented by practical exercises and tutorials; Microbes as components of complex ecosystems; methods used to examine natural populations; nutrient cycles (N, S, C, P, Fe, etc.); metals and microbes (pollution and leaching); marine, freshwater and terrestrial environments; symbiotic associations and pathogenic interactions; soils and microbes and bioremediation; archaebacteria and their roles in nature; food preservation. There will be opportunities to visit the Western Treatment Plant, Werribee, and other sites of interest.

Assessment:

A 3-hour written examination at the end of the course (70%); continuous assessment during laboratory work, in the form of assignments and practical reports (30%). The weighting of the practical components will be advised at the commencement of the subject.

Prescribed Texts:

  • Brock T D, Madigan M T, Martinko J M and Parker J, Biology of Microorganisms, 7th ed. 1994.
    or
    Prescott L M, Harley J P and Klein D A, Microbiology, 3rd ed. 1996.
  • Department of Microbiology, Techniques Manual, 1997.
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Handbook 1997 : Faculty of Science : Microbiology 
Status:                   OFFICIAL 1997
Last Modified:            Wednesday March 12 3:36 pm
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Email Enquiries:          Course_Information@registrar.unimelb.edu.au
Copyright © University of Melbourne 1997.