526-204 Environmental Microbiology

Credit Points

HECS Band

Coordinator

Prerequisites

Microbiology & Immunology 526-201 and 526-221; 25 points of 100-level Chemistry; either Biochemistry & Molecular Biology 521-211 or Genetics 652-214 or Cell Biology 606-205.

Corequisites

Either Biochemistry & Molecular Biology 521-212 or Genetics 652-215 or Cell Biology 606-206. This subject may be taken concurrently with Microbiology & Immunology 526-202.

Semester

Contact

Subject Description

Upon completion of this subject students should:

• understand the fundamental roles of microorganisms in the environment, in nutrient cycling, and in association with plants and animals;

• be able to describe experimental methods used in the study of environmental microbiology;

• appreciate the diversity of microorganisms and complexity of microbial; communities including marine, freshwater and terrestrial environments;

• understand applied aspects of microbial ecology including wastewater treatment and microbiological monitoring of water quality;

• be able to perform basic microbiological techniques safely and effectively;

• be able to communicate scientific ideas and experimental results both orally and in writing.

Assessment

A 3-hour end-of-semester written examination (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

• Madigan M T, Martinko J M and Parker J, Brock, Biology of Microorganisms. 8th ed. 1997.