526-321 Molecular Microbiology Techniques

Microbiology 526-201 and 526-221.

BBiomedSc students: microbiology 526-201 or 526-205; 521-213 and 536-250.

At least one of microbiology 526-301 or 526-313.

This subject covers various aspects of practical and molecular microbiology including conventional isolation and identification methods, PCR and DNA sequencing, and antigen detection using western blots.

Upon completion of the course, students should have:

• gained some understanding of the principles and procedures involved in the culture, isolation and identification of bacteria (particularly those of medical and environmental importance) based on principles of microbial physiology;

• used molecular microbiological techniques (eg. PCR, DNA sequencing, western blot probing) to identify important characteristics of bacteria (eg. virulence factors);

• used common bioinformatics methods to analyse DNA and protein sequence data (eg. BLAST searches, translation of DNA sequences, emm virulence types of streptococci); and

• gained expertise in retrieving published scientific data related to the project using computer searches and library facilities (eg. Medline).

Attendance at practical classes is compulsory. Students must attend at least 80% of the laboratory-based component to be considered for assessment.

Two written reports of laboratory work of up to 4 pages each, including answers to discussion questions given out in class, due during the semester (50%); a 2-hour written examination held mid-semester (50%). Satisfactory completion of the laboratory work and written reports is necessary to pass the subject.