2017/18 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

MICR1201 Introduction to Microbiology

10 creditsClass Size: 200

Module manager: Dr John Barr
Email: j.n.barr@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2017/18

Pre-requisite qualifications

Normally a pass in one science A level or equivalent qualification.

This module is mutually exclusive with

MICR1120	Introduction to Microbiology
MICR1125	Introductory Microbiology
MICR3342	Infectious Agents and the History of Disease

Module replaces

BMSC1209

This module is approved as a discovery module

Module summary

The module will introduce a wide range of microscopic life forms and viruses. It gives a sound introduction to Microbiology and it explores the diversity of microbial life with emphasis on how we interact with microbes that are responsible for infections as well as those that do not normally cause disease. Students will learn how microorganisms interact with each other and how they influence the lives of more complex organisms, for good or ill and will learn how fungi, bacteria and viruses are observed and manipulated safely.

Objectives

The module will provide an introduction to the microbial world and its impacts, both positive and negative, on humans.

Learning outcomes
On completion of this module, students will:
- have had an introduction to a wide range of microbial life, to the techniques used to study micro-organisms and to the interactions, both beneficial and adverse, between microbes and humans;
- be able to describe the general structures of microbes, especially fungi, bacteria and viruses;
- understand how they may be manipulated safely in the laboratory, and will have been given an overview of environmental, industrial, food and medical microbiology;
- have had the opportunity to develop problem-solving skills;
- learn how to manipulate data from Microbiological experiments and how the results may be used for the benefit of humankind.

Skills outcomes
Students taking this module will learn how to interpret results from clinical diagnostic tests and how to use this information to assist in the laboratory management of patients. They will be given the opportunity to develop problem-solving skills.

Syllabus

Introduction to microbial life; bacteria, fungi, viruses, algae and protozoa, their structure, function, mode of life and diversity. Microbiology of soil, water, sewage and agriculture. Food spoilage, preservation and poisoning. Microbes and disease.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
On-line Learning	10	1.00	10.00
Class tests, exams and assessment	3	1.00	3.00
Lecture	20	1.00	20.00
Tutorial	10	1.00	10.00
Private study hours			57.00
Total Contact hours			43.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			100.00

Private study

Private study will be devoted to preparing for on-line material (~17 hours), preparation for lectures and producing good notes thereafter (~30 hours).

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Student progress will be monitored trough participation in the preparation for tutorial exercises and in their performance in in-course assessments. Preparation needs to be undertaken each week and so students who fail to engage with the module will be identified early. In course assessments are spread through the latter part of the module and will identify students who are struggling academically.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
In-course MCQ	Formative - available to students in the VLE	0.00
In-course MCQ	Summative x 2	20.00
Assignment	Engagement with theoretical exercises	20.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		40.00

In-course assessment - each 40 min (2 min/Q)

Exams

Exam type	Exam duration	% of formal assessment
Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc)	1 hr 30 mins	60.00
Total percentage (Assessment Exams)		60.00

August re-sit opportunities will be available for students taking this module.

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 09/03/2017

Disclaimer

Browse Other Catalogues

• Undergraduate module catalogue
• Taught Postgraduate module catalogue
• Undergraduate programme catalogue
• Taught Postgraduate programme catalogue

Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team.PROD