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2018/19 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

MICR1120 Introduction to Microbiology

20 creditsClass Size: 150

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

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2018/19

This module is mutually exclusive with

MICR1125Introductory Microbiology
MICR1201Introduction to Microbiology

Module replaces

MICR1010

This module is approved as a discovery module

Module summary

Micro-organisms are constantly in the news. This is primarily because of their disease-causing properties, from the mundane common cold to the fatality of untreated AIDS. Infectious disease is responsible for ca 30% of all world annual deaths. The challenge to prevent or treat infectious disease will be with us for many decades to come, especially as new human pathogens are constantly emerging, causing world epidemics and hospital cross infections. But of course microbes also have an amazing array of positive attributes which contribute to the well being, and indeed enjoyment of humankind, particularly in the area of food production, development of antibiotics and soil fertility. Just where would we be without microbes? Find out and learn more in MICR 1120. The pre-requisite qualification is normally one science A level or equivalent.

Objectives

Students will have had an introduction to the full range of microbial life, to the techniques used to study microorganisms and to the interactions, both beneficial and adverse, between microbes and other life forms on earth.

Micro-organisms are constantly in the news, primarily because of their disease-causing properties. However microbes also have an amazing array of positive attributes which contribute to the well-being and indeed enjoyment of humankind, particularly in the area of food production, development of antibiotics and soil fertility.

Learning outcomes
On completion of the module students will be able to:
- describe the basic life cycles of bacteria and fungi;
- describe basic techniques used to identify and characterise bacteria and fungi;
- describe the roles of microbes in water pollution; pest control; food production processes, food spoilage and preservation and food poisoning;
- describe the life cycles, and molecular and cellular biology, of viruses;
- describe the role of micro-organisms in disease, and understand the challenges of preventing disease through preventative and therapeutic methods.


Syllabus

The module will introduce you to the full diversity of microbial life - bacteria, fungi, viruses, transmissible spongiform encephalopathies and protozoa - giving details of their structure, function and life-styles. Several lectures are devoted to microbial techniques. The module will go on to relate how humankind interacts with microbes, be these in a positive or negative way from their industrial usage to their medical significance, to include anti-microbial therapies and methods of disease prevention.

Teaching methods

Delivery typeNumberLength hoursStudent hours
Lecture411.0041.00
Private study hours159.00
Total Contact hours41.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)200.00

Private study

159 hours: reading round lectures, preparation for in-course assessments and exam.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Attendance monitoring at lectures.

Methods of assessment


Coursework
Assessment typeNotes% of formal assessment
In-course MCQformative 40 minute MRQ0.00
In-course MCQsummative 40 minute MRQ20.00
In-course MCQsummative 40 minute MRQ20.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)40.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated


Exams
Exam typeExam duration% of formal assessment
Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc)1 hr 30 mins60.00
Total percentage (Assessment Exams)60.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 18/04/2018

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