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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
MICR1125 | Introductory Microbiology |
MICR1201 | Introduction to Microbiology |
Module replaces
MICR1010This 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 type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
Lecture | 41 | 1.00 | 41.00 |
Private study hours | 159.00 | ||
Total Contact hours | 41.00 | ||
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 type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
In-course MCQ | formative 40 minute MRQ | 0.00 |
In-course MCQ | summative 40 minute MRQ | 20.00 |
In-course MCQ | summative 40 minute MRQ | 20.00 |
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 40.00 |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Exams
Exam type | Exam duration | % of formal assessment |
Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc) | 1 hr 30 mins | 60.00 |
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 websiteLast updated: 18/04/2018
Browse Other Catalogues
- Undergraduate module catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate module catalogue
- Undergraduate programme catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate programme catalogue
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