2022/23 Undergraduate Module Catalogue
MICR1320 Skills for Microbiologists
40 creditsClass Size: 60
Module manager: Dr Christopher Randall
Email: c.p.randall@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2022/23
Co-requisites
| MICR1125 | Introductory Microbiology |
| MICR1220 | Introduction to Immunology |
This module is not approved as a discovery module
Objectives
To provide training in data collection, experimental techniques relevant to ,microbiology, the analysis of numerical data, solving problems, teamwork and presentation skills.Learning outcomes
At the end of the module students will be able to:
- use a range of laboratory equipment and practical techniques current to microbiology, biochemistry, and molecular and cellular biology, design simple controlled experiments and record, analyse and interpret experimental data.
- demonstrate an appreciation of the approaches used to study biochemical, microbial and molecular processes, and feel confident in the handling of numerical data and simple mathematical transformations thereof.
Students will be given advice on how to produce a curriculum vitae and will be made aware of employability issues.
Skills outcomes
- Managing knowledge; data evaluation and problem solving, sourcing, selecting & interpreting data.
- Technical competence; laboratory techniques, experimental design, and analysing data, accuracy and IT skills.
- Managing self; planning, time management, employability planning.
- Managing relationships; teamwork, decision taking, learning from others; sharing; receiving critique.
- Presentation skills; lab reports, written answers, oral presentations.
Syllabus
Students will undertake a range of experiments using essential microbiological techniques including aseptic technique, microscopy and staining to explore the microbial world and its exploitation by humans. Students will also undertake a range of experiments using essential biochemical, microbiological and molecular techniques including spectrophotometry, electrophoresis, separation techniques, chromatography and PCR.
Through these experiments they will develop their technical competence, learn to analyse and interpret different types of data, and record and present these appropriately. There will also be opportunities to develop skills in experimental design, and to develop an understanding of safe laboratory practice.
Students will also participate in tutorials to develop their ability to
(i) handle, transform and interpret numerical data,
(ii) interpret information and experimental data in order to solve microbiological problems, and
(iii) source material in the library, build libraries of references and present work orally.
Tutorials will also focus on personal development. The course will consist of tutorials, computer-based classes and practical classes in teaching laboratories. Practical and tutorial attendance and the completion of all work are compulsory.
Teaching methods
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
| Practical | 40 | 3.00 | 120.00 |
| Tutorial | 20 | 1.00 | 20.00 |
| Private study hours | 260.00 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 140.00 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 400.00 | ||
Private study
Preparation for practical sessions and tutorials, annotation of laboratory note book, problem solving and report writing. Revision for MRQsPreparation for lab and private study - 140 hours
Preparation for tutorials and private study - 60 hours
On-line practice and learning - 20 hours
Preparation for and presentation of essays and oral presentation - 40 hours.
Opportunities for Formative Feedback
- Student progress is monitored through regular checking of laboratory books, MRQ tests and practical assignments.- Completion of on-line preparation materials is also monitored.
- Attendance at weekly tutorials, and the completion/standard of work for tutorials provides an additional mechanism for monitoring progress.
Methods of assessment
Coursework
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
| Practical Report | 2 x practical reports (10% each) | 20.00 |
| In-course Assessment | 2 x in-course MRQ tests covering practicals and tutorial work (January exam = 10%, May exam = 20%) | 30.00 |
| In-course Assessment | Assessment of practical microbiology techniques | 10.00 |
| In-course Assessment | Participation (completion of preparative work/lab notebooks for relevant classes) | 10.00 |
| In-course Assessment | 2 x Summative tutorial assignments (Essay 15%, Oral presentation 15% | 30.00 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100.00 | |
Owing to the continuous and practical nature of assessments, no resit will be available in August for students who fail the module; students will be required to repeat the module, and all assessed coursework, as an internal candidate.
Reading list
There is no reading list for this moduleLast updated: 10/08/2022
Browse Other Catalogues
- Undergraduate module catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate module catalogue
- Undergraduate programme catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate programme catalogue
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