2023/24 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

MICR1125 Introduction to Microbiology

10 creditsClass Size: 95

Module manager: Dr Chris Randall
Email: C.P.Randall@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2023/24

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Module summary

Micro-organisms are constantly in the news, primarily because of their disease-causing properties, including food poisoning. 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. Just where would we be without microbes? Find out and learn more in MICR1125.

Objectives

Emphasis is placed on the role of microbes in water pollution; pest control; food production processes, food spoilage and preservation and food poisoning.

Learning outcomes
On completion of the module students will be able to:
1. Describe the basic life cycles of viruses, bacteria and fungi;
2. Describe basic techniques used to identify and characterise bacteria and fungi;
3. Describe the roles of microbes in water pollution; pest control; food production processes, food spoilage and preservation and food poisoning.

Syllabus

- The module will introduce you to bacteria and fungal life giving details of their structure, growth and diversity.
- Several lectures are devoted to microbial techniques.
- The module will look at the positive way microbes are used in industry, including the food industry, and their potential to be food-bourne pathogens.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Lecture	18	1.00	18.00
Private study hours			82.00
Total Contact hours			18.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			100.00

Private study

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

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

- Synchronous online delivery via Blackboard Collaborate.
- Student progress will be monitored through 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.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
In-course MCQ	On-line MRQ test (must be completed in single attempt)	40.00
In-course MCQ	On-line MRQ test (must be completed in single attempt)	40.00
In-course Assessment	Participation	20.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

All online MRQ tests must be completed in a single attempt. Further guidance on the assessment will be provided in Minerva.

Reading list

There is no reading list for this module

Last updated: 21/12/2023 14:47:50

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