Requisites: AND Pre-requisite: Basic knowledge of microbes AND Pre-requisite: [Module MIC07100] Introductory Microbiology

Microorganisms occur throughout nature and while the impacts of microorganisms on your life may not be immediately obvious, they play a surprising number of vital roles which help sustain life on Earth. Understanding the mechanisms through which microorganisms adapt to their environment is key to appreciating how they contribute to the planet and how these mechanisms are exploited either directly or indirectly by humans. Through a series of lectures and tutorials you will study fundamental aspects of microbiology and explore how these traits are exploited in the applied fields of medicine, agriculture, food and pharmaceutical industry. Practical laboratory sessions will help you gain experience in commonly employed practical techniques relating to the lecture material and will help you refine your data analysis and presentation skills.

Upon completion of this module you will be able to

LO1: Explore the cell structure and function of fungi, bacteria, archaea, viruses and protozoa.

LO2: Relate microbial adaptations in cell structure, function and metabolism to environmental changes.

LO3: Consider how microbial adaptations are practically exploited in medicine, agriculture, the food and pharmaceutical industries.

LO4: Develop insight into analysis and interpretation of microbiological data, and observations, from the laboratory.

LO5: Exemplify best practice in the safe practical handling of microorganisms.