Core Module Information
Module title: Applied Microbiology

SCQF level: 08:
SCQF credit value: 20.00
ECTS credit value: 10

Module code: BMS08104
Module leader: Nick Wheelhouse
School School of Applied Sciences
Subject area group: Life Sciences
Prerequisites

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

Description of module content:

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.

Learning Outcomes for module:

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.

Full Details of Teaching and Assessment
2024/5, Trimester 1, In Person,
VIEW FULL DETAILS
Occurrence: 001
Primary mode of delivery: In Person
Location of delivery: SIGHTHILL
Partner:
Member of staff responsible for delivering module: Nick Wheelhouse
Module Organiser:


Student Activity (Notional Equivalent Study Hours (NESH))
Mode of activityLearning & Teaching ActivityNESH (Study Hours)NESH Description
Face To Face Lecture 18 Lectures will be weekly on campus and recorded and uploaded on the VLE after each session to allow you to access at a time most suitable for you.
Face To Face Practical classes and workshops 15 Practical classes and workshops Practical labs to learn and apply laboratory techniques (3 x 3 hour). Workshops to support assessments (6 x 1 hour).
Online Guided independent study 167 Throughout the trimester, you are expected to structure in time to reflect upon the learning you have undertaken in your scheduled sessions and to complete your essential reading. You are encouraged to read more widely around the topics you are studying and engage in Moodle activities and resources. You will need to ensure that you have sufficient time to prepare and plan for your assessment tasks.
Total Study Hours200
Expected Total Study Hours for Module200


Assessment
Type of Assessment Weighting % LOs covered Week due Length in Hours/Words Description
Laboratory report 30 2~4 Week 6 , WORDS= 1200 words This Laboratory report will be based on data collected in the laboratory classes demonstrating skills in scientific writing and data analysis.
Reflective Log 10 4 Week 6 , WORDS= 200 words Reflection log allowing you to reflect upon your learning within the laboratory classes
Practical Skills Assessment 10 1~4~5 Week 6 HOURS= 500 words Practical skills assessment consisting of a worksheet completed in real-time within the class laboratories. Demonstrating your basic understanding of the topic and your ability to handle laboratory data.
Project - Written 30 3 Week 9 , WORDS= 500 words As a group you will produce a poster linked to one of the topics covered within the lectures. Providing you with an opportunity to engage in more detail with your chosen topic.
Oral Presentation 20 3 Week 10 HOURS= 15 minutes Oral Presentation giving you the opportunity within your group to summarise your poster and answer questions on your chosen topic area.
Component 1 subtotal: 50
Component 2 subtotal: 50
Module subtotal: 100

Indicative References and Reading List - URL:
BMS08104- Applied Microbiology