n/a

Cell structure and function; Spores and sporulation; Transport mechanisms; Nutrient and physico-chemical requirements of microorganisms; Bacterial growth and death – growth and death curves; factors affecting growth, comparison of methods for measuring growth. Use of microscopy to visualise and count microorganism. Comparison of methods for controlling bacterial growth, e.g. antibiotics, disinfectants, UV, pasteurisation; Introduction to fungi, protozoa and viruses.

In this module you will examine the diversity of microorganisms in terms of their structure and activity, and in relation to their ecological niche. You will gain an insight into how microorganisms adapt to their environment and how this contributes to the remarkable diversity of the microbial population on this planet. You will also evaluate methods that are used to grow and quantify microorganisms. In addition you will evaluate the methods employed to control the growth of microbial populations and how these methods are applied in medicine, and the food and pharmaceutical industry, for example.

Upon completion of this module you will be able to
LO1: Describe the structure and function of the main components of the bacterial cell.
LO2: Examine factors affecting growth and the dynamics of cell growth and death
LO3: Explore methods used for the isolation, quantification and identification of microorganisms and methods for controlling microbial growth
LO4: Examine specific metabolic pathways used by bacteria and explore their significance in terms of their ecological niche and possible exploitation.
LO5: Describe fungi, protozoa and viruses in terms of diversity, reproduction/infection cycle and significance.