Modules

Core Module Information
Module title: Applied Environmental Microbiology
SCQF level: 09:
SCQF credit value: 20.00
ECTS credit value: 10
Module code: MIC09105
Module leader: Aimeric Blaud
School School of Applied Sciences
Subject area group: Life Sciences
Prerequisites

Requisites: AND Pre-requisite: Appropriate background knowledge of biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology, microbial physiology. AND Pre-requisite: [Module BMS08104] Applied Microbiology
Description of module content:

This module builds on fundamental microbiological principles to examine the roles and interactions of microorganisms in various natural and engineered environments. You will focus on several key areas including: the roles and importance of microbial communities in a range of autochthonous environments; metabolic and structural adaptations to niche habitats; approaches to assessing microbial community structure; and the potential application of microorganisms in environmental quality assessment and various industries.You will discover the importance of microorganisms in diverse ecosystems; their versatility and ability to thrive in almost every environmental condition and highlight ways in which microorganisms contribute to our daily lives through application in industrial bioprocesses; environmental remediation and microbiological quality assessment. Theoretical and practical knowledge of microbiological and molecular methods to assess microbial populations will enhance your appreciation of the complexities and challenges associated with the study of microorganisms in various settings.You will explored these themes in lectures, tutorials and workshops and through practical activities that will develop your competency in microbiological laboratory techniques as well as research methods including experimental design; problem solving and interpretation and critical appraisal of data.
Learning Outcomes for module:

Upon completion of this module you will be able to

LO1: Evaluate the roles and interactions of microorganisms in various natural and engineered environments.

LO2: Illustrate metabolic and structural adaptations required to survive in niche habitats and how changes in environmental conditions affect overall structure and function of microbial communities.

LO3: Relate microbial adaptation to potential industrial and environmental applications.

LO4: Design and conduct a practical based assessment of environmental quality and apply problem solving approaches to the analysis and interpretation of experimental data.

LO5: Critically examine current microbial and molecular approaches to the study of microorganisms in the environment and their application in environmental assessment.
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: Aimeric Blaud
Module Organiser:


Student Activity (Notional Equivalent Study Hours (NESH))
Mode of activityLearning & Teaching ActivityNESH (Study Hours)NESH Description
Face To Face Practical classes and workshops 21 You will have 12h of lab practical where you will be assessing the microbiological quality of water bodies in Edinburgh using a range of methods. You will have 9h of workshop where you will be working in groups in relation to C2 of assessment (oral presentation) where you are aiming to develop new biotechnology using microorganisms.
Face To Face Tutorial 6 During the tutorial sessions, you will discuss your group work in relation to your assessment (C1). You will also discuss the data you will have generated in the lab practical, how to analyse and interpret them and how this will be used for the assessment (C2)
Face To Face GROUPSCHEDULED 2 You will discuss the topics chosen between all groups, received feedback from module leader and fellow students.
Face To Face Lecture 8 You will learn during the lectures a range of topics in environmental microbiology to discover the diversity of the topics, to support and guide your learning in relation to the assessments.
Online Guided independent study 163 During your guided independent study, you will read the lectures, laboratory manual, ahead of the session which are provided before the sessions. Videos are provided for you to watch on your own time to support your learning. Further reading is provided for each lecture/tutorial/workshop, as well as a reading list giving you the opportunity to dig deeper into any topics of interest that could be directly relevant to the assessments.
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 60 4~5 Exam Period , WORDS= 1500 words You will write a short scientific communication based on the data you will have generated during your lab practical on the microbiological water quality assessment.
Oral Presentation 40 1~2~3 Week 11 HOURS= 20 to 25 min During this assessment you will give an oral presentation of a potential new biotechnology based on microorganisms. Groups will be assessed on oral presentations to ‘investors’ looking to fund the most clearly articulated and commercially promising application(s).
Component 1 subtotal: 40
Component 2 subtotal: 60
Module subtotal: 100

Indicative References and Reading List - URL:
MIC09105 Applied Environmental Microbiology
 

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