Overview

This unit of study aims to develop basic concepts of microbiology and the practical skills and techniques required in microbiological analysis. It will prepare students for studies in advanced topics in microbiology and applications in biomolecular science and will provide a variety of practical laboratory experiences where students can apply their theoretical knowledge to practical situations.

Requisites

Teaching periods
Location
Start and end dates
Last self-enrolment date
Census date
Last withdraw without fail date
Results released date
Semester 1
Location
Hawthorn
Start and end dates
03-March-2025
01-June-2025
Last self-enrolment date
16-March-2025
Census date
31-March-2025
Last withdraw without fail date
24-April-2025
Results released date
08-July-2025

Learning outcomes

Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to:

  • Demonstrate an understanding of the fundamental ideas and applications of a variety of microbiological methods
  • Describe the unique properties of microbial cell organisation, metabolism, growth and nutrition
  • Recognise how microbial growth can be monitored and controlled, particularly in the context of human health and disease
  • Describe and appreciate the important roles microorganisms play in biomolecular applications

Teaching methods

Hawthorn

Type Hours per week Number of weeks Total (number of hours)
Live Online
Lecture
3.00 12 weeks 36
On-campus
Lab
2.00 10 weeks 20
Online
Directed Online Learning and Independent Learning
1.00 12 weeks 12
Unspecified Activities
Independent Learning
6.83 12 weeks 82
TOTAL150

Sarawak

Type Hours per week Number of weeks Total (number of hours)
On-campus
Lecture
3.00 12 weeks 36
On-campus
Lab
2.00 10 weeks 20
Online
Directed Online Learning and Independent Learning
1.00 12 weeks 12
Unspecified Activities
Independent Learning
6.83 12 weeks 82
TOTAL150

Assessment

Type Task Weighting ULO's
ExaminationIndividual 25 - 30% 1,2,4 
ExaminationIndividual 25 - 30% 1,2,4 
Laboratory ReportIndividual 25 - 30% 1,2,3 
Online QuizIndividual 10% 1,3,4 

Hurdle

As the minimum requirements of assessment to pass a unit and meet all ULOs to a minimum standard, an undergraduate student must have achieved:

(i) an aggregate mark of 50% or more, and(ii) Obtain at least 40% in the final exam, and(iii) Complete a minimum of 80% of laboratory work based on the criteria for successful completion as explained in the lab handout(s).Students who do not successfully achieve hurdle requirement (ii) and (iii) will receive a maximum of 45% as the total mark for the unit.

Content

  • Major types of microorganisms
  • Structure and function of bacterial cells, including morphology, and key internal and external structures
  • Nutrition and growth of bacteria, including metabolism, energy use, culture media and enumeration methods
  • Control of microbial growth, including physical and chemical methods
  • Microbial genetics, including DNA function, mutation and gene transfer

Study resources

Reading materials

A list of reading materials and/or required textbooks will be available in the Unit Outline on Canvas.