Introduction to Microbiology

This module will provide Biological Sciences and Human Biology students with broad introduction to microbiology. You will learn about the major microbial groups: bacteria, fungi, protists, archaea and viruses. Common themes will be explored including how microorganisms are studied, microbial lifestyles, their key structural components, and the key features of the different types of microbial cell.

Lab practical classes will provide opportunities to develop important competencies in handling, isolating and growing different types of microorganisms as well as introducing methods for analysing the effect of different growth conditions. 

By the end of the module you should be able to:

• describe the key features of the major microbial groups and understand key similarities and differences between them
• explain how their key structural components allow these small organisms to exist in diverse environments
• Demonstrate an understand the evolutionary relationships between and within prokaryotic and eukaryotic microorganisms
• apply an understanding of the principles underlying isolation and growth of different types of microorganisms and methods for analysing the effect of different growth conditions;
• demonstrate an understanding of aseptic technique and develop competencies in safe handling of microorganisms
• work as a group to resolve a real life infectious disease control problem