Microorganisms play a significant role in medicine, agriculture, the environment, and many facets of our daily lives. This course focuses on the general principles of microbiology, providing students with an understanding of the fundamental concepts of the biology of microorganisms. The course includes the following topics: bacterial cell structure and function; genetic systems of bacteria, bacteriophages and plasmids; microbial growth and metabolism; energy and nutrient harvesting; microorganisms and the environment; control of microorganisms; introduction to viruses; food and industrial microbiology.

Practical skills are an essential part of microbiology. The laboratory classes in this course aim: (1) to teach and develop basic microbiological techniques and experimental skills; (2) to illustrate some of the concepts presented in the lectures.

This course is co-taught with undergraduate students but assessed separately.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. Describe diversity of microorganisms, bacterial cell structure and function, microbial growth and metabolism, and the ways to control their growth by physical and chemical means
2. Explain the basic genetic systems of bacteria, bacteriophage and plasmids
3. Explain the role of microorganisms in food production and preservation, and their ability to cause food-borne infections
4. Demonstrate practical skills in fundamental microbiological techniques
5. Systematically apply the scientific method of investigation and hypothesis testing including the development of theoretical and practical skills in the design and execution of experiments as well as the development of oral and writing skills necessary for the effective communication of experimental results
6. Critically think and integrate factual and conceptual information required for an understanding of microbiology

Research-Led Teaching

All lecturers involved in teaching the course are international experts in their specific field of research. In one practical of the course, you will assess the rate of killing of two test organisms by different commercially available domestic disinfectants, in the presence and absence of organic matter. Furthermore, as part of writing reports for practicals, you will search and read recent research articles related to a particular practical topic.

Additional Course Costs

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is required in all wet labs. A lab coat will be provided to every student to be used only for this course. Safety glasses must be purchased. You must wear closed shoes to be admitted to the laboratory.

Required Resources

BIOL2142/6142 lab manual is available to print from the Practical module in Wattle. All students must have a printed hardcopy of the practical they are undertaking each prac day.

Recommended Resources

Prescribed texts: Prescott’s Microbiology by Willey, Sandman and Wood, McGraw-Hill (11th Edition)

Reference Texts:

A number of other microbiology texts are held in Hancock library.

Microbiology: Fundamentals and Applications by Atlas

Brock Biology of Microorganisms by Madigan et al.

Microbiology: Dynamics and Diversity by Perry and Staley

 

In relation to general reading, students are encouraged to search current and earlier issues of Annual Review of Microbiology, Trends in Microbiology, Microbiological Reviews, Science and Nature.

Recommended student system requirements 

ANU courses commonly use a number of online resources and activities including:

• video material, similar to YouTube, for lectures and other instruction
• two-way video conferencing for interactive learning
• email and other messaging tools for communication
• interactive web apps for formative and collaborative activities
• print and photo/scan for handwritten work
• home-based assessment.

To fully participate in ANU learning, students need:

• A computer or laptop. Mobile devices may work well but in some situations a computer/laptop may be more appropriate.
• Webcam
• Speakers and a microphone (e.g. headset)
• Reliable, stable internet connection. Broadband recommended. If using a mobile network or wi-fi then check performance is adequate.
• Suitable location with minimal interruptions and adequate privacy for classes and assessments.
• Printing, and photo/scanning equipment

For more information please see https://www.anu.edu.au/students/systems/recommended-student-system-requirements

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:

• Written comments
• Verbal comments
• Feedback to the whole class, to groups, to individuals, focus groups
• Students are encouraged to ask questions during and after lectures. The convenor and demonstrators are available in each practical session to provide feedback on any aspect of the course content.

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). The feedback given in these surveys is anonymous and provides the Colleges, University Education Committee and Academic Board with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement. The Surveys and Evaluation website provides more information on student surveys at ANU and reports on the feedback provided on ANU courses.

Other Information

This course has been adjusted for remote participation. On campus and remote participants will need to complete alternative assessment tasks as outlined below:

Assessment tasks 2 (10%) and 3 (50%) must be completed by all students.

Assessment task 1 (40%) must be completed by students who are attending on campus activities.

Assessment tasks 4 (20%) and 5 (20%) must be completed by students who are participating remotely.

Students participating remotely must identify themselves to the course convener in the first week of class.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	2 lectures
2	2 lectures, 1 practical class, 1 tutorial/quiz
3	2 lectures, 1 practical class, 1 tutorial/quiz
4	2 lectures, 1 practical class, 1 tutorial/quiz
5	2 lectures, 1 practical class, 1 tutorial/quiz
6	2 lectures, 1 practical class, 1 tutorial/quiz
7	2 lectures, 1 practical class, 1 tutorial/quiz
8	2 lectures, 1 practical class, 1 tutorial/quiz
9	2 lectures, 1 practical class, 1 tutorial/quiz
10	2 lectures, 1 practical class, 1 tutorial/quiz
11	2 lectures, 1 practical class, 1 tutorial/quiz
12	2 lectures, 1 practical class, 1 tutorial/quiz
13	Exam period	Exam

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Learning Outcomes
Practical Report	15 %	1,4,5
Tutorial Quizzes	10 %	1,2,3
Final Exam	50 %	1,2,3
Literature review	20 %	1,2,6
Pre-prac method proposal	5 %	1,4,5

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines, which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Misconduct Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Special Assessment Consideration Policy and General Information 
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the Academic Integrity . In rare cases where online submission using Turnitin software is not technically possible; or where not using Turnitin software has been justified by the Course Convener and approved by the Associate Dean (Education) on the basis of the teaching model being employed; students shall submit assessment online via ‘Wattle’ outside of Turnitin, or failing that in hard copy, or through a combination of submission methods as approved by the Associate Dean (Education). The submission method is detailed below.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Participation

You must attend all practical sessions or complete the remote option where practicals are replaced with other practical-related activities.

Examination(s)

Students must achieve at least 40% in the end-of-semester exam to pass the course.

Please note, that where a date range is used in the Assessment Summary in relation to exams, the due date and return date for mid-semester exams indicate the approximate timeframe in which the exam will be held; the due and return date for end of semester exams indicate the approximate timeframe in which the exam will be held and the date official end of Semester results are released on ISIS. Students should consult the course wattle site and the ANU final examination timetable to confirm the date, time and venue of the exam.

Assessment Task 1

Practical Report

One written report of a laboratory practical class (Practical 2), showing an understanding of lab skills, experimental design, concise reporting and scientific writing.

Assessment Task 2

Tutorial Quizzes

Online quizzes will be held in a 12 hour window immediately after the online tutorial (starting from week 2). These will cover the lecture material from the week the tutorial is held.

Assessment Task 3

Final Exam

An exam comprising short answer and multiple choice questions. Please check published ANU exam timetable for date and time.

Assessment Task 4

Literature review

A 1500 word literature review will be assessed that is focussed on a current technique relevant to microbiology.

Assessment Task 5

Pre-prac method proposal

Students will prepare a 1 page experimental methods proposal for Practical 3 for submission through Turnitin.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. At its heart, academic integrity is about behaving ethically, committing to honest and responsible scholarly practice and upholding these values with respect and fairness.

The ANU commits to assisting all members of our community to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. The ANU expects staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle and Academic Misconduct Rule, uphold high standards of academic integrity and act ethically and honestly, to ensure the quality and value of the qualification that you will graduate with.

The Academic Misconduct Rule is in place to promote academic integrity and manage academic misconduct. Very minor breaches of the academic integrity principle may result in a reduction of marks of up to 10% of the total marks available for the assessment. The ANU offers a number of online and in person services to assist students with their assignments, examinations, and other learning activities. Visit the Academic Skills website for more information about academic integrity, your responsibilities and for assistance with your assignments, writing skills and study.

Online Submission

You will be required to electronically sign a declaration as part of the submission of your assignment. Please keep a copy of the assignment for your records. Unless an exemption has been approved by the Associate Dean (Education) submission must be through Turnitin.

Hardcopy Submission

For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.

Late Submission

Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date, or on or after the date specified in the course outline for the return of the assessment item. Late submission is not accepted for take-home examinations.

Referencing Requirements

Accepted academic practice for referencing sources that you use in presentations can be found via the links on the Wattle site, under the file named “ANU and College Policies, Program Information, Student Support Services and Assessment”. Alternatively, you can seek help through the Students Learning Development website.

Returning Assignments

Marked assignments will usually be returned through Wattle.

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. Extensions may be granted for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Resubmission of Assignments

No resubmission of assignments is permitted.

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information.
In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service – including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy.
If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes.

Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Diversity and inclusion for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills and Learning Centre supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling Centre promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents undergraduate and ANU College students
• PARSA supports and represents postgraduate and research students