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:
- 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
- Explain the basic genetic systems of bacteria, bacteriophage and plasmids
- Explain the role of microorganisms in food production and preservation, and their ability to cause food-borne infections
- Demonstrate practical skills in fundamental microbiological techniques
- 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
- Critically think and integrate factual and conceptual information required for an understanding of microbiology
Other Information
Please email rsb.studentadmin@anu.edu.au to request a permission code to enrol in this course.
Indicative Assessment
- Four written reports of laboratory practical class (40) [LO 1,4,5]
- Essay showing evidence of research skills, scientific writing, and critical understanding of major concepts (20) [LO 5,6]
- Final examination comprising short answer questions (40) [LO 1,2,3]
The ANU uses 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. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
The expected workload will consist of approximately 130 hours throughout the semester including:
- Face-to-face component which may consist of 2 x 1 hour lectures per week (total 24 hours) and 3 hours of practical or workshop session each week (total 36 hours).
- Approximately 70 hours of self-study which will include preparation for lectures, presentations and other assessment tasks.
Students are expected to actively participate and contribute towards discussions.
Inherent Requirements
To be determined
Requisite and Incompatibility
You will need to contact the Biology Teaching and Learning Centre to request a permission code to enrol in this course.
Prescribed Texts
Willey, J. Prescott, Harley, and Klein's Microbiology (latest ed.) McGraw-Hill.
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 2
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2023 | $4320 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2023 | $6180 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
Second Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6205 | 24 Jul 2023 | 31 Jul 2023 | 31 Aug 2023 | 27 Oct 2023 | In Person | View |
