Module: BIO5004-20 Applied Microbiology

Level: 5

Credit Value: 20

Module Tutor: Samantha Lane

Module Tutor Contact Details: s.lane@bathspa.ac.uk

1. Brief description and aims of module:

It can reasonably be argued that microorganisms are the most important group of organisms on the planet. Certainly all life on the planet has a microbial origin and relies on microbes for its continued success. Current estimates suggest that even in our own bodies, human cells are outnumbered by microbial cells. This module will explore this microbial world to see how these organisms continually impact on our lives, from producing the majority of the oxygen we need to breathe and fixing nitrogen necessary for plant growth; breaking down organic and inorganic material and contributing to nutrient recycling and mining; fermentation reactions which produce by-products vital to the food and chemical industries; contributing to our health via the human microbiome and antibiotics, and also diseases caused by pathogens.

The aim of the module is to discover the growth, metabolism and diversity of microorganisms, and their relevance to the environment, to health and to the food industry.

2. Outline syllabus

You will begin this module by being introduced to the diversity and classification of microbes. The module will primarily focus on bacteria but will include discussion of fungi, algae and viruses. You will then cover microbial growth and metabolism before a review of microbial genetics including the introduction of genetic variation, which is critical to the success of this group of organisms. These sessions will provide you with an understanding of microbes which will allow a deeper understanding of their role and applications in the environment, in health and disease, in the food industry and in other industrial applications from production of industrial enzymes through to artificial snow. On completion of this module, you will have gained an understanding of the fundamental aspects of micro-organisms in all aspects of biology, food and health.

3. Teaching and learning activities

The module will be taught through one 2-hour and one 3-hour class per week. Each will be used for a combination of lectures, seminars and practical classes. Lectures will introduce the fundamentals of the subject while practical classes and seminars will allow you to explore and evaluate these issues in more depth. Topics will be drawn from across the fields of food, nutrition, health and biology, and the assessments will allow you to pursue your own particular interests within these fields. In addition, where possible field trips to industries which rely on the actions of microbes will help to reinforce the real-world applications of the module content.

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: Coursework

• Description: Microbiology paper (2500 words)

• % Weighting: 50%

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: Coursework

• Description: Laboratory report (2500 words)

• % Weighting: 50%