Course Title: Microbiology

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Microbiology

Credit Points: 12.00

Terms

Course Code

Campus

Career

School

Learning Mode

Teaching Period(s)

BIOL2173

City Campus

Postgraduate

135H Applied Sciences

Face-to-Face

Sem 1 2006,
Sem 1 2007,
Sem 1 2008,
Sem 1 2009,
Sem 1 2010,
Sem 1 2012,
Sem 1 2013,
Sem 1 2014,
Sem 1 2015,
Sem 1 2016

BIOL2173

City Campus

Postgraduate

171H School of Science

Face-to-Face

Sem 1 2017,
Sem 1 2018,
Sem 1 2019,
Sem 1 2020,
Sem 1 2021,
Sem 1 2022,
Sem 1 2023,
Sem 1 2024

Course Coordinator: Associate Professor Taghrid Istivan

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 7107

Course Coordinator Email: taghrid.istivan@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Location: Building 223, level 1, Bundoora West Campus

Course Coordinator Availability: By Appointment


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

Required Prior Study

You should have satisfactorily completed following course/s before you commence this course.

Alternatively, you may be able to demonstrate the required skills and knowledge before you start this course.

Contact your course coordinator if you think you may be eligible for recognition of prior learning.

Assumed Knowledge

It is assumed that students will have the basic practical skills and knowledge of aseptic technique to work safely in the microbiology laboratory.


Course Description

This course enhances the depth of knowledge and practical skills in microbiology with an emphasis on bacteria and other microorganisms of importance to humans such as viruses, fungi and parasites. Furthermore, this general microbiology course provides background and foundation skills for the study of applied aspects in food microbiology, environmental microbiology and medical / clinical microbiology.  

The course contains a comprehensive and compulsory practical component that is undertaken to complement the lecture/ theory component.

The capabilities developed in this course include knowledge, technical expertise, critical analysis, communication skills and professional awareness of important medical and industrial microorganisms. 


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

This course contributes to the following Program Learning Outcomes in MC111 Master of Biotechnology and MC237 Master of Food Science and Technology:

PLO 1. Understanding science:
1.1 You will demonstrate an advanced understanding of biological sciences by articulating the methods of science, explaining why current biological knowledge is both contestable and testable through further inquiry, and explaining the role and relevance of biotechnology in society.
1.2 You will have an understanding of recent developments in a specialised
area of biotechnology
1.3 You will demonstrate knowledge of research principles and methods
applicable to biological sciences

PLO 2. Advanced skills to critically analyse and solve problems in biotechnology:
2.1 You will demonstrate cognitive skills in mastery of advanced theoretical knowledge in biotechnology and apply this knowledge to solve complex problems in existing and new areas.
2.2 You will generate and evaluate complex ideas and concepts at an abstract level.

PLO 3. Application of knowledge and skills:
You will critically analyse and solve problems in biotechnology by:
3.1 Demonstrating creativity, initiative and a high level of autonomy in research and/or professional practice
3.2 Planning and executing a substantial research or work-based project and/or pieces of scholarship.

PLO 4. Communication:
You will be able to effectively communicate concepts of biotechnology to specialist and non-specialist audiences, using a variety of presentation modes.

PLO 5. Personal and professional responsibility:
5.1 You will be accountable for individual learning and scientific work by being an independent and self-directed learner
5.2 You will work effectively, responsibly, ethically, and safely in an individual or team context


On successful completion of this course you should be able to: 

  1.  Describe characteristics, taxonomy, and classification of bacteria and other microorganisms of importance to humans, and apply this knowledge to various microbiology fields (such as medicine & health, environment, and food industries). 
  2. Isolate and identify bacteria and other microorganisms in the laboratory safely, and further apply the knowledge of specific microbial characteristics for detection, prevention and control. 
  3. Perform microbiology laboratory skills safely and carefully, and demonstrate knowledge of hazards, their prevention and safety. 
  4. Work effectively and cooperatively in small groups. 
  5. Critically analyse and discuss the results of laboratory investigation into selected case studies demonstrating creativity, initiative and a high level of autonomy. 
  6. Communicate clearly and effectively via oral and written approaches using the proper scientific language in the field. 


Overview of Learning Activities

You will learn in this course by: 

  • Face to face and online activities in which syllabus material will be presented and explained.
  • Compulsory participation in practical classes which complement the lectures enabling you to acquire and practise skills to handle microorganisms in the laboratory. Discussion sessions during practical classes aim to ensure proper understanding of the topics.
  • Working through and preparing written practical assignments and the application of different e-media tools to produce oral presentations.
  • Private study, working through the course as presented in classes and learning materials provided by the Canvas learning management system.
  • You will work both individually and collaboratively with your peers under the guidance of professional academics and industry experts. 


Overview of Learning Resources

RMIT will provide you with resources and tools for learning in this course through myRMIT Studies Course

There are services available to support your learning through the University Library. The Library provides guides on academic referencing and subject specialist help as well as a range of study support services. For further information, please visit the Library page on the RMIT University website and the myRMIT student portal.


Overview of Assessment

This course contains hurdle requirements. All hurdle requirements for this course are indicated clearly in the assessment regime that follows, against the relevant assessment task(s) and all have been approved by the College Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Learning & Teaching). 

Assessment Tasks

Assessment Task 1: Practical component assessment (HURDLE)
Weighting 50%
This assessment task supports CLOs 1-6

Assessment Task 2: Discipline based authentic assessments on course theory
Weighting 30%
This assessment task supports CLOs 1, 2, 5 & 6

Assessment Task 3: Group Seminar Presentation
Weighting 20%
This assessment task supports CLOs 1, 2, 4, 5 & 6  

If you have a long-term medical condition and/or disability it may be possible to negotiate to vary aspects of the learning or assessment methods. You can contact the program coordinator or Equitable Learning Services if you would like to find out more.