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)
BIOL2158	City Campus	Undergraduate	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
BIOL2158	City Campus	Undergraduate	171H School of Science	Face-to-Face	Sem 1 2017, Sem 1 2018, Sem 1 2019, Sem 1 2020
BIOL2159	Bundoora Campus	Undergraduate	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
BIOL2195	Bundoora 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 2015, Sem 1 2016
BIOL2337	Open Learning Australia	Non Award	171H School of Science	Distance / Correspondence	OUASP3UG20

Flexible Terms

Course Code	Campus	Career	School	Learning Mode	Teaching Period(s)
BIOL2425	OUA CSP	Undergraduate	171H School of Science	Internet	OUACSP2020 (All)

Course Coordinator: Associate Professor Taghrid Istivan

Course Coordinator Phone: 9925 7107

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

Course Coordinator Location: 223.1. Bundoora West Campus

Course Coordinator Availability: By appointment

Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

Pre-requisites: a pass in BIOL2256/BIOL2257 Introduction to Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics or an equivalent introductory microbiology course with a practical component.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 second level microbiology course follows on from introductory studies in microbiology. It enhances the depth of knowledge and practical skills in microbiology with emphasis on bacteria and other microorganisms of importance to humans including viruses, fungi and parasites. This general microbiology course provides the background and fundamental skills for the study of higher level applied courses including food microbiology, environmental microbiology and medical / clinical microbiology.

The course has a comprehensive 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

Course Learning Outcomes

 

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, applying 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.

This course contributes to the following Program Learning Outcomes in BP226 Bachelor of Science (Biotechnology), BP229 Bachelor of Science (Biology), MC111 Master of Biotechnology and MC237 Master of Food Science and Technology:

1.2. You will demonstrate a coherent understanding of biological sciences by explaining the role and relevance of biological sciences in society.:

2.1. You will exhibit depth and breadth of knowledge by demonstrating a well-developed understanding of biological sciences. 3.1. You will be able to critically analyse and solve problems in biotechnology by gathering, synthesizing and critically evaluating information from a range of sources. 3.2. You will be able to critically analyse and solve problems in biotechnology by designing and planning an investigation, including developing a testable hypothesis. 3.3. You will be able to critically analyse and solve problems in biotechnology by selecting and applying practical and/or theoretical techniques with technical competence in conducting field, laboratory-based, or virtual experiments. 3.4. You will be able to critically analyse and solve problems in biotechnology by collecting, accurately recording, interpreting, and drawing conclusions from scientific data. 4.1. You will be an effective communicator of biological sciences by effectively communicating scientific results, information, or arguments using a range of modes (oral, written, visual) for a variety of purposes and audiences. 5.2. You will be accountable for individual learning and scientific work by working effectively, responsibly, ethically, and safely in an individual or team context.

Overview of Learning Activities

You will learn in this course by:Face to face and online lectures 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.
• Preparation of written practical reports 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 and subject experts.

 

Total study hours:

 

A total of 120 hours of study is expected during this course, comprising:

Teacher-guided hours (60 hours): Each week there will be 2 hours of face-to-face lecture (24 hours) plus 3 hours of laboratory practical sessions for 11 weeks and a 3 hour seminar session (36 hours). You are encouraged to participate during lectures through asking questions, commenting on the lecture material based on your own study.

Student-directed hours (60 hours): You are expected to be self-directed, studying independently outside class. A minimum of 5 hours per week is recommended.

Overview of Learning Resources

A textbook will be prescribed or recommended for this course. Other reference material (e.g. texts in the library, journal articles, websites) will be referred to during classes or on the myRMIT Studies website.

The course is supported by the Canvas learning management system which provides specific learning resources.

See the RMIT Library Guide at http://rmit.libguides.com/Biotechnology-and-Biological-Sciences

Overview of Assessment

Note that: This course has the practical component as a HURDLE which represents (50 %) of the total mark. The skills learned in practical classes are essential for accreditation and to ensure that you can operate safely and competently as a professional in microbiology laboratory settings.

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 Pro Vice-Chancellor (Learning & Teaching).

 

A: The practical component assessment (HURDLE):

You will be required to demonstrate knowledge of basic microbiological laboratory skills in an online quiz.

You will be required to demonstrate knowledge of and practical competence in basic microbiological laboratory skills as assessed by your teachers  during classes and during the practical examination.

The practical assessment hurdle includes:

1. An online laboratory safety quiz  (5 %)

This assessment supports CLO 3, 6

 

2. Laboratory Investigations (30 %)

These assessments support CLOs 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6

 

3. Practical Examination (15 %)

This assessment supports CLO 1, 2, 3, & 6

 

B: The theory component assessment (50%) includes:

1. Online Quizzes (5%)

This assessment supports CLOs 1, 2, 5 & 6.

2. Seminar Presentation (10%)

This assessment supports CLO 1, 2, 4 & 6

 

3. Written Examination (35 %)

This assessment supports CLOs 1, 2, 5 & 6.

 

Please note that postgraduate students are expected to demonstrate deeper and a higher level application of knowledge and skills than the undergraduate students. There will be a postgraduate and an undergraduate version for both the mid-semester test and the end-of-semester examination.