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 |
|
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 |
Course Coordinator: Dr. 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
It is assumed that you have the basic practical skills and knowledge of aseptic technique to enable you to work safely in the microbiology laboratory.
Course Description
This second level microbiology course follows on from introductory studies in microbiology. It increases the depth of knowledge and practical skills in microbiology with emphasis on bacteria and other microorganisms of importance to humans. This general microbiology course provides the background for the study of more applied aspects such as food microbiology, environmental microbiology and medical / clinical microbiology.
A comprehensive and compulsory practical program is undertaken to complement the lecture component of this course.
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
On successful completion of this course you should be able to:
- 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).
- Isolate and identify bacteria and other microorganisms in the laboratory safely, applying knowledge of specific microbial characteristics for detection, prevention and control of
- Perform microbiology laboratory skills safely and carefully, and demonstrate knowledge of hazards, their prevention and safety.
- Work effectively and cooperatively in small groups.
- Critically analyse and discuss the results of laboratory investigation into selected case studies demonstrating creativity, initiative and a high level of autonomy.
- Communicate clearly and effectively via oral and written approaches using the proper scientific language in the field.
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Overview of Learning Activities
You will learn in this course by:
- 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 also collaboratively with your peers and subject experts.
For practical classes you will require the Laboratory Manual and the Identification Tables for Bacteria. A laboratory gown MUST be hired from the microbiology laboratories.
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 in the final week of the course (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 (45%) 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) includes:
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 the demonstrator during classes and during the practical examination.
An early laboratory investigation aims to provide feedback to help you identify improvements required.
1. An online laboratory safety quiz (2%)
This assessment supports CLO 3, 6
2. Laboratory Investigations (28%)
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 is (55%) includes:
An early online quiz aims to provide feedback to help you identify your study needs.
1. Presentation (10%)
This assessment supports CLO 1, 2, 4 & 6
1. Online Quizzes (5%)
This assessment supports CLOs 1, 2, 5 & 6.
2. Written Examination (40%)
This assessment supports CLOs 1, 2, 5 & 6.
Please note that postgraduate students are expected to demonstrate deeper knowledge and higher level application of knowledge and skills than undergraduate students. There may be a postgraduate and an undergraduate version for both the mid-semester test and the end-of-semester examination.