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,
Sem 1 2021,
Sem 1 2022

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)

BIOL2425

OUA CSP

Undergraduate

171H School of Science

Internet

 OUACSP2021 (All)

Course Coordinator: Associate Professor Taghrid Istivan

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 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 year 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 on-campus or online practical component that is undertaken to complement the 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

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, 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/or online activities in which syllabus material will be presented and explained.
  • Compulsory participation in practical o-campus or online classes which complement the theory 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

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: This course has the practical component as a HURDLE which represents (50 %) of the total mark. The skills learned in practical classes on-campus or online 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 have been approved by the College. 

 

Practical component assessment (HURDLE): 

Weighting: 50% 

This assessment supports CLOs 1-6. 

You will be required to demonstrate knowledge of basic microbiological laboratory skills and to demonstrate practical competence in basic microbiological laboratory skills as assessed by your teachers either during classes and/or online assessment tasks. 

 

 

Theory component assessments (50%) includes:

Discipline based authentic assessments on course theory 

Weighting 30%.  

The assessments support CLOs 1, 2, 5 & 6. 

 

Group Seminar Presentation  

Weighting 20% 

This assessment supports CLO 1,  4, 5 & 6