1. Describe how the cell structures allow microorganisms to inhabit a wide range of environments
[Benchmarks Biosciences 5.3i, 7.13i]
Knowledge & Understanding

2. Evaluate the physical and chemical requirements for microbial growth
[Benchmarks Biosciences 7.12i, 7.12ii, 7.12iv]
Enquiry

3. Evaluate critically the approaches to classifying microorganisms
[Benchmarks Biosciences 5.2v, 7.12v, 7.12vi]
Analysis

4. Discuss the mechanisms which result in microbial evolution
[Benchmarks Biosciences 5.3i, 7.12v]
Analysis

5. Demonstrate practical skills to allow the isolation and growth of microorganisms from a range of environmental samples and analyse the potential importance of these isolates
[Benchmarks Biosciences 5.2vi, 5.3v, 5.3vi, 5.6ii, 5.6iii, 5.6iv, 5.6v]
Problem solving

In this module you will study, in detail, the structure, physiology and genetics of bacteria, fungi and viruses. You will consider the relationship between structure and function along with adaptations which allow microorganisms to live in a variety of environments (including extreme environments). You will explore the growth of microorganisms in practical sessions and in theory by looking at the diversity of metabolic activities carried out by microorganisms especially with reference to the acquisition of carbon and energy. Other physiological aspects of microbiology will include sporulation, motility, quorum sensing and viral assembly.

You will study the principles of bacterial genetics and this will include a consideration of recombination, mutation and gene transfer on bacterial evolution.

Other topics you will study are phage and viral organisation and life cycles will be investigated and the evaluation of phenetic and phylogenic methods used to classify microorganisms.

1. 2 h Examination (100%) (1,2,3,4)

Sample examination questions will be available and you will be able to submit draft plans for formative feedback.

Development of your practical skills will be provided in the laboratory sessions. Plenary sessions will be included to enable you to assess your own progress.

One hour per week for ten weeks – lectures introducing the key features of microbiology.

Three hours per week for ten weeks - practical work. This will allow you to investigate the biochemistry, genetics and growth of microorganisms as well as design your own experimental procedures.

Madigan, M.T., Martinko, J.M. & Parker, J. (2011). Biology of Microorganisms (12th ed). Prentice Hall ISBN 978-0-321-53615-0*

Slonczewski, J. L. and Foster, J. W. (2014). Microbiology: An Evolving Science (3rd ed). Norton ISBN 978-0-393-92321-6

Nicklin, J., Graeme-Cook, K. and Killington. R. (2011) Instant Notes in Microbiology (4th ed.). Bios/Garland 978-0-4015-607704

Singleton, P. (2004). Bacteria in Biology, Biotechnology and Medicine (6th ed). Wiley ISBN 0-471-98880-4

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