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MCR101 Introduction to Microbiology

The subject introduces the importance of micro-organisms in the environment. It provides an overview of microbiology that encompasses the effect of microbes on human health, the environment, and applied aspects of microbiology, including agricultural, industrial, and food/wine microbiology. The cultivation, enumeration, and identification of micro-organisms and control of microbial growth are emphasized in laboratory classes. The mechanisms by which micro-organisms cause disease in humans, plants, and animals and defenses against these infections are introduced.

Availability

• Session 2 (60)
  • On Campus: Orange Campus, Wagga Wagga Campus
  • Online: Wagga Wagga Campus
• Term 2 (15)
  • Online: Orange Campus

Subject Information

Grading System

• HD/FL

Duration

• One session

School

• School of Biomedical Sciences

Incompatible Subjects

• BIO118, BMS115

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:

• be able to describe the structure and function of microorganisms
• be able to demonstrate a good understanding of the processes used to study microorganisms
• be able to describe the means by which microorganisms can be cultivated and assayed
• be able to demonstrate knowledge of the means by which the growth of microorganisms can be controlled
• be able to demonstrate a good understanding of the interactions of microorganisms with human beings, with particular emphasis on the microorganisms of importance to human and animal health, the environment, and the agriculture, food, and beverage industries

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics:

1. Introduction to the microbial world
2. Cellular Structure (Composition and structure of micro-organisms including microbial nomenclature and classification; comparison of the major groups of micro-organisms; bacterial anatomy including size, shape, cell membrane, cell wall, flagella, pili, capsules, and endospores; microscopy and staining techniques including the Gram stain and the acid-fast stain)
3. Methods used to study micro-organisms (including microscopy)
4. Growth and Culturing (cultivation of bacteria: types of solid and liquid media; methods of anaerobic cultivation; the isolation of pure cultures; nutrition of micro-organisms including energy sources and growth factors; environmental requirements including temperature, pH, and oxygen)
5. Control of Growth (reproduction and growth: the growth cycle of bacteria; measurement of growth; principles of heat sterilization including moist heat, dry heat, drying, and freezing; antimicrobial chemical agents including characteristics of an ideal disinfectant and factors affecting disinfectant potency; antibiotics including their mode of action, types, and methods of testing antibiotics)
6. Microbial Genetics (structure and function of genetic material: regulation of gene expression: mutation: gene transfer and recombination)
7. The Bacteria (an introduction to those bacteria of medical, environmental, or industrial importance: structure and composition; classification; modes of transmission)
8. Mycology (structure, growth, and classification of fungi and fungi-like organisms)
9. Virus, Viroids, Prions, and Parasites (an introduction to those organisms of medical, environmental, or industrial importance: structure and composition; classification; transmission)
10. Principles of Disease & Epidemiology (interactions between microbes and humans: a description of the various antimicrobial defenses of the host; the normal flora of the body; Koch's postulates)
11. Mechanisms of Pathogenicity (pathogens, virulence, and infection: pathogenesis of disease; factors influencing infection and virulence)
12. Immunology (antigens, antibodies, and Immunity: an introductory description of antibodies and antigens and the types of immunity)
13. Environmental Microbiology (including soil and water analysis)
14. Applied Microbiology (including fermentation and applications/problems associated with human health and in the agriculture/food/wine industries)

Residential School

This subject contains a 4-day Compulsory Residential School. Laboratory sessions in this subject allow practical experience in the identification and growth of micro-organisms and the prevention and control of microbial growth in a variety of contexts. The laboratory sessions allow students to gain experience in aseptic technique. Transmission of micro-organisms and environmental sources of microbial contamination are also stressed. Laboratory sessions provide essential support for the theoretical knowledge provided in the lecture notes/study guide and are integral to introductory microbiology in all situations.