Program Overview

Introduction to Microbiology Unit

The Microbiology unit, coded as KLA210, is an intermediate-level course that provides students with a comprehensive understanding of microbiology, focusing on the structure, function, and ecophysiology of bacteria and viruses.

Unit Details

• Unit name: Microbiology
• Unit code: KLA210
• Credit points: 12.5
• College/School: Sciences and Engineering
• Discipline: Agriculture and Food Systems
• Coordinator: Doctor Lyndal Mellefont
• Available as an elective: Yes
• Delivered By: University of Tasmania
• Level: Intermediate

Availability

The unit is available in two locations:

• Hobart: Semester 1
• Launceston: Semester 1

Key Dates

• Study Period: Semester 1
• Start date: 23/2/2026
• Census date: 17/3/2026
• WW date: 20/4/2026
• End date: 14/6/2026

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:

• Discuss the importance of the five major groups of microorganisms in natural ecosystems and to human welfare and related activities
• Explain how the physiological characteristics of microorganisms influence their environmental roles and activities
• Perform standard microbiological laboratory techniques to select and interpret tests for differentiating, classifying, and enumerating microorganisms

Fee Information

• Field of Education:
• Commencing Student Contribution: $1,192.00
• Grandfathered Student Contribution: $1,192.00
• Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution: Not applicable
• Domestic Full Fee: $2,862.00

Requisites

Prerequisites

• KPZ164
• CZZ101
• Any Level 100 Chemistry unit

Mutual Exclusions

Students cannot enrol in this unit as well as KLA619.

Teaching

• Teaching Pattern: 2 x 50 min lectures weekly, 1 x 3 hr practical weekly (Weeks 1-11)
• Assessment:
  • Guided Open-Book Assessment (20%)
  • Laboratory Skills Assessment (20%)
  • Weekly Assignments (20%)
  • Theory Examination (40%)
• Timetable: Available for viewing

Textbooks

Required

Required readings will be listed in the unit outline prior to the start of classes.

Recommended

• Brock's Biology of Micro-organisms (latest Edn.), edited by Madigan, Martenko, Dunlap, and Clarke
• Prescott's Microbiology (latest Edn.), edited by Willey, Sherwood, and Wolverton
• Other useful texts include:
  • Black. Microbiology Principles and Explorations (latest Edn.), Wiley
  • Slonczewski and Foster. Microbiology an Evolving Science (latest Edn)
  • Wessner, Dupont, and Charles, Microbiology, Wiley

The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities as appropriate.