Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2007-2008 (archived)

Module BISS1171: MICROBIOLOGY

Department: Biological and Biomedical Sciences (Biomedical Sciences) [Queen's Campus, Stockton]

BISS1171: MICROBIOLOGY

Type Open Level 1 Credits 20 Availability Available in 2007/08 Module Cap None. Location Queen's Campus Stockton

Prerequisites

  • None.

Corequisites

  • None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None.

Aims

  • To introduce students to the basic features of microrganisms and their place in the natural world.
  • explain how microorganisms may be isolated and maintained in culture.
  • review aspects of biochemistry and classification of microorganisms.
  • explain the identification and classification of microorganisms.
  • outline the normal flora of human.
  • provide an introduction to microbial diseases in Man.

Content

  • Relationships of microorganisms to other organisms.
  • structure, nutrition, growth and classification of bacteria and fungi.
  • virus structure, classification and replication strategies.
  • microbial methods.
  • identification and classification of microorganisms.
  • normal flora of humans, symbioses involving microorganisms, overview of microbial diseases.
  • host-pathogen interactions.
  • transmission of microbial diseases, chemical control of microorganisms.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • On completion of this module students should have a knowledge of the biochemistry, physiology and ecology of microorganisms.
  • They should understand the criteria and systems used to identify and classify microorganisms.
  • They should be able to describe the routes of infection of the human body and outline host defences.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • Students should be familiar with experimental and safety procedures used in the study of microorganisms and be able to apply appropriate techniques to isolate and culture microorganisms.
Key Skills:
  • Students should be able to demonstrate an ability to handle and interpret simple experimental data.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • Theoretical knowledge will be delivered in lectures and practicals.
  • Learning knowledge and understanding will be assessed by course work and end of year examinations
  • The ability to handle and interpret data will be assessed by practical reports.
  • The variety of methods of teaching and assessment will contribute to learning by providing details and rapid feedback.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Lectures 28 1 or 2 per week 1 hour 28
Seminars 9 Most weeks 1-3 hours 22
Workshop 4 4 2-3 hours 10
Preparation and Reading 140
Total 200

Summative Assessment

Component: Examination Component Weighting: 60%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
two-hour unseen examination 100%
Component: Continuous Assessment Component Weighting: 40%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
practical report 1 25%
practical report 2 25%
essay 25%
MCQ 25%

Formative Assessment:

Practical reports, MCQs, Poster.


Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University