AESC2009K Microbiology in Action: Food, Health, Environment

Academic Year 2023/2024

This module aims to explain the fundamentals of microbiology including microbial cell structure, growth, metabolism, function and taxonomy. We will also explore the diversity, ecology and functions of microorganisms found in various environments including surface and subsurface soils, plants, animals, water and extreme environments. The module will also focus on the key roles of microorganisms in biogeochemical cycling including carbon, nitrogen, sulphur, phosphorus and iron cycles. Students will also learn about the characterization of microorganisms present in various environmental samples via culture techniques, microscopy and molecular methods including microbial community level analysis using ‘–omics’ approaches. The module will also touch upon vital topics related to food and human microbiology and applications of microbiology in the remediation of contaminated sites and wastewater treatment.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

After completing this module, students will be able to:
- describe different types of microbes, their structure, metabolism and function
- understand the diversity and ecology of various microbial groups present in different environments
- comprehend the imperative role of microorganisms in the biogeochemical cycling of various elements on earth
- explain traditional and modern techniques used to study different classes of microorganisms in environmental samples such as culture-based techniques, microscopy and molecular techniques including next-generation sequencing approaches
- apply their microbiology knowledge and skills to promote ecosystem health and productivity in managed, natural and disturbed environments

Indicative Module Content:

- Basic microbiology including taxonomy, structure, function, metabolism and growth of different microorganisms
- Ecology and functioning of microbes present in various environments including earth (soil surface and subsurface), plants, water, animals and extreme environments
- Role of microorganisms in the biogeochemical cycling of key elements in various ecosystems on earth
- Application of microbes in managing plant and soil health in managed and disturbed ecosystems including remediation approaches
- Microbiology of food and humans

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

22

Specified Learning Activities

45

Autonomous Student Learning

45

Total

112

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Lectures
Guided readings/videos 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Additional Information:
This module is delivered overseas and is not available to students based at the UCD Belfield or UCD Blackrock campuses.


 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Continuous Assessment: Online quizzes during the trimester Throughout the Trimester n/a Graded No

30

Examination: Midterm exams Unspecified No Graded No

30

Examination: End of semester exam 2 hour End of Trimester Exam No Graded No

40


Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Summer Yes - 2 Hour
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment
• Online automated feedback
• Self-assessment activities

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Individual and class feedback on online quizzes and midterm exams

I. Pepper, C. Gerba, T. Gentry. 2014. Environmental Microbiology. Academic Press. ISBN: 9780123946263

J.M. Willey, K. Sandman, D. Wood. 2023. Prescott’s Microbiology, 12th edition. McGraw Hill Education. ISBN13: 9781264088393

M.T. Madigan, K.S. Bender, D.H. Buckley, W.M. Sattley, D.A. Stahl. 2021. Brock Biology of Microorganisms, 16th edition. Pearson Education Limited. ISBN-13: 9781292404790
Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
 

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