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BIOL40880

Academic Year 2025/2026

Microbiome Analysis (BIOL40880)

Subject:
Biology
College:
Science
School:
Biology & Environment Science
Level:
4 (Masters)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Dr Guerrino Macori
Trimester:
Autumn
Mode of Delivery:
On Campus
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

The purpose of this module is to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of microbiome analysis, focusing on the bioinformatics techniques used to study microbial communities. The module aims to equip students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary to analyse microbiome data effectively.

Overarching Content:
• Introduction to the microbiome and its significance
• Techniques for microbiome sampling and sequencing
• Data processing and quality control
• Bioinformatics tools for microbiome analysis
• Interpretation of microbiome data and statistical analysis
• Applications of microbiome research in health and disease

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of the module, students will be able to:
1. Describe the composition and significance of the microbiome.
2. Explain the methodologies used for microbiome sampling and sequencing.
3. Apply bioinformatics tools to process and analyse microbiome data.
4. Interpret and critically evaluate microbiome research findings.
5. Discuss the applications of microbiome analysis in various fields.

Indicative Module Content:

1. Introduction to microbiomes
2. Techniques used in microbiome analysis and bioinformatics platforms
3. Microbial taxonomy and nomenclature
4. Classification of microbial communities
5. Data processing, quality control and statistical analysis of microbial data
6. Data visualisation techniques and interpretation
7. Analysis of microbial communities, ecological indices, metrics and network analysis
8. Microbiome Research

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

12
Practical

5
Specified Learning Activities

15
Autonomous Student Learning

95
Total

127

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Lectures - Foundational knowledge and key concepts.
Practical Sessions - Hands-on experience with microbiome data analysis.
Active/Task-Based Learning - Engaging with practical tasks and collaborative projects.
Critical Writing and Reflective Learning - Developing analytical skills and self-assessment.
Problem-Based Learning - Solving real-world problems and connecting theory to practice.
Student Presentations - Enhancing communication skills and critical thinking through podcast and multimedia project presentations.

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Equivalents:
Microbiome Analysis (PHPS41250)


 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Individual Project: Students will create a podcast presenting their final assignment. This will involve introducing the assigned microbiome project and discussing the bioinformatics challenges associated with it. Week 12 Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No
10
 No
Individual Project: A multimedia project to present the workflow and pipeline used for data analysis in their final assignment. This project visually and interactively explain the steps and tools used in the analysis. Week 12 Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No
10
 No
Participation in Learning Activities: Continuous Assessment: graded tasks accompanying practical sessions Week 9, Week 10, Week 11 Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No
30
 No
Participation in Learning Activities: A final practical assignment involving data analysis and interpretation of short applied research problems, based on ideas and processes that have been learned during the module. Week 12 Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No
50
 No

Carry forward of passed components
No
 

Remediation Type Remediation Timing
In-Module Resit Prior to relevant Programme Exam Board
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Not yet recorded.

Name Role
Dr Nicholas Brereton Lecturer / Co-Lecturer

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
Autumn Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 Thurs 09:00 - 09:50
Autumn Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 Wed 09:00 - 10:50
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