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ENVB30100

Academic Year 2025/2026

Ecological and Environmental Microbiology (ENVB30100)

Subject:
Environmental Biology
College:
Science
School:
Biology & Environment Science
Level:
3 (Degree)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Dr Olga Lastovetsky
Trimester:
Spring
Mode of Delivery:
On Campus
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

This module provides an in-depth exploration of microbial diversity, ecology, and their roles in natural and applied systems. Students will develop a foundation in microbial systematics, ecology and interaction with microbial, plant and animal hosts, while also addressing contemporary issues such as antibiotic resistance, probiotics, and the applied microbiology of food. Through a combination of lectures and laboratory practicals, the module integrates fundamental microbiology with hands-on skills in microbial isolation, molecular biology, and bioinformatics.The practical component emphasises experiential learning: isolating fungal and bacterial endophytes, characterising their morphology, extracting DNA, performing PCR, and conducting sequence-based identification. By the end of the module, students will be equipped with both conceptual and practical tools for studying microorganisms across diverse environments and applications

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of this course, students will be able to:
1. Describe the diversity, evolution, and ecological roles of bacteria and fungi.
2. Explain methods for studying microbial systems, including culture-dependent, culture-independent, and molecular approaches.
3. Demonstrate aseptic technique and isolate fungi and bacteria form the environment.
4. Characterize microbial morphology and quantify bacterial populations.
5. Extract, amplify, and assess microbial DNA using PCR and electrophoresis.
6. Analyze and interpret DNA sequence data using bioinformatics tools (e.g., BLAST).
7. Integrate experimental data and communicate findings effectively in scientific reports.

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

14
Tutorial

6
Laboratories

15
Specified Learning Activities

30
Autonomous Student Learning

55
Total

120

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Lectures
Lab practicals

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Requirements:

Students should have successfully completed appropriate level 1 courses in biology and chemistry, and ideally have completed a level 2 course in microbiology.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Report(s): Laboratory practical lab notebooks will be graded after practical 1 and practical 4, each worth 5%. Week 3, Week 6 Graded No
10
 No
Assignment(Including Essay): Completed during practical 5, integrating experimental data and theoretical knowledge Week 7 Graded No
30
 No
Exam (In-person): End of trimester exam including MCQs and short answer questions End of trimester
Duration:
2 hr(s)
 Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No
60
 No

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 

Resit In Terminal Exam
Autumn Yes - 1 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

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Brock:Biology of Microorganisms

Name Role
Dr Tancredi Caruso Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Graham Hughes Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Olga Lastovetsky Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Guerrino Macori Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Sean Storey Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Paola Valentini Lecturer / Co-Lecturer

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
Spring Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26 Thurs 12:00 - 12:50
Spring Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25 Tues 11:00 - 11:50
Spring Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 26 Tues 11:00 - 11:50
Spring Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26 Wed 14:00 - 14:50
Spring Practical Offering 1 Week(s) - 22, 23, 24, 25, 26 Wed 15:00 - 17:50
Spring Practical Offering 2 Week(s) - 22, 23, 24, 25, 26 Wed 15:00 - 17:50
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