General Microbiology

Unit Outline (Higher Education)

   
?   Display Outline Guidelines      


Effective Term: 2027/05
Institute / School :Institute of Innovation, Science & Sustainability
Unit Title: General Microbiology
Unit ID: SCMIC2001
Credit Points: 15.00
Prerequisite(s): (SCBIO1001 or SCBIO1010)
Co-requisite(s): Nil
Exclusion(s): (MICGC2001 and MICGC2011 and SCBIO1032)
ASCED: 010911
Other Change:  
Brief description of the Unit

The unit provides students with a strong foundation in microbiology. Students will gain the skills and knowledge needed to study higher level related subjects, and an understanding of the importance of microbiology in today`s society. Students will learn about the diversity of microorganisms, focusing on morphological, physiological and ecological characteristics. Important taxonomic groups will be covered, ensuring students have the theoretical knowledge to distinguish between key taxonomic groups. Students will be introduced to microbial growth, microbial genetics, bacteriology, mycology and virology.

Grade Scheme: Graded (HD, D, C, P, MF, F, XF)
Work Experience Indicator:
No work experience
Placement Component:
Supplementary Assessment:Yes
Where supplementary assessment is available a student must have failed overall in the Unit but gained a final mark of 45 per cent or above, has completed all major assessment tasks (including all sub-components where a task has multiple parts) as specified in the Unit Description and is not eligible for any other form of supplementary assessment
Course Level:
Level of Unit in CourseAQF Level(s) of Course
5678910
Introductory                                                
Intermediate                                                
Advanced                                                
Learning Outcomes:
Knowledge:
Skills:
Application of knowledge and skills:
Other outcomes:
O1.

Explain microbial diversity and the various roles of microorganisms in different environmental settings

O2.

 Analyse and interpret microbiological data

O3.

Understand the fundamentals of experimentation in microbiology and risk mitigation strategies

O4.

 Communicate scientific information pertaining to microbiology

O5.

Evaluate genetic mechanisms and implications

O6.

Apply microbiology knowledge ethically and sustainably

Unit Content:

•The diversity of microorganisms
•Structure and function: viruses, bacteria, archaea and eukaryotic microbes
•Physiology and metabolic pathways in microorganisms
•Culture of microorganisms
•Control of microorganisms
•Microbial taxonomy and the identification of key taxonomic groups
•Practical applications of microorganisms

Graduate Attributes:
 Learning Outcomes AssessedAssessment TasksAssessment TypeWeightingProfessional Standards
1. 2, 3

Assessment of understanding of practical aspects of microbiology through the analysis and interpretation of data

Written report(s)

10-30%

2. 1, 2, 4, 5, 6

Assessment of understanding of microbial concepts

Presentation

10-30%

3. 1, 2, 3, 5, 6

Quizzes testing retention of knowledge

Quizzes

30-50%

4. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

Theory Test

Test

10-20%

Adopted Reference Style:
APA  ()

Professional Standards / Competencies:
 Standard / Competency