Microbes and You (30 credits)
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| BIOS1068 | Biosciences | 1 | 30 | Full Year UK |
- Code
- BIOS1068
- School
- Biosciences
- Level
- 1
- Credits
- 30
- Semesters
- Full Year UK
Summary
A historical and contemporary perspective on how microbes interact with humans, animals, plants and other organisms; how microbes influence environmental processes, and how microbial products contribute to healthcare, food production, and manufacturing. The module will examine the current challenges facing the world human population, and potential microbial solutions to these problems. It will address the influence of technological developments, and scientific understanding of microbes and the public perception of them.
Key themes: 1) The module will examine human interactions with microbes, beneficial interactions, virulence and pathogenesis, probiotics, host factors in infection, bacteriophages and the flora of the human gut. 2) Commercial products produced from microbes and the use of microbes in food production. 3) Nutrient cycles, biodegradation and bioremediation. 4) Biodiversity, with an emphasis on microbial systematics and symbiosis with other organisms. 5) Eukaryotic microbiology, 6) Yeasts and fungi.
Target Students
Core for Year One Microbiology Students. Not available to any other students.
Co-requisites
Modules you must take in the same academic year, or have taken in a previous year, to enrol in this module:
Classes
Students will participate in a formative group PBL activity in Autumn Semester. In spring semester students will focus on the completion of assessed coursework, which includes tutorial meetings with an essay tutor to help with the essay component. In spring, students will work on a group activity “The Microbe Debates” which will be assessed as a group presentation at the end of the spring semester.
Assessment
- 40% Coursework: 2,000 word essay, submitted in Spring Semester
- 20% Presentation: Group presentation and debates. 15 minute student group powerpoint presentation given at end of Spring Semester. Peer assessment mark included.
- 40% Exam 1 (2-hour): Written exam at end of Autumn semester. Students to answer 4 of 7 questions.
Assessed by end of spring semester
Educational Aims
The aim of this module is to introduce students to the core concepts and understanding of the relationship between Microbes and humans. It aims to encourage within a taught framework of knowledge and understanding of these relationships, the development of core transferrable skills in oral, presentational and written communication. The coursework is aimed to encourage reflective and self-motivated learning, through the acquisition of information, and construction of a balanced reasoned argument towards answering a question. The PBL and group coursework will give the students experience of working in teams, and the chance to reflect on their own and others participation within the group. The tutorial aspect will encourage active participation and self-directed learning.Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module students will be able to:
1. Comprehend the terminology and nomenclature used in microbiology to appreciate and express their knowledge of the subject area.
2. Explain the diverse range of essential information, major concepts, principles and theories associated with specialist disciplines within Microbiology. Collect and integrate several lines of evidence and apply them in a balanced manner to support an argument.
3. Listen to, appreciate and evaluate the views of others and contribute to group discussion.
4. Work productively as an individual and as part of a team.
5. Apply subject knowledge and understanding to address problems, and effectively communicate these in written and verbal forms.