Prokaryotic Diversity
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| BIOS2006 | Biosciences | 2 | 10 | Spring UK |
- Code
- BIOS2006
- School
- Biosciences
- Level
- 2
- Credits
- 10
- Semesters
- Spring UK
Summary
This module is designed to provide an understanding of the extent of prokaryote biological diversity. Following introductory lectures on microbial taxonomy and classification, students will undertake two student-centred exercises. The first will be a group exercise to construct a website on a chosen group of organisms covering their taxonomy, biology and ecology and provide a presentation on their commercial exploitation. The web pages will be accessible by other students to aid student centred learning of other topics, which will be an essential element for the essay coursework. The second will be an individual exercise to produce an essay including features of a range of organisms represented in the websites and the literature.
Target Students
ONLY available to UG Microbiology students AND BSc/MSci Biotechnology students.Compulsory for students taking Honours degree in Microbiology. Optional for students taking Honours degree in Biotechnology.
Classes
- One 3-hour tutorial each week for 2 weeks
- One 3-hour practicum
- One 3-hour lecture each week for 4 weeks
Approximately 6h of lectures within the first 3 weeks of the Semester. Class, group website and individual essay tutorials are run throughout the semester- to guide with coursework. There will be a 3h computer workshop on website writing. Student centred activity (17h) is timetabled into the module.
Assessment
- 40% Coursework 2: Group web site exercise - groups of 4-6. No set length
- 60% Coursework 1: Essay - 2000 words. Website used to aid student centred learning.
Assessed by end of spring semester
Educational Aims
There are three main aims: to give students a broader knowledge of prokaryote biology; to provide training in literature searches on a defined topic and production of written synopses; to provide web design skills.Learning Outcomes
● Comprehend the terminology and nomenclature used in microbial systematics and its underlying basis.
● Critically analyse microbiological information derived from a variety of sources associated with specialist disciplines including physiology, interaction with the environment, genetics, molecular biology and biotechnology.
● Synthesise and summarise information drawn from various sources to address a specific question and present this in a new format.
● Communicate accurately, clearly and concisely in written verbal and visual forms
● Use internet and other electronic means for communication and as a source of information