ENVB30100 Ecological and Environmental Microbiology

Academic Year 2023/2024

This module will examine the ecology and environmental interactions of microorganisms in diverse ecosystems. Microbial activities within soil and aquatic environments will be discussed and the contribution of microorgansisms to processes occurring in natural and manmade environments will be assessed. The application of microorganisms in the treatment of waste material will be examined.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this module students should be able to:
1) Critically assess the methods used to analyse the microbial component of an ecosystem.
2) Describe the concept of cycling in the global environment and critically assess the importance of microorganisms in mediating cycling processes.
3) Describe microbial diversity in extreme environments and the application of these organisms for the production of useful compounds.
4) Identify microorganisms associated with water borne disease and evaluate methods used for the microbiological testing of water.
5) Describe the role of microorganisms in waste treatment systems and identify appropriate treatment processes for different waste material.
6) Explain the factors affecting microbial degradation of compounds in the environment.
7) Evaluate and interpret data from experiments and report in an appropriate manner.
8) Perform a range of laboratory procedures associated with analysing environmental microorganisms in a competent manner.

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
Enquiry & problem-based learning 
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 Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Assignment: Assignment based on course work Week 7 n/a Graded No

20

Continuous Assessment: Based on lab reports Varies over the Trimester n/a Graded No

20

Examination: 1h exam comprising MCQs and short answer questions Week 10 No Graded No

30

Assignment: Assigment based on course material Week 4 n/a Graded No

20

Attendance: Attendance and engagment at workshops and practicals Throughout the Trimester n/a Graded No

10


Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Autumn No
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?

Class feedback on assignment 1 once submitted Individual feedback on assignment 1 in the form of comments on corrected assignment Class feedback on assignment 2 once submitted Individual feedback on assignment 2 in the form of comments on corrected assignment Individual feedback on lab reports

Brock:Biology of Microorganisms
Name Role
Dr Tancredi Caruso Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Professor Fiona Doohan Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Graham Hughes Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Sean Storey 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
Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25 Tues 11:00 - 11:50
Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 26 Tues 11:00 - 11:50
Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26 Wed 14:00 - 14:50
Practical Offering 1 Week(s) - 22, 23, 24, 25, 26 Wed 15:00 - 17:50
Practical Offering 2 Week(s) - 22, 23, 24, 25, 26 Wed 15:00 - 17:50
Spring