Courses & Units
Microbes and Man KLA436
Introduction
Microorganisms, though invisibly small, collectively make up the majority of the living
matter on Earth and have profound influences on many aspects of our lives. This unit
will draw on contemporary, real-world examples to explore the influence and impact
of microorganisms - both positive and detrimental - on human activities and
aspirations. Students will be introduced briefly to the ecology and biology of the main
groups of microorganisms and then to the ways in which microorganisms affect and
underpin our lives, e.g. through disease of humans, animals and plants, their effects on
natural and human-controlled environments, in agriculture and food production and
deterioration, and their exploitation in a wide range of (bio)technologies. A range of
excursions and practical project activities will be used to extend, enrich and exemplify
the lecture content. The emphasis in this unit is on understanding the significance of
microorganisms in Nature and their interactions with humans and human society,
rather than developing microbiology laboratory skills. This understanding will be
assessed via a number of communication methods and students will be given training
in, and encouraged, to become critical thinkers and effective communicators of
science.
Summary
| Unit name | Microbes and Man |
|---|---|
| Unit code | KLA436 |
| Credit points | 12.5 |
| College/School | College of Sciences and Engineering Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture |
| Discipline | Agriculture and Food Systems |
| Coordinator | Doctor Lyndal Mellefont |
| Delivered By | University of Tasmania |
| Level | Postgraduate |
Availability
This unit is currently unavailable.
* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).
Unit census dates currently displaying for 2022 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2022 will be available from the 1st October 2021. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).
Learning Outcomes
- Discuss the importance of microorganisms in natural or managed ecosystems, including agricultural ecosystems; waste treatment, including areas being ‘bioremediated’; food production and preservation, and industrial processes (including biotechnologies) both in manufacturing and natural resource extraction
- Apply microbiological knowledge and principles to critically evaluate the potential for microorganisms to solve, or cause, ‘real world’ problems in various situations.
- Communicate your understanding of complex microbiology knowledge and principles to a non-expert audience using a range of media.
Fee Information
| Field of Education | Commencing Student Contribution 1,3 | Grandfathered Student Contribution 1,3 | Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution 2,3 | Domestic Full Fee 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| not applicable |
1 Please refer to more information on student contribution amounts.
2 Please refer to more information on eligibility and Approved Pathway courses.
3 Please refer to more information on eligibility for HECS-HELP.
4 Please refer to more information on eligibility for FEE-HELP.
If you have any questions in relation to the fees, please contact UConnect or more information is available on StudyAssist.
Please note: international students should refer to What is an indicative Fee? to get an indicative course cost.
Teaching
| Teaching Pattern | 26 lectures, 13x3-hr practical, excursion or tutorial classes per week |
|---|---|
| Assessment | Examination (60%)|Excursion Reports (x2) (10%)|Poster (20%)|2 Minute Tease|Media Portfolio (10%) |
| Timetable | View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable |
Textbooks
| Required |
Required readings will be listed in the unit outline prior to the start of classes. |
Links | Booktopia textbook finder |
|---|
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