Microbes and Us - The Hidden World unit (KLA156)

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 laboratory and tutorial activities will be used to extend, enrich and exemplify the lecture content. The laboratory classes equip students with foundation skills in the cultivation and identification of bacteria and mycelial fungi as well as an enumeration of microbial populations. The emphasis in this unit is on understanding the significance of microorganisms in Nature and their interactions with humans and human society and providing foundation 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 Us - The Hidden World
Unit code	KLA156
Credit points	12.5
College/School	Sciences and Engineering Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture
Discipline	Agriculture and Food Systems
Coordinator	Doctor Lyndal Mellefont
Available as an elective?	Yes
Delivered By
Level	Introductory

Learning Outcomes

• Describe the importance of microorganisms in natural or managed ecosystems
• Discuss the potential for microorganisms to solve, or cause, ‘real world’ problems
• Communicate microbiology principles to expert and non-expert audiences 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 UniConnect 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

Assessment	Microbes and Us portfolio (30%)|Poster (30%)|Examination (40%)
Timetable	View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required	Required Readings will be provided by your Unit Coordinator
Recommended	Recommended Readings will be provided by your Unit Coordinator

The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.