Microbes and Man unit (KLA616)

Hobart

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	KLA616
Credit points	12.5
College/School	Sciences and Engineering Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture
Discipline	Agriculture and Food Systems
Coordinator	Doctor Lyndal Mellefont
Delivered By	University of Tasmania
Level	Postgraduate

Availability

Location	Study period	Attendance options		Available to
Hobart	Semester 2

Note

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Key Dates

Study Period	Start date	Census date	WW date	End date
Semester 2	5/7/2026	27/7/2026	30/8/2026	24/10/2026

* 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 2026 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2026 will be available from the 1st October 2025. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).

About Census Dates

Learning Outcomes

• Evaluate the importance of microorganisms in natural or managed ecosystems
• Evaluate the potential for microorganisms to solve or cause 'real world' problems by applying microbiological knowledge and principles.
• Communicate 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
010911	$1,192.00	$1,192.00	not applicable	$2,862.00

• Available as a Commonwealth Supported Place
• HECS-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility³
• FEE-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility⁴

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	Combined Medical Disclosure Form(s)|GREEN Level Laboratory Induction|Course Content Connections (10%)|Excursion Reports (10%)|Article (15%)|Poster (25%)|Exam (40%)
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.

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