BIOL3100
10 units
3000 level
Course handbook
Description
Microorganisms are by far the most abundant and diverse life-forms. BIOL3100 will explore the range of microorganisms that exist and how they have adapted to live in almost every environment on the planet. It will also examine the involvement of pathogens in human disease, how the immune system fights infection and how epidemiology can be used to monitor, track and prevent further spread of infectious disease. Microbes are also of great use to us; the modern biotechnology applications of microbes will be examined showing how microorganisms have been used by industry to produce a range of products essential to modern society, including the development of novel antibiotics to combat the growing threat of antimicrobial drug resistance.
Availability2024 Course Timetables
Callaghan
- Semester 1 - 2024
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the course students will be able to:
1. Describe the biotechnology processes for which microorganisms can be used and manipulated;
2. Outline the dynamic nature of symbiotic interactions and apply this knowledge to the changing environment;
3. Explain the problems involved in antimicrobial therapy and the need for development of new chemicals for the control of microorganisms;
4. Contrast the protective role of the human immune system with strategies of pathogenic microorganisms to evade the immune system and cause disease;
5. Describe the application of microbiology to industrial processes and environmental management in the modern world.
Content
Evolution and Diversity
- Archaea and Proteobacteria
- Eukaryotic microbes
- Microbial interactions
- Environmental microbiology
Microbial Biotechnology
- Molecular microbiology
- Fermentation and degradation
- Virology
Human Disease
- Pathogenesis and antimicrobial strategies
- Mobile DNA and antimicrobial drug resistance
- Epidemiology
Requisite
Students must have successfully completed BIOL2090 to be enrolled in in this course.
Assumed knowledge
BIOL2090
Assessment items
Quiz: On-line Quiz
Written Assignment: Essay/Written Assessment
Formal Examination: Formal Examination
Tutorial / Laboratory Exercises: Tutorial Exercises
Contact hours
Semester 1 - 2024 - Callaghan
Lectorial-1
- Face to Face On Campus 1 hour(s) per week(s) for 8 week(s) starting in week 1
Lecture-1
- Face to Face On Campus 1 hour(s) per week(s) for 8 week(s) starting in week 1
- Any 8 weeks across the entire semester.
Lecture-2
- Face to Face On Campus 1 hour(s) per week(s) for 8 week(s) starting in week 1
Tutorial-1
- Face to Face On Campus 1 hour(s) per week(s) for 8 week(s) starting in week 1
- Any 8 weeks across the entire semester.
Course outline
- BIOL3100 - Semester 1, 2024 (Callaghan) (PDF, 286.8 KB)
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.