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BIO217Sciences3 Unitsintermediate

General Microbiology

This course introduces students to the fundamental principles of microbiology. It covers the composition of the microbial world, historical aspects, relevance, and scope of microbiology. Students will learn about the general characteristics of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, viruses, algae, and protozoa. The course also explores microbial growth, reproduction, control methods, systematic classification, microbial genetics, and biogeochemical cycling of elements.

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40h
Study Time
13
Weeks
3h
Per Week
basic
Math Level
Course Keywords
MicrobiologyMicroorganismsBacteriaFungiViruses

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Intermediate Level
Builds on foundational knowledge
65%
intermediate
➕
Math Level
Basic Math
🔬
Learning Type
Hands-on Practice

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

Microbial World Composition

2

History of Microbiology

3

Microbial Relevance and Scope

4

Microscopy and Specimen Preparation

5

Microbial Characteristics

6

Microbial Growth and Control

7

Microbial Classification

8

Microbial Genetics

9

Biogeochemical Cycling

Total Topics9 topics

Requirements

Knowledge and skills recommended for success

Basic Biology

General Chemistry

💡 Don't have all requirements? Don't worry! Many students successfully complete this course with basic preparation and dedication.

Assessment Methods

How your progress will be evaluated (3 methods)

Self-Assessment Exercises

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Tutor-Marked Assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Final Examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Computer Based Test

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Medical Microbiologist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Research Scientist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Quality Control Analyst

Apply your skills in this growing field

Environmental Microbiologist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Food Microbiologist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

HealthcarePharmaceuticalsFood IndustryEnvironmental ManagementAgriculture

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1: Introduction to Microbiology

2h

Unit 1: Composition of the Microbial World

2 study hours
  • •Define microbiology and its scope.
  • •List the different groups of microorganisms.
  • •Distinguish between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
  • •Explain the distribution of microorganisms into domains.
Week
2

Module 1: Introduction to Microbiology

2h

Unit 2: Historical Aspects of Microbiology

2 study hours
  • •Explain the discovery of microorganisms.
  • •Discuss the concept of spontaneous generation.
  • •Discuss Koch's postulates.
  • •Explain the development of microbiology in this century.
Week
3

Module 1: Introduction to Microbiology

2h

Unit 3: The Relevance and Scope of Microbiology

2 study hours
  • •Define microbiology.
  • •State the two branches of microbiology.
  • •Identify the different areas of study in basic and applied microbiology.
Week
4

Module 1: Introduction to Microbiology

2h

Unit 4: Microscope and Specimen Preparation

2 study hours
  • •Define the term microscope.
  • •State the two categories of microscope.
  • •Describe the bright field microscope.
  • •Explain the resolving power.
  • •Describe methods of preparing and staining specimens.
Week
5

Module 1: Introduction to Microbiology

2h

Unit 5: A Brief Survey of Microbes as Friends and Foes

2 study hours
  • •Explain the different ways in which microorganisms can act as friends to man.
  • •Explain ways in which microorganisms can act as foes to man.
Week
6

Module 2: General Characteristics of Microorganisms

2h

Unit 1: General Characteristics of Bacteria

2 study hours
  • •Describe the general characteristics of basic bacteria.
  • •Identify and name the general shapes and forms of bacteria.
  • •Describe the external and internal structures of bacteria.
Week
7

Module 2: General Characteristics of Microorganisms

2h

Unit 2: General Characteristics of Fungi

2 study hours
  • •Define a fungus.
  • •State the general characteristics of fungi.
  • •Describe the structure of a yeast.
  • •Describe the structure of a mold.
Week
8

Module 2: General Characteristics of Microorganisms

2h

Unit 3: General Characteristics of Viruses

2 study hours
  • •Define the term virus.
  • •State the general characteristics of virus.
  • •Describe the structure of a typical virus particle.
  • •Explain the symmetry of capids.
Week
9

Module 2: General Characteristics of Microorganisms

2h

Unit 4: General Characteristics of Algae

2 study hours
  • •Define the term algae.
  • •State the general characteristics of algae.
  • •Describe the general structure of algae with a typical example.
  • •State the different habitats of algae.
Week
10

Module 2: General Characteristics of Microorganisms

2h

Unit 5: General Characteristics of Protozoa

2 study hours
  • •Define the term, protozoa.
  • •State the general characteristics of protozoa.
  • •State the places where protozoa are found.
  • •Describe some intracellular structures of protozoa.
Week
11

Module 3: Microbial Growth, Reproduction and Control

4h

Unit 1: Microbial Growth

2 study hours
  • •Define the term growth.
  • •Explain the process of a binary fission in a prokaryotic cell.
  • •Draw and explain the microbial growth curve of microorganisms in a batch culture.
  • •Explain the mathematics of growth.

Unit 2: Measurement of Microbial Growth and Factors that Influence Microbial Growth

2 study hours
  • •Describe the methods of measuring total sum number of microorganisms.
  • •Describe the methods of counting viable cells of microorganisms.
  • •Describe the methods of measuring cells mass of microorganisms.
  • •State the advantage and disadvantages of the difference methods of measuring microbial growth.
Week
12

Module 3: Microbial Growth, Reproduction and Control

4h

Unit 3: Physical Methods of Controlling Microbial Growth

2 study hours
  • •Define and explain the term sterilisation.
  • •Explain the use of heat sterilisation to control microbial growth.
  • •Describe the use of various filters to sterilise liquid substances.
  • •Explain the use of radiation for sterilisation.

Unit 4: Chemical Methods of Controlling Microbial Growth

2 study hours
  • •Define the term disinfection.
  • •State the characteristics of an ideal disinfectant.
  • •List different chemicals that can be used as disinfectants.
  • •Explain the use of different chemical as disinfection agents.
Week
13

Module 5: Microbial Genetics and Biogeochemical Cycling of Elements

6h

Unit 1: Mechanisms of Genetic Variation and Hereditary

3 study hours
  • •Define the term genetic variation.
  • •Define mutation.
  • •Explain the processes of genetic recombination.
  • •Explain the mechanisms of genetic variation and hereditary.

Unit 2: Biogeochemical Cycling of Elements

3 study hours
  • •Define biogeochemical cycling.
  • •State the features of biogeochemical cycles.
  • •Describe the carbon cycle.
  • •Describe the sulphur cycle.
  • •Describe the phosphorus cycle.

This study schedule is in beta and may not be accurate. Please use it as a guide and consult the course outline for the most accurate information.

Course PDF Material

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Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Review all module and unit objectives to ensure comprehensive understanding.

2

Create detailed concept maps linking key terms and processes from each module.

3

Practice applying Koch's postulates to different infectious diseases (Unit 2, Module 1).

4

Compare and contrast the characteristics of bacteria, fungi, viruses, algae, and protozoa (Module 2).

5

Understand the different methods of microbial control and their specific applications (Module 3).

6

Focus on understanding the steps involved in the carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur cycles (Module 5).

7

Allocate specific time slots for reviewing each module and completing practice questions.

8

Form a study group to discuss challenging concepts and share notes.

9

Review all Tutor-Marked Assignments (TMAs) and address any areas of weakness.

10

Practice time management during mock exams to simulate exam conditions.

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