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EHS201Health Sciences2 Unitsintermediate

General Microbiology

This course, General Microbiology, is a foundational course for Environmental Health Science students. It explores cell biology and microorganisms, emphasizing their presence in various environments like soil, water, and the atmosphere. Students will learn about the history and scope of microbiology, microbial characteristics, cellular compositions, and structures. The course also covers microbial nutrition, growth, reproduction, control measures, and their roles in food processing, agriculture, and waste treatment, particularly in developing countries like Nigeria.

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150h
Study Time
13
Weeks
12h
Per Week
basic
Math Level
Course Keywords
MicrobiologyMicroorganismsEnvironmental HealthPathogenicitySterilization

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

History of Microbiology

2

Microbial Characteristics

3

Prokaryotic vs. Eukaryotic Cells

4

Microbial Nutrition

5

Microbial Growth and Reproduction

6

Microbial Metabolism

7

Pathogenicity and Virulence

8

Antimicrobial Chemotherapy

9

Clinical Microbiology

10

Food Microbiology

11

Environmental Microbiology

12

Agricultural Microbiology

Total Topics12 topics

Ready to Start

No specific requirements needed

This course is designed to be accessible to all students. You can start immediately without any prior knowledge or specific preparation.

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

Environmental Health Officer

Apply your skills in this growing field

Microbiologist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Food Safety Inspector

Apply your skills in this growing field

Public Health Scientist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Research Scientist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

HealthcareFood IndustryAgricultureEnvironmental ManagementPharmaceuticals

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Course Guide

2h

Course Guide

2 study hours
  • •Read the course guide to understand the course objectives, assessment criteria, and study materials.
  • •Familiarize yourself with the course structure and the importance of General Microbiology in Environmental Health Science.
Week
2

Module 1: Introduction to Microbiology

4h

Unit 1: History and Scope of Microbiology

4 study hours
  • •Read about the history of microbiology and the contributions of key scientists like Anton van Leeuwenhoek and Louis Pasteur.
  • •Understand the scope of microbiology and its relevance to various fields.
Week
3

Module 1: Introduction to Microbiology

4h

Unit 2: General Characteristics of Microorganisms

4 study hours
  • •Study the general characteristics of microorganisms, including their morphology, physiology, and genetic properties.
  • •Learn about microbial taxonomy and the classification of microorganisms.
Week
4

Module 1: Introduction to Microbiology

4h

Unit 3: Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Microorganisms

4 study hours
  • •Compare and contrast prokaryotic and eukaryotic microorganisms, focusing on their cellular structures and functions.
  • •Understand the differences in cell organization, genetic material, and organelles.
Week
5

Module 2: Microbial Nutrition, Growth, Reproduction and Control

4h

Unit 1: Microbial Nutrition

4 study hours
  • •Explore the nutritional requirements of microorganisms, including macroelements, micronutrients, and growth factors.
  • •Understand the different nutritional types of microorganisms based on their carbon and energy sources.
Week
6

Module 2: Microbial Nutrition, Growth, Reproduction and Control

8h

Unit 2: Cell Reproduction and Microbial Growth

4 study hours
  • •Study the processes of cell reproduction and microbial growth, including binary fission and the bacterial cell cycle.
  • •Understand the microbial growth curve and the factors that influence microbial growth.

Unit 3: Control of Microorganisms

4 study hours
  • •Learn about the different methods used to control microorganisms, including physical and chemical agents.
  • •Understand the principles of sterilization, disinfection, and antisepsis.
Week
7

Module 3: Microbial Metabolism

4h

Unit 1: Introduction to Microbial Metabolism

4 study hours
  • •Explore the fundamentals of microbial metabolism, including energy and work, and the laws of thermodynamics.
  • •Understand the role of ATP in energy conservation and transfer.
Week
8

Module 3: Microbial Metabolism

8h

Unit 2: Catabolism

4 study hours
  • •Study the catabolic pathways used by microorganisms to break down organic compounds and release energy.
  • •Understand the processes of aerobic and anaerobic respiration, and fermentation.

Unit 3: Anabolism

4 study hours
  • •Learn about the anabolic pathways used by microorganisms to synthesize complex molecules from simpler precursors.
  • •Understand the principles governing biosynthesis and the role of precursor metabolites.
Week
9

Module 4: Prevention and Control of Microbial Diseases

4h

Unit 1: Pathogenicity of Microorganisms

4 study hours
  • •Explore the pathogenicity of microorganisms, including host-parasite relationships and the pathogenesis of viral and bacterial diseases.
  • •Understand the role of virulence factors and toxins in microbial infections.
Week
10

Module 4: Prevention and Control of Microbial Diseases

4h

Unit 2: Antimicrobial Chemotherapy

4 study hours
  • •Study the principles of antimicrobial chemotherapy and the development of antimicrobial drugs.
  • •Understand the general characteristics of antimicrobial drugs and their mechanisms of action.
Week
11

Module 4: Prevention and Control of Microbial Diseases

4h

Unit 3: Clinical Microbiology

4 study hours
  • •Learn about the methods used in clinical microbiology and immunology to identify microorganisms from clinical specimens.
  • •Understand the principles of microscopy, rapid identification methods, and molecular genetic methods.
Week
12

Module 5: Microbes in The Environment, Agriculture and Industry

4h

Unit 1: Microbiology in Food Processing

4 study hours
  • •Explore the role of microorganisms in food processing, including fermentation, spoilage, and food-borne diseases.
  • •Understand the factors that influence microbial growth in foods and the methods used to control food spoilage.
Week
13

Module 5: Microbes in The Environment, Agriculture and Industry

4h

Unit 2: Environmental Microbiology

4 study hours
  • •Study the role of microorganisms in the environment, including water purification, wastewater treatment, and bioremediation.
  • •Understand the processes of biodegradation and bioremediation by natural communities.

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

Read the complete course material as provided by NOUN.

Access PDF Material

Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Review all module objectives and ensure you can explain each concept clearly.

2

Create detailed notes summarizing key points from each unit, focusing on differences between microbial types.

3

Practice applying control methods to specific scenarios, such as food preservation or water purification.

4

Use diagrams and flowcharts to visualize metabolic pathways and cellular processes.

5

Solve all self-assessment exercises and review TMAs, paying close attention to tutor feedback.

6

Allocate study time proportionally based on the weight of each module in the final examination.

7

Form study groups to discuss complex topics and practice explaining concepts to others.

8

Focus on understanding the mechanisms of action for antimicrobial drugs and their selective toxicity.

9

Review case studies related to food-borne diseases and environmental contamination to apply your knowledge.

10

Create concept maps linking Units 3-5 database concepts

11

Practice SQL queries from Units 7-9 weekly

12

Prioritize understanding of the nitrogen cycle and its impact on soil fertility.

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