General Microbiology

1. Understand the fundamental principles of microbiology and its relevance to environmental health.
2. Identify and classify microorganisms based on their characteristics and cellular structures.
3. Explain the processes of microbial nutrition, growth, reproduction, and metabolism.
4. Describe the mechanisms of pathogenicity and virulence in microbial infections.
5. Apply methods for the prevention and control of microbial diseases.
6. Evaluate the role of microorganisms in food processing, environmental management, and agriculture.

13 weeks, about 58 hours in total. Yours will differ.

1. Week 1Course Guide

   • Course Guide · 2 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..

2. Week 2Module 1: Introduction to Microbiology

   • Unit 1: History and Scope of Microbiology · 4 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..

3. Week 3Module 1: Introduction to Microbiology

   • Unit 2: General Characteristics of Microorganisms · 4 hours

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

4. Week 4Module 1: Introduction to Microbiology

   • Unit 3: Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Microorganisms · 4 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..

5. Week 5Module 2: Microbial Nutrition, Growth, Reproduction and Control

   • Unit 1: Microbial Nutrition · 4 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..

6. Week 6Module 2: Microbial Nutrition, Growth, Reproduction and Control

   • Unit 2: Cell Reproduction and Microbial Growth · 4 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 hours

     Learn about the different methods used to control microorganisms, including physical and chemical agents.. Understand the principles of sterilization, disinfection, and antisepsis..

7. Week 7Module 3: Microbial Metabolism

   • Unit 1: Introduction to Microbial Metabolism · 4 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..

8. Week 8Module 3: Microbial Metabolism

   • Unit 2: Catabolism · 4 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 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..

9. Week 9Module 4: Prevention and Control of Microbial Diseases

   • Unit 1: Pathogenicity of Microorganisms · 4 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..

10. Week 10Module 4: Prevention and Control of Microbial Diseases

    • Unit 2: Antimicrobial Chemotherapy · 4 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..

11. Week 11Module 4: Prevention and Control of Microbial Diseases

    • Unit 3: Clinical Microbiology · 4 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..

12. Week 12Module 5: Microbes in The Environment, Agriculture and Industry

    • Unit 1: Microbiology in Food Processing · 4 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..

13. Week 13Module 5: Microbes in The Environment, Agriculture and Industry

    • Unit 2: Environmental Microbiology · 4 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..