Skip to main content
NounStudy
Back to Course Catalog
ESM236Sciences2 Unitsintermediate

Environmental Microbiology

This course introduces students to the fascinating world of environmental microbiology. It explores the diverse roles of microorganisms in various environments, including air, water, and soil. The course delves into biogeochemical cycles, emphasizing the importance of nutrient recycling. Students will learn about microbial structures, reproduction, and interactions, as well as methods for isolating and controlling microorganisms. The course aims to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of microbial ecology and its impact on environmental health.

Generate AI Study Notes

Transform this course into personalized study materials with AI

208h
Study Time
13
Weeks
16h
Per Week
none
Math Level
Course Keywords
Environmental MicrobiologyBiogeochemical CyclesMicrobial EcologySterilizationDisinfection

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Intermediate Level
Builds on foundational knowledge
65%
intermediate
📚
Math Level
No Math
🔬
Learning Type
Hands-on Practice

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

Microbial Ecology

2

Biogeochemical Cycles

3

Microbial Structures

4

Microbial Reproduction

5

Antigen-Antibody Interactions

6

Sterilization and Disinfection

Total Topics6 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)

Assignments

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 Scientist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Microbiologist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Public Health Officer

Apply your skills in this growing field

Laboratory Technician

Apply your skills in this growing field

Quality Control Analyst

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

HealthcareAgricultureEnvironmental ManagementFood IndustryPharmaceuticals

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1: Environments and Micro-organisms

3h

Unit 1: Environment and Ecology of Micro-organisms

3 study hours
  • •Define the biosphere and its components.
  • •Distinguish between various environments and their characteristics.
  • •Explain the ecology of life and energy flow in ecosystems.
Week
2

Module 1: Environments and Micro-organisms

3h

Unit 2: Biogeochemical Cycles

3 study hours
  • •Describe the types of microorganisms found in air, water, and soil.
  • •Explain the roles of microorganisms in different environments.
  • •Identify methods for determining microorganisms in the air.
Week
3

Module 1: Environments and Micro-organisms

3h

Unit 3: Characteristics of Micro-organisms

3 study hours
  • •Describe the various biogeochemical cycles.
  • •Explain the roles of microorganisms in the biosphere.
  • •Discuss the importance of biogeochemical cycles for plants and animals.
Week
4

Module 1: Environments and Micro-organisms

3h

Unit 4: Isolation of Micro-organisms

3 study hours
  • •Discuss the characteristics of viruses, fungi, bacteria, and algae.
  • •Compare and contrast viruses and microorganisms.
  • •Differentiate between prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
Week
5

Module 2: Structure, Reproduction and Importance of Micro-Organisms

3h

Unit 1: Structure of Micro-organisms: The Fungi

3 study hours
  • •Describe the methods of isolation of microorganisms in pure cultures.
  • •Discuss the advantages of each isolation technique.
  • •Describe methods for maintenance and preservation of pure cultures.
Week
6

Module 2: Structure, Reproduction and Importance of Micro-Organisms

3h

Unit 2: Reproduction in Micro-organisms: The Fungi

3 study hours
  • •Explain the basic structure of fungi.
  • •Distinguish between vegetative and reproductive structures.
  • •Discuss the diversity and complexity of fungal structures.
Week
7

Module 2: Structure, Reproduction and Importance of Micro-Organisms

3h

Unit 3: Importance of Micro-organisms: The Fungi

3 study hours
  • •Explain the processes leading to various types of reproduction in fungi.
  • •Differentiate between asexual and sexual reproduction.
  • •Discuss the types of asexual and sexual reproduction.
Week
8

Module 2: Structure, Reproduction and Importance of Micro-Organisms

3h

Unit 4: Structure and Reproduction: The Bacteria

3 study hours
  • •Discuss the beneficial effects of fungi to man, animals, and plants.
  • •List the harmful effects of fungi to man, animals, and plants.
  • •List the effects on industries, food, and agriculture.
Week
9

Module 2: Structure, Reproduction and Importance of Micro-Organisms

3h

Unit 5: Importance of Micro-organisms: The Bacteria

3 study hours
  • •Explain the typical structure of bacteria.
  • •Describe the different morphological types of bacteria.
  • •Identify extracellular structures.
Week
10

Module 2: Structure, Reproduction and Importance of Micro-Organisms

3h

Unit 6: Structure and Reproduction: The Viruses

3 study hours
  • •Discuss the beneficial effects of bacteria in the environment, industries, medicine, and agriculture.
  • •Discuss the harmful effects of bacteria on plants and human lives.
Week
11

Module 2: Structure, Reproduction and Importance of Micro-Organisms

3h

Unit 7: Importance of Micro-organisms: The Viruses

3 study hours
  • •Describe the nature and structures of viruses.
  • •Explain the various types of viruses.
  • •Describe the various steps in the reproduction (replication) of viruses.
Week
12

Module 2: Structure, Reproduction and Importance of Micro-Organisms

3h

Unit 8: Structure, Reproduction and Importance of Microorganism: The Algae

3 study hours
  • •Explain the importance of viruses to life.
  • •Discuss their impact on human life.
  • •Explain the importance of viruses on plants.
Week
13

Module 3: Interactions and Control of Micro-organisms

6h

Unit 1: Antigens and Antibodies

3 study hours
  • •Describe the characteristics of algae.
  • •Discuss the structures existing among the algae.
  • •List the criteria used in classifying the algae.
  • •Discuss the economic importance of algae.

Unit 3: Disinfection

3 study hours
  • •Define immunity, antigens, antibodies, serology and immunology.
  • •Explain the differences between innate and acquired immunity.
  • •Explain the differences between cell-mediated immunity and humoral immunity.

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

Create detailed concept maps linking microbial structures to their functions (Units 1-2).

2

Practice identifying microorganisms based on their characteristics and staining results (Units 3-5).

3

Review the steps involved in different sterilization and disinfection methods (Units 13).

4

Focus on understanding the key components of the immune system and antigen-antibody interactions (Units 13).

5

Use flashcards to memorize the different types of microorganisms and their roles in various environments (Units 1-12).

Related Courses

Other courses in Sciences that complement your learning

ESM221

Ecotourism

2 Units
BIO218

General Biochemistry Laboratory II

2 Units
BIO216

General Biochemisty II

2 Units
View All Sciences Courses