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PHS217Health Sciences3 Unitsintermediate

General Microbiology

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

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200h
Study Time
13
Weeks
15h
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

2

Microbial Growth

3

Microbial Control

4

Systematic Classification

5

Microbial Genetics

6

Biogeochemical Cycling

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)

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 Laboratory Scientist

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

Pharmaceutical Microbiologist

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

HealthcareEnvironmental ScienceFood IndustryPharmaceuticalsResearch

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1: Introduction to Microbiology

8h

Unit 1: Composition of the Microbial World

4 study hours
  • Define microbiology
  • List groups of microorganisms
  • Distinguish prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells
  • Explain microorganism domains
  • State virus characteristics

Unit 2: Historical Aspects of Microbiology

4 study hours
  • Explain microorganism discovery
  • Discuss spontaneous generation
  • Describe Koch's postulates
  • State microbial effects on organic matter
  • Explain molecular biology era
Week
2

Module 2: General Characteristics of Microorganisms

8h

Unit 3: The Relevance and Scope of Microbiology

4 study hours
  • Define microbiology
  • State branches of microbiology
  • Differentiate basic and applied microbiology areas

Unit 1: Microscopy and Specimen Preparation

4 study hours
  • Define microscope
  • State microscope categories
  • Describe bright field microscope
  • Explain resolving power
  • Describe specimen preparation
Week
3

Module 2: General Characteristics of Microorganisms

5h

Unit 2: A Brief Survey of Microbes as Friends and Foes

5 study hours
  • Explain microorganisms as friends
  • Explain microorganisms as foes
Week
4

Module 2: General Characteristics of Microorganisms

5h

Unit 3: General Characteristics of Bacteria

5 study hours
  • Describe basic bacteria characteristics
  • Identify bacterial shapes
  • Describe external and internal bacterial structures
  • Explain cell wall significance
  • Explain nutrition modes
Week
5

Module 2: General Characteristics of Microorganisms

5h

Unit 4: General Characteristics of Fungi

5 study hours
  • Define a fungus
  • State fungi characteristics
  • Describe yeast structure
  • Analyze mold structure
  • Explain fungi nutrition
  • Distinguish asexual and sexual reproduction
Week
6

Module 3: General Characteristics of Microorganisms Contd.

5h

Unit 1: General Characteristics of Viruses

5 study hours
  • State virus characteristics
  • Describe virus structure
  • Explain capsid symmetry
  • Explain viral replication
  • State virus cultivation methods
  • State virus purification methods
Week
7

Module 3: General Characteristics of Microorganisms Contd.

5h

Unit 2: General Characteristics of Algae

5 study hours
  • State algae characteristics
  • Describe algae structure
  • State algae habitats
  • Explain algae reproduction methods
  • State algae economic importance
Week
8

Module 3: General Characteristics of Microorganisms Contd.

5h

Unit 3: General Characteristics of Protozoa

5 study hours
  • State protozoa characteristics
  • State protozoa habitats
  • Describe protozoa intracellular structures
Week
9

Module 4: Microbial Growth, Reproduction and Control

5h

Unit 1: Microbial Growth

5 study hours
  • Define growth
  • Explain binary fission
  • Draw and explain microbial growth curve
  • Explain mathematics of growth
  • Describe continuous culture
Week
10

Module 4: Microbial Growth, Reproduction and Control

5h

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

5 study hours
  • Describe total cell measurement methods
  • Describe viable cell counting methods
  • Describe cell mass measurement methods
  • Explain environmental factors affecting growth
Week
11

Module 4: Microbial Growth, Reproduction and Control

5h

Unit 3: Physical Methods of Controlling Microbial growth

5 study hours
  • Define sterilisation
  • Explain heat sterilisation
  • Describe filter sterilisation
  • Explain radiation sterilisation
Week
12

Module 4: Microbial Growth, Reproduction and Control

5h

Unit 4: Chemical Methods of Controlling Microbial growth

5 study hours
  • Define disinfection
  • State disinfectant characteristics
  • List disinfectant chemicals
  • Explain chemical disinfectant uses
Week
13

Final Revision

5h

Final Revision

5 study hours
  • Review all modules and units
  • Complete assignments
  • Prepare for final examination

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.

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Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Create concept maps linking Modules 2-3 microbial characteristics

2

Practice identifying microorganisms using staining techniques from Unit 2.1

3

Review Koch's postulates and their application from Unit 1.2

4

Summarize key points of each biogeochemical cycle (Units 6.3)

5

Practice solving numerical problems related to microbial growth (Unit 4.1)

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