CEG8604 : Introduction to Microbiology and Microbial Transformation of Pollutants
- Offered for Year: 2022/23
- Module Leader(s): Professor Ian Head
- Owning School: Natural and Environmental Sciences
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 10 |
| ECTS Credits: | 5.0 |
Aims
The aims of this unit are to -
Introduce microorganisms and their study,
Introduce microbial processes of environmental and geochemical significance and
Provide detailed information on the most up to date methods for the study of microbial communities.
The module includes a basic introduction to microbiology and microorganisms and explores their role in shaping the geochemistry of the earth.
A survey of modern microorganisms and their activities of environmental and geochemical importance is an important foundation for the module as is the way that metabolic processes catalyzed by microorganisms are related to major elemental cycles, biogeochemical processes and contamination. The most up to date molecular methods used to study the diversity and activity of microorganisms in their natural habitats are detailed along with their benefits and limitations. The course is examined by unseen examination and a data analysis assessment.
Outline Of Syllabus
Classification of microorganisms
Microorganisms in nature
Microbial processes of environmental significance
Metabolic diversity of microorganisms
Methods to study microorganisms
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 22 | 1:00 | 22:00 | Online - information provided on Canvas |
| Structured Guided Learning | Lecture materials | 20 | 1:00 | 20:00 | Delivered as a combination of narrated presentations and PiP discussion and consolidation sessions |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Workshops | 1 | 7:00 | 7:00 | PiP - information provided on Canvas |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 49 | 1:00 | 49:00 | N/A |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Module talk | 1 | 1:00 | 1:00 | Synch Online - infor. provided on Canvas plus discussion of issues that might like to be considered |
| Guided Independent Study | Online Discussion | 1 | 1:00 | 1:00 | Discussion and interaction between the narrated presentations. PiP |
| Total | 100:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
Students will be taught through lectures where they will acquire an understanding of the evolutionary and metabolic diversity of the microbial world and how it relates to biogeochemical processes including microbial degradation of contaminants. They will also gain detailed knowledge of how biological processes and microorganisms are measured and characterized in the environment They will demonstrate that they can analyse, evaluate and synthesize a body of information and data, and present the synthesis in a coherent form and conduct quantitative thermodynamic calculations.
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Report | 1 | M | 40 | 15min presentation (25 marks) (10 Min Presentation, 5 Min Q&A & Discussion); and worked calculations submission (15 marks) |
| Written exercise | 1 | M | 60 | 90 minute MCQ Exam on CANVAS, which will be available to do over a 24 hour set period (60 marks) |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
Students will be assessed by written exercise (unseen MCQs) to test their knowledge and understanding of the evolutionary and metabolic diversity of the microbial world and how it relates to biogeochemical processes including microbial degradation of contaminants and approaches used to measure biological processes and microorganisms in the environment. The module is designed to provide a broad background to microbiology in the context of vital environmental processes. It is especially aimed at providing a broad knowledge base to students whose background is not in microbiology. An MCQ exam is an effective way to assess the range of knowledge that has been acquired. The ability to analyse an extensive body of information and quantitative skills will be tested through the coursework component of the course where they will prepare a presentation on the results of research on a on a specific microbiological topic relevant to one of the UN Sustainable Development Goals and complete a practical problem involving thermodynamic calculations. This will provide them the opportunity to demonstrate their ability to work with several information sources to help answer specific scientific questions.
An alternative assessment will be set for any Semester 1 Study Abroad student taking this module, who will not be in Newcastle during the January assessment period.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- CEG8604's Timetable