LONDON METROPOLITAN UNIVERSITY
Module Specification template
Section One: ABOUT THE MODULE
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Module title
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Module code
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Module level and credit rating
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Faculty
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School/Subject Discipline
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Teaching locations
northnorth
Introduction to General Microbiology
BM7105DL
Level 7Level 7
1010
Life SciencesLife Sciences
School of Human SciencesSchool of Human Sciences
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DayDay
7
Teaching period
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Pattern of attendance
Required prior learning
Module description
BM7105DL
Introduction to General Microbiology
This module focuses on the structure and classification of a selected range of microorganisms and their
impact on human society.
Semester: Autumn, Spring, Summer (10 credit)
Required prior Learning:
Assessment: Quizzes (500 words) (30%), reflective learning log (500 words) (30%), coursework (2000
words) (40%)
Module aims
The aims of this module are aligned with the qualification descriptors within the Quality Assurance
Agency’s Framework for Higher Education Qualifications. Study the classification, structure and
function of viruses, bacteria, fungi and protoctista and to understand the diverse nature of
microorganisms, their roles in the environment and their impact on human society, as normal flora and
as agents of disease as well as the exploitation of microorganisms by humans in medicine and
biotechnology. It will also provide students with an in-depth study of microorganisms in health and
disease; enable students to make ethical evaluations of strategies used for microbial disease control
and research and evaluate selected topics within the subject area, and communicate the results in a
cogent and balanced manner. The module will also enable to students to reinforce analytical,
evaluative and communication skills, To research a topical issue in depth and present it at an
appropriate level and reflect on the topics studied and their application in biomedical practice.
Module learning outcomes
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On successful completion of this module students will be able to:
1. Understand that microorganisms comprise a diverse range of organisms that includes sub-viral
particles, viruses, bacteria, fungi, algae, and protoctista Have some understanding of their structural
diversity and classification
2. Be aware of their physiological diversity that is reflected in the broad range of microbial activity in
the environment, in their importance in biotechnology and in health and disease, manipulate and
interpret numerical data relating to microbial cell counts and explain the aetiology of selected microbial
diseases and make ethical evaluations on medical microbiology laboratory practice.
3. Show an understanding of pathogenicity, virulence mechanisms of major groups of microorganisms
and the use of laboratory investigations to corroborate clinical diagnosis and treatment of microbial
diseases, display an appreciation of the relevance of epidemiology in the prediction, control and
identification of disease and show relevance of epidemiology in the recognition and identification of
emerging and re-emerging diseases.
4. Demonstrate an appreciation of trends in the development of novel therapeutic and prophylactic
measures.
5. Understand the processes relating to compliance with health and safety policies, good laboratory
practice, risk and infection control.
Indicative syllabus – for full details see section C in Module Booklet
An introduction to microbiology: historical perspectives. Basic microbiology techniques, including
laboratory cultivation, formulation of growth medium, laboratory-based methods of identification,
safety aspects.
Growth requirements: physical parameters (temperature, pH, redox potential, water activity, gaseous
environment, atmospheric pressure, light), macro- and micro-nutrients, growth factors.
Microbial ecology, diversity of habitats and microbial interactions.
The morphology and reproduction of bacterial, plant and animal viruses, prokaryotic microorganisms
(eubacteria and archaebacteria), eukaryotic microorganisms (fungi, algae and protozoa).
Medical microbiology: the role of microorganisms in health and disease.
Paradigms of microorganism-host interactions in health: concepts and types of symbiosis; mutualism;
commensalism and normal microbiota; variation between hosts; spatial and temporal variation in an
individual host; endogenous sources of infection; opportunists.
Paradigms of microorganism-host interactions in disease: concepts and mechanisms of infection;
pathogenicity and virulence; constitutive and induced host defence mechanisms; microbial
evasion/subversion of host defences; rationale diagnostic procedures and antimicrobial chemotherapy.
Paradigms of microorganism-community interactions: exogenous encounter; major transmission routes
of human pathogens; emerging microbial infections; the role of public health laboratories in disease
control; strategies for control of community, health care associated and hospital acquired infections;
rationale of immunisation programmes.
Paradigms of geographic and travel microbial diseases: syndromes of the returned traveller; infections
of the skin and soft tissue, central nervous system, gastrointestinal tract and systemic infections.
Selected in-depth studies; epidemiology, aetiology and clinical manifestation of infectious diseases;
rationale for laboratory diagnosis. Examples will be selected from indigenous, tropical and emerging
diseases caused by bacteria, parasites and fungi.
Indicative bibliography and key on-line resources – for full details see section D in Module Booklet
Bauman RW. (2009) Microbiology with Diseases by Body System 2nd Ed. Pearson.
Hogg S. (2005) Essential Microbiology. Wiley.
Madigan MT, Martinko JM, Dunlap PV, Clark DP. (2009) Brock Biology of Microorganisms 12th Ed.
Pearson.
Wheelis ML. (2008) Principles of Modern Microbiology. Jones and Bartlett.
Learning and Teaching strategy for the module including approach to blended learning, students’ study
responsibilities and opportunities for reflective learning/pdp
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Information pertaining to the subject matter will be presented through an integrated programme of
lectures and supporting exercises, together with some use of a problem-based learning approach and
the guided use of student-centred learning resources. Lectures will be used to provide a conceptual
framework. Student centred assignments will enable students to reinforce and expand their
knowledge, and develop subject specific skills and competence.
Indicative learning and teaching hours for the module. Learning hours comprise face-to-face and virtual
contact hours plus self-managed and directed learning and time spent on placements (where relevant).
Method
Description and percentage of learning hours
Scheduled learning and teaching activities
Guided independent study
100 (100%)
TOTAL LEARNING HOURS FOR THE
100
MODULE
Assessment strategy
The module will be formatively assessed by in-course online quizzes (30%) and two coursework
components. A reflective learning log (500 words)(30%) and a written assignment (40%; 2000 words).
Criteria for assessment will include an understanding of the subject matter; an ability, both orally and
written, to explain, describe and discuss the work; completeness and conciseness of written reports
and essays with emphasis upon critical ability and scientific rigour. To pass the module students need
to achieve a minimum aggregate mark of 50%.
Component
Learning outcomes
Quizzes
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Reflective learning log
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Written assignment
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Arrangements for formative and summative feedback
Written feedback on the coursework will be given at the end of the module
Description of assessment items
Assessment
Method
Practical
ExamPractical
Exam
CourseworkCour
sework
CourseworkCour
sework
Description of Item
%
weighting
Week
Due
On-line Quizzes (500 words)
30
Reflective learning log (500 words)
30
12
Written assignment (ECA) (2000 words)
40
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Section Two: FACULTY USE
20 Nominated External Examiner
21 Nominated Module Leader at time of approval
22 Courses to which this module contributes and
whether Core or Option
If not pass on aggregate,
explain what is required to
pass the module
William Armour
Section Three: OFFICIAL USE AND CODES – responsibility for completion is as indicated
23 Original date of approval (QEU)
24 Module approved to run from (QEU)
25 Revision date (specify cohort) (QEU)
26 Module specification version number (QEU)
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SITS Mark Scheme (Academic Registry)
Subject Standards Board Name (Academic
Registry)