What will I learn on this module?
You will learn about the range of micro-organisms which will include; bacteria, fungi, yeasts, viruses and single-celled organisms that inhabit the earth. You will learn about the importance of bacteria, fungi, yeasts and viruses with respect to biotechnology and the bioinformatic approaches that are used to investigate the diverse habitats they inhabit. You will also learn about the principles of taxonomy and systematics which provide the basis for the classification bacteria, fungi, yeasts, viruses and single-celled organisms into hierarchical groupings.
Underpinning theoretical concepts and principles will be covered in a lecture course that will be informed, illustrated and applied through a strong practical element. You will be trained in basic techniques of bacteriology and virology involving the selective isolation and identification.
How will I learn on this module?
You will learn through lectures, laboratory practical sessions. The lectures will cover the theories and the concepts that will enable you to tackle a series of guided practical sessions that will also be drawn from current research. You will work on these during hands-on sessions in the biological laboratories, which are fully equipped with the latest equipment.
How will I be supported academically on this module?
You will be given lecture materials and directed reading to inform both self-directed learning and in-class activities. Support will include feedback from tutors throughout the taught material, and hands-on practical sessions.
What will I be expected to read on this module?
All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.
What will I be expected to achieve?
Knowledge & Understanding:
1. You will be expected to understand how taxonomic methods were originally developed and how methods have evolved.
2. You will be able to understand the difference between bacteria, fungi, yeasts, viruses and single-celled organisms
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
3. You will be able to use a range of techniques to isolate bacteria, fungi, yeasts and viruses and identify them
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
How will I be assessed?
You will be assessed by online assessment composed of multiple choice questions and short answer questions which will assess your insight in biodiversity of bacteria, fungi, yeasts, viruses and single-celled organisms. On an on-going basis your tutors will give feedback on the exercises and you will record and track your progress through workbooks that accompanies the module (all module learning outcomes assessed).
Pre-requisite(s)
None
Co-requisite(s)
None
Module abstract
‘Introduction to the microbial world’ will focus on the diversity of bacteria, fungi, yeasts, viruses and single-celled organisms, as well as the habitats the bacteria, fungi, yeasts and viruses are found and their interactions within those habitats. We have designed the module so that the theoretical concepts and principles you will learn during the lecture course will then inform the strong practical element, where you will be trained in basic techniques in bacteriology and virology involving the selective isolation
Course info
UCAS Code C100
Credits 20
Level of Study Undergraduate
Mode of Study 3 years Full Time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad
Department Applied Sciences
Location City Campus, Northumbria University
City Newcastle
Start September 2025
All information is accurate at the time of sharing.
Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.
Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.
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