| Module Identifier | BS24810 | |||||||||||||||||
| Module Title | AQUATIC & TERRESTRIAL MICROBIAL ECOLOGY | |||||||||||||||||
| Academic Year | 2005/2006 | |||||||||||||||||
| Co-ordinator | Dr Gareth W Griffith | |||||||||||||||||
| Semester | Semester 2 | |||||||||||||||||
| Other staff | Dr Alexandre M Anesio | |||||||||||||||||
| Pre-Requisite | BS11110 | |||||||||||||||||
| Course delivery | Seminars / Tutorials | 2 x 3 hour seminars | ||||||||||||||||
| Lecture | ||||||||||||||||||
| Practical | 2 x 3 hour workshops | |||||||||||||||||
| Assessment |
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Due to staff changes (retirement and new appointments) BS23420 is no longer viable and this module takes the microbiological content of BS23420 together with expertise in aquatic microbiology of a recently appointed member of staff to create a module which will prove popular to a wider cross-section of students. A similar module entitled Microbial Ecology did run in IBS up to 1999 and attracted 60-90 students per year. Availability of this module will strengthen the Microbiology and Environmental Biology degree schemes
Via a series of lectures and workshops the module will develop a knowledge and understanding of the role played by microorganisms (fungi, bacteria, viruses, algae) in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, focusing on their importance in biogeochemical cycling as well as the methodologies used to study these organisms.
Lectures
To include coverage of methods in microbial ecology (traditional/molecular), biochemical and genetic diversity within Bacteria/Archaea, role of fungi in lignocellulose degradation, dynamics of bacteria/virus interactions in lakes/streams, role of fungi in processing of debris in streams, deep ocean black smokers, primary productivity in pelagic habitats, interactions between microbes and animals, interactions (fungus farming/ oral microbiology/rumen ecosystem), between microbes and plants (mycorrhizas/nitrogen fixers).
Seminars
To include student presentation of seminars of specific areas of microbial ecology (this will allow the participants a degree of specialization according to their degree scheme).
Workshops
To include the presentation of group posters prepared on specific case studies in microbial ecology.
| Problem_solving | Practical classes, seminars and poster preparation will provide opportunities to develop problem solving skills. | ||
| Research skills | Practical work, seminars and poster preparation using library and www resources. | ||
| Communication | Attendance at lectures and preparation and presentation of seminars and posters will provide opportunities to develop presentational (oral and written) and listening skills. | ||
| Improving own Learning and Performance | Attendance at lectures, seminars and workshops, working to deadlines for seminars and workshops, and preparation for examinations will require the development of self management strategies and personal action plans. | ||
| Team work | Production and presentation of group posters. Practical sessions. | ||
| Information Technology | IT skills developed in seminar and poster presentation via o library and www resources to source information o use of PowerPoint o poster preparation. | ||
| Application of Number | Not relevant. | ||
| Personal Development and Career planning | Awareness of personal and career development skills will be developed through the coursework, e.g. teamwork for posters. | ||
This module is at CQFW Level 5