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This course builds on BIOL213 and explores microbial ecology, advanced food and agricultural microbiology, disease and pathogenesis. The course emphasises bacteria and fungi, with other microbes also considered. Both fundamental and applied microbiology will be covered. The practical component of the course consists of isolating and characterising novel microbial strains, using both molecular and traditional approaches.
The general aim of the course is to advance your microbiological knowledge by covering the key principles of:• Current methods used in microbiology (traditional and molecular)• Microbial ecology• Environmental microbiology• Culture selection and food microbiology• Agriculture (water, soil and gut)• Pathogenesis/symbiosis• Biogeochemical processes and life at the extremesThe laboratory-based component of the course consists of student-led, research project. Who is this course intended for?BIOL313 is targeted at students with an interest in microbiology, microbial ecology, biodiversity, and biotechnology using microorganisms. Students will explore advanced microbiological concepts and will undertake a laboratory programme designed build applied and fundamental microbiological research skills. The course is also designed to build research and employment skills, in particular, skills needed for the critical analyses of literature and data, and microbiology research experimental design.
As a student in this course I will:Demonstrate an understanding of the techniques used in modern and traditional microbiology and their advantages and disadvantages (Graduate profiles: GP1, GP2; Assessment task: Mid-term tests and Final exam).Master microbiological techniques. The laboratory component will give you time to hone your experimental skills and to learn the tools of the trade including aseptic technique, media preparation, independent planning of experiments, laboratory mathematics, as well as documentation and evaluation of results (Graduate profiles: GP1, GP2; Assessment task: Laboratory report). Apply general microbiology knowledge to interpretation and understanding ecological processes in industrial, food, and environmental microbiology (Graduate profiles: GP1, GP2, GP5, K7; Assessment task: Mid-term tests and Final exam)Design and critically evaluate experiments to enrich and isolate microorganisms, and determine growth, physiology and test chemotaxonomic traits (Graduate profiles: Mastering their chosen discipline; Assessment task: Laboratory report).Understand, interpret and evaluate experimental data and communicate scientific findings in a written form (Graduate profiles: GP1; Assessment task: Laboratory report).Demonstrate an awareness of issues linked with data sovereignty and the implications of using indigenous microorganisms for research or applications to Maori (Graduate profiles: K7; GP5; Assessment task: Mid-term tests and Final exam)Pūkenga Ngaio | Transferable Skills As a student in this course, I will develop the following skills:Scientific reading, writing and presentation: In most scientific jobs you will be required to read and understand scientific literature. Clear written and oral communication is essential for any professional career (Graduate profiles: GP1, GP2; Assessment task: Laboratory report)Experimental design, microbiology experimental skills, numeracy and data analysis: Important in any research focused jobs (Graduate profiles: GP1, GP2; Assessment task: Laboratory report)
Mr. Rudolf Schlechter
Madigan, Michael T. et al;
Brock biology of microorganisms
Willey, Joanne M. , Sherwood, Linda, Woolverton, Christopher J;
Domestic fee $910.00
International fee $4,438.00
* All fees are inclusive of NZ GST or any equivalent overseas tax, and do not include any programme level discount or additional course-related expenses.
For further information see
School of Biological Sciences