BS253-5-AU-CO:
Microbial Diversity and Biotechnology

The details
2024/25
Life Sciences (School of)
Colchester Campus
Autumn
Undergraduate: Level 5
Current
Thursday 03 October 2024
Friday 13 December 2024
15
08 March 2024

 

Requisites for this module
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)

 

(none)

Key module for

BSC C110 Biotechnology,
BSC C111 Biotechnology (Including Foundation Year),
BSC C112 Biotechnology (Including Year Abroad),
BSC C113 Biotechnology (Including Placement Year),
BSC C555 Microbiology,
BSC C556 Microbiology (Including Foundation Year),
BSC C557 Microbiology (Including Year Abroad),
BSC C558 Microbiology (Including Placement Year)

Module description

This module will examine the diversity of microbes, and how they can be applied for the benefit of society and the environment to reach the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, for example by: bioremediation of polluted environments, recycling of waste-water, and the formation of biofuels.


Microbes have been on the earth for at least 3.5 billion years, resulting in vast genetic diversity. They tolerate or require a huge range of physico-chemical extremes and perform a remarkable array of functions.

Module aims

The aims of this module are:



  • To examine the diversity of microbes.

  • To examine how they can be applied for the benefit of society and the environment.

Module learning outcomes

By the end of this module, students will be expected to be able to:



  • Demonstrate that you understand how the physico-chemical environment influences growth and survival of microorganisms.

  • Describe the mechanisms of adaptation to life in extreme environments.

  • Demonstrate an understanding of the taxonomy of microbes and how it relates to their function.

  • Show an understanding of the diverse ways by which microbes obtain energy.

  • Describe the diverse ways in which microbes can be used in environmental, agricultural and industrial processes to: clean up contaminated land, recover metals, produce biofuels and other valuable products.

  • Describe a range of methods used to assess and access microbial diversity.

  • Manipulate microbes, and identify them using molecular biological methods.

  • Read and analyse scientific papers, and understand and manipulate data.

Module information

No additional information available.

Learning and teaching methods

This module will be delivered via:

  • One 1-hour lecture per week.
  • One revision class before the winter exam.
  • Two 3-hour practicals or equivalent.

Bibliography

This module does not appear to have a published bibliography for this year.

Assessment items, weightings and deadlines

Coursework / exam Description Deadline Coursework weighting
Coursework   Worksheet Covering Practical Classes  20/12/2024  100% 
Exam  Main exam: In-Person, Open Book (Restricted), 120 minutes during January 
Exam  Reassessment Main exam: In-Person, Open Book (Restricted), 120 minutes during September (Reassessment Period) 

Exam format definitions

  • Remote, open book: Your exam will take place remotely via an online learning platform. You may refer to any physical or electronic materials during the exam.
  • In-person, open book: Your exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer to any physical materials such as paper study notes or a textbook during the exam. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
  • In-person, open book (restricted): The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer only to specific physical materials such as a named textbook during the exam. Permitted materials will be specified by your department. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
  • In-person, closed book: The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may not refer to any physical materials or electronic devices during the exam. There may be times when a paper dictionary, for example, may be permitted in an otherwise closed book exam. Any exceptions will be specified by your department.

Your department will provide further guidance before your exams.

Overall assessment

Coursework Exam
50% 50%

Reassessment

Coursework Exam
50% 50%
Module supervisor and teaching staff
Prof Corinne Whitby, email: cwhitby@essex.ac.uk.
Prof Corinne Whitby
School Undergraduate Office, email: bsugoffice (Non essex users should add @essex.ac.uk to create the full email address)

 

Availability
Yes
No
No

External examiner

No external examiner information available for this module.
Resources
Available via Moodle
Of 39 hours, 21 (53.8%) hours available to students:
18 hours not recorded due to service coverage or fault;
0 hours not recorded due to opt-out by lecturer(s), module, or event type.

 

Further information
Life Sciences (School of)

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