Key words
Microbiology, micro-organisms
Objectives
In the course microbiology, the students are introduced into the microbial world. They acquire knowledge and insight into the structure, morphology, taxonomy, growth, metabolism and application of bacteria, yeast, fungi and viruses. They learn the correct execution of microbiological techniques. The course is geared towards the fields of industrial, food and environmental microbiology.
Topics
The largest subject entails de bacteria, including their cell structure, morphology, taxonomy, conditions for growth, growth kinetics, metabolism, and their part in de carbon, nitrogen en sulphur cycles. Yeasts and fungi are discussed in terms of their cell structure and morphology (specifically in contrast to the bacteria), taxonomy and life cycles. The viruses are being discussed similarly in terms of particle morphology, grouping according to their genetic material and corresponding infectious propagation cycles inside cells. In between the general theory, relevant practical applications in industrial, food and environmental microbiology are touched upon. Also, physical, chemical and biological sanitation techniques are discussed.
In the exercises, microscopic and biochemical identification techniques for bacteria, yeasts and fungi are carried out and implemented, where special attention is given for their isolation and enumeration. Microbiological techniques are applied in the quality survey of air, water, drinking water and food. This section is meant as a preparation for the courses industrial microbiology, food microbiology and environmental biotechnology.
Prerequisites
Competences chemistry and biology acquired in the first and second year Bachelor in Industrial Sciences in Chemistry.
Final Objectives
Core Competence 1
Being able to acquire basic microbiological knowledge and skills. (SC1)
Amongst others:
-Being able to communicate information, ideas, problems and solutions, scientific as well as technical, to layman as well as to specialists (AC4).
-Being able to apply research methods and techniques adequately in a context of uncertainty (AWC1).
Core Competence 2
Being able to conduct elementary microbiological analyses (SC3).
Amongst others:
- Being able to adequately discuss and solve problems in a group setting (AC5).
- Being able to act with consideration for the environment, safety and health. (AC6)
- Being able to act responsibly in laboratories in terms of the environment, safety and health. (SC7)
General Competence 1
Being able to continually think and reason in a critical, creative and scientific fashion (AC1).
General Competence 2
Being able to, personally or in a group setting, apply scientific insights to scientific or engineering problems (AIC1).
Materials used
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Teacher’s course, background information, scientific and technical literature.
Study costs
10 EURO
Study guidance
Possibility to consult the teacher after the lecture/exercise or by appointment.
Teaching Methods
Lectures, guided lab exercises, demonstrations.
Assessment
Theory (oral/written examination): 57%
Exercises (permanent evaluation and report evaluation): 43%
A weighted average is used to compute the final score for a training item.
However, if a student gains a score of 7 or less on 20 on one of the different courses (parts of training items), he proves that his skill for certain sub-competences is insufficient. Consequently, one can turn from the arithmetical calculation of the final assignment of quotas of a training item and the new marks can be awarded on consensus.
Lecturer(s)
Leen De Gelder, Leo Nollet
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