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‘Introduction to Microbiology’ will provide you with an introduction to the diversity of microorganisms including viruses, bacteria, archaea, protozoa, algae, fungi and slime moulds. We will discuss the importance of microbes for biomedicine; for the ecology of the planet, and as model organisms for genetics, molecular biology and cell biology. It will be taught through lectures, weekly laboratory exercises and coursework at a level that provides a continuation of material presented in school studies and a base for second year modules in the life sciences.

After completing this module you will be able to:

1. Appreciate the diversity of microorganisms.
2. Describe the characteristics of different groups of microorganisms.
3. Identify and quantify some types of microorganisms.
4. Discuss the uses of microorganisms, their roles in ecosystems and as the causative agents of disease.
5. Employ basic laboratory skills for handling, isolating and identifying microorganisms.
6. Understand "good microbiological practice" and laboratory hazards in microbiology.
7. Understand the basis of microbial genetics and mutation.

Indicative lecture topics (based on 2021/22 schedule)

• Introduction to Microbiology; prokaryotes (bacteria and archaea), eukaryotes
• Growth of microorganisms
• Counting, classifying and killing bacteria.
• Examples of bacterial diversity, extremophiles.
• Microbial Communities
• Bacterial Competition
• Bacterial genetics and horizontal gene transfer
• Bacterial pathogenesis
• Biology and genetics of yeasts: Yeasts as model systems for understanding basic biology, and for biotechnological applications.
• Eukaryotic Microbiology: Biology of algae and protozoa.
• Eukaryotic pathogens
• Virology