ENVS2741 Microbiology of Our Environment

Dr Michael Taylor

2016

4.5

1 x 50-minute tutorial weekly
3 x 180-minute laboratories per semester
1 x 50-minute on-line lecture weekly
3 x 180-minute excursions per semester

1 of ENVH4742, ENVH8007, ENVH8742 has been successfully completed

This topic explores the world of microorganisms including fungi, bacteria, viruses and protozoa and their complex interactions in both an ecological and human environmental context. It focuses on the processes in which microorganisms are involved, including those with human benefits, such as food production, industry and agriculture and waste management, as well as those having a negative impact such as disease organisms found in food and the environment. Strategies for the control or manipulation of microorganisms will be discussed.

The aims for this topic are for students to:

Appreciate and describe the variety of microorganisms found in various environments and to understand their scientific classifications
Demonstrate an understanding of the structure of microorganisms
Demonstrate an understanding of the interactions between microorganisms
Critically examine the roles of various microorganisms in processes such as nutrient cycling, energy production, fermentation and food manufacture and disease
Evaluate industrial applications of technologies using microrganisms, including fuel production, pharmaceuticals and waste management

At the completion of this topic, students are expected to be able to:

Identify the main microbiological processes influencing the environment
Understand how these processes lead to both positive and negative human health outcomes
Generalise global microbiological processes in the environment-society interface
Understand the importance of what coupled microbiological-human systems from local and global perspectives

Key dates and timetable

Timetable details for 2016 are no longer published.

This information is from current details held on the Student Information System. Please report any errors or omissions to the relevant College Office.