ENVS2741 Zombie Apocalypse: Microbes and Toxins

Adelaide has been invaded by Zombies, and most of the population is now living in hiding in the buildings at Flinders University. It is your responsibility to provide safe drinking water and safe foraged and preserved food. You will learn techniques testing and preservation and biological monitoring. This topic will teach you the basics of environmental microbiology and toxicology, which will allow you to survive if there is a Zombie Apocalypse.

This topic aims to:

• Develop survival techniques for use in the event of a Zombie Apocalypse
• Discover ways to protect public health by drinking water treatment
• Determine the best methods to preserve foods and the microbial and toxicological implications of presentation
• Determine and undertake toxicity testing of foods and water
• Appreciate and describe the variety of microorganisms found in various environments
• Appreciate the methods available to determine toxicity and their limitations

1. Identify the main microbiological processes
2. Understand how these processes lead to both positive and negative human health outcomes
3. Identify the main toxicological processes associated with environmental chemicals
4. Understand the mechanisms by which these processes lead to negative human and environmental outcomes and how these can be monitored