Module: Practical Microbiology & Genetics Laboratory

Module Specifications..

Current Academic Year 2023 - 2024

Please note that this information is subject to change.

Module Title	Practical Microbiology & Genetics Laboratory
Module Code	BE262
School	School of Biotechnology
Module Co-ordinator	Semester 1: Jacinta Morrison Semester 2: Jacinta Morrison Autumn: Jacinta Morrison
Module Teachers	Paul Cahill Paula Meleady Tom Zurawski Gary Lawrence Jacinta Morrison Jianghui Meng Denise Harold Linda Holland
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5
Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

None

Description

This module aims to develop the student's expertise and understanding of basic microbiological and genetic techniques. It will develop their ability to critically address scientific challenges through laboratory experimentation. It will promote safety awareness, teamwork and critical thinking in the design and execution of experiments

Learning Outcomes

1. Comprehend the importance of standards/controls in biological analysis.
2. Isolate and enumerate bacteria.
3. Identify microbes using microscopic and biochemical tests.
4. Determine, interpret and discuss the growth kinetics of microbes growing in batch culture.
5. Determine, interpret and discuss the effects of antibiotics on bacteria.
6. Demonstrate, interpret and discuss the conjugative transfer of a bacterial plasmid.
7. Determine the titre of a stock of bacteriophage.
8. Act in accordance with safe laboratory practice in terms of conduct, attire, risk minimisation and appropriate waste disposal.
9. Generate concise, objective, properly structured scientific reports.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full-time hours per semester
Online activity	27	Viewing pre-recorded DCU laboratory experiments and engaging in Loop quizzes related to that material
Laboratory	18	Groupwork - conducting laboratory experiments
Independent Study	53	Groupwork - analysis of one's own laboratory data in consultation with partner.
Online activity	27	Laboratory report preparation.
Total Workload: 125

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Microscopic analysis/staining of bacteria

Purification of bacterial cultures

Identification of bacteria using selective/differential media and biochemical tests

Identification of an unknown bacterium

Microbial growth (batch culture)

Antibiotic activity

Plating and titering of bacteriophage

Bacterial conjugation

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	100%	Examination Weight	0%

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Course Work Breakdown
Short Answer Questions	Online questionnaire regarding laboratory Safety and work practice	40%	n/a
Report(s)	Laboratory reports	25%	n/a
Loop Quiz	Loop quiz and short answer exam	25%	n/a
Laboratory Portfolio	In-course practical examination	10%	n/a

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; 1 = A resit is available for all components of the module 2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module 3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
This module is category 2

Indicative Reading List

Other Resources

43927, Laboratory Manual, School of Biotechnology, 0, Microbiology and Genetics Laboratory Manual,

Programme or List of Programmes

AS	BSc in Analytical Science
BP	BSc in Bioprocessing
BT	BSc in Biotechnology
GCB	BSc in Genetics & Cell Biology

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