Module: Practical Microbiology & Genetics Laboratory

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Practical Microbiology & Genetics Laboratory
Module Code	GCB1001 (ITS: BE262)
Faculty	Biotechnology	School	Science & Health
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

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	25	Viewing pre-recorded DCU laboratory experiments and engaging in Loop quizzes related to that material
Laboratory	27	Groupwork - conducting laboratory experiments
Independent Study	48	Groupwork - analysis of one's own laboratory data in consultation with partner.
Online activity	25	Laboratory report preparation.
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	20093	Part of Term	Semester 2
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC2	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Jacinta Morrison	Module Teacher	Denise Harold, Jianghui Meng, Linda Holland, Paul Cahill, Paula Meleady

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Loop Quiz	MCQ regarding laboratory Safety and work practice, MCQ regarding microbe identification using microscopy and biochemical tests	10%	n/a
Report(s)	Laboratory reports	40%	n/a
Loop Quiz	MCQ regarding microbial growth & genetics	20%	n/a
Loop Quiz	End of Semester MCQ	30%	n/a

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

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

Indicative Reading List

Books:
None

Articles:
None

Other Resources

Laboratory Manual: School of Biotechnology, Microbiology and Genetics Laboratory Manual,