Module: Microbiology & Genetics

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Microbiology & Genetics
Module Code	GCB1007 (ITS: BE202)
Faculty	Biotechnology	School	Science & Health
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

Description

This module aims to impart an appreciation of the diversity, structure and relevance of microbes and the relationships between the field of microbiology and other biological disciplines. It will promote an understanding of the structures of nucleic acids and the biological processes associated with these molecules. It also provides a theoretical background for experimental design and critical thinking in microbiology and microbial genetics.

Learning Outcomes

1. discuss the fundamentals of microbial classification, structure, nutrition, growth and genetics
2. explain the importance of microbes in medicine -epidemiology, anti-microbial agents and mechanisms of pathogenicity
3. describe the classification of viruses, their structures and modes of replication
4. describe the structures of eukaryotic and prokaryotic genes and the processes of transcription and translation

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	24	Blend of recorded and live synchronous lectures
Directed learning	10	Reference to support materials
Independent Study	91	No Description
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	20476	Part of Term	Semester 2
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Linda Holland	Module Teacher	Denise Harold, Konstantinos Gkrintzalis, Paul Cahill, Paula Meleady

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
In Class Test	Closed book in-class test to assess understanding of the module content. It will be made up of MCQ style questions and short answer questions.	20%	n/a
Formal Examination	n/a	80%	End-of-Semester

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

Classification and identification of microorganisms

Microbial structure

Microbial growth and nutrition

Microbial metabolism

Virology

Fungi and yeasts

Medical microbiology and antimicrobial agents

Detailed structure of nucleic acids

Replication of DNA

The genetic code and information flow within the cell

Transcription and translation

Biochemical calculations and experimental design for microbiologists

Indicative Reading List

Books:

Brock T: 0, Brock Biology of Microorganisms, 15th edition or later, Pearson,

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None