BS253-5-AU-CO:
Microbial Diversity and Biotechnology
2023/24
Life Sciences (School of)
Colchester Campus
Autumn
Undergraduate: Level 5
Current
Thursday 05 October 2023
Friday 15 December 2023
15
08 March 2024
Requisites for this module
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)
BSC C110 Biotechnology,
BSC C111 Biotechnology (Including Foundation Year),
BSC C112 Biotechnology (Including Year Abroad),
BSC C113 Biotechnology (Including Placement Year),
BSC C555 Microbiology,
BSC C556 Microbiology (Including Foundation Year),
BSC C557 Microbiology (Including Year Abroad),
BSC C558 Microbiology (Including Placement Year),
MSCIC559 Microbiology and Biotechnology
This module will examine the diversity of microbes, and how they can be applied for the benefit of society and the environment to reach the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, for example by: bioremediation of polluted environments, recycling of waste-water, and the formation of biofuels.
Microbes have been on the earth for at least 3.5 billion years, resulting in vast genetic diversity. They tolerate or require a huge range of physico-chemical extremes and perform a remarkable array of functions.
The aims of this module are:
- To examine the diversity of microbes.
- To examine how they can be applied for the benefit of society and the environment.
By the end of this module, students will be expected to be able to:
- Demonstrate that you understand how the physico-chemical environment influences growth and survival of microorganisms.
- Describe the mechanisms of adaptation to life in extreme environments.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the taxonomy of microbes and how it relates to their function.
- Show an understanding of the diverse ways by which microbes obtain energy.
- Describe the diverse ways in which microbes can be used in environmental, agricultural and industrial processes to: clean up contaminated land, recover metals, produce biofuels and other valuable products.
- Describe a range of methods used to assess and access microbial diversity.
- Manipulate microbes, and identify them using molecular biological methods.
- Read and analyse scientific papers, and understand and manipulate data.
No additional information available.
This module will be delivered via:
- One 1-hour lecture per week.
- One revision class before the winter exam.
- Two 3-hour practicals or equivalent.
The above list is indicative of the essential reading for the course.
The library makes provision for all reading list items, with digital provision where possible, and these resources are shared between students.
Further reading can be obtained from this module's
reading list.
Assessment items, weightings and deadlines
| Coursework / exam |
Description |
Deadline |
Coursework weighting |
| Coursework |
Worksheet Covering Practical Classes |
|
100% |
| Exam |
Main exam: In-Person, Open Book (Restricted), 120 minutes during January
|
| Exam |
Reassessment Main exam: In-Person, Open Book (Restricted), 120 minutes during September (Reassessment Period)
|
Exam format definitions
- Remote, open book: Your exam will take place remotely via an online learning platform. You may refer to any physical or electronic materials during the exam.
- In-person, open book: Your exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer to any physical materials such as paper study notes or a textbook during the exam. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
- In-person, open book (restricted): The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer only to specific physical materials such as a named textbook during the exam. Permitted materials will be specified by your department. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
- In-person, closed book: The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may not refer to any physical materials or electronic devices during the exam. There may be times when a paper dictionary,
for example, may be permitted in an otherwise closed book exam. Any exceptions will be specified by your department.
Your department will provide further guidance before your exams.
Overall assessment
Reassessment
Module supervisor and teaching staff
Prof Corinne Whitby, email: cwhitby@essex.ac.uk.
Prof Corinne Whitby
School Undergraduate Office, email: bsugoffice (Non essex users should add @essex.ac.uk to create the full email address)
Yes
No
No
Prof Edgar Turner
University of Cambridge
Professor of Insect Ecology
Available via Moodle
Of 40 hours, 22 (55%) hours available to students:
18 hours not recorded due to service coverage or fault;
0 hours not recorded due to opt-out by lecturer(s), module, or event type.
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The University will endeavour to keep such changes to a minimum, and will also keep students informed appropriately by updating our programme specifications and module directory.
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