BIO130 General Microbiology I

Credits (ECTS):5

Course responsible:Geir Mathiesen

Campus / Online:Taught campus Ås

Teaching language:Norsk

Limits of class size:194

Course frequency:Annually

Nominal workload:

  • Lectures: 24 hours.
  • Laboratory exercises: 20 hours.
  • Preparation for laboratory assignments and journal writing: 15 hours.
  • Individual study: 66 hours.

Teaching and exam period:This course starts in the Autumn parallel. This course has teaching/evaluation in the Autumn parallel.

About this course

The lectures cover the following topics:

  • The microorganisms and you.
  • The prokaryote and eukaryote cell types.
  • Microbial metabolism.
  • Growth of microorganisms.
  • Control of microbial growth.
  • Microscopy (theory/practice )
  • Simple classification of viruses, bacteria and fungi.
  • Antibiotics.
  • The role of microorganisms in nature.

The laboratory course gives a thorough introduction in microbiological techniques. The use of light and phase contrast microscopy. Training in the use of aseptic work technique. Studies of the growth conditions of micro-organisms and how to prevent growth of undesired micro-organisms. Through the exercises, students will learn to interpret experimental data. Laboratory journals in selected exercises must be submitted within the stated deadline for mandatory grading. The course provides an understanding of microbiology to better understand the basic principles of sustainability and climate as defined in the UN Sustainability Development Goals. In particular, that applies to the goals 3, 6, 8, 13, 14, 15.

Learning outcome

Knowledge:

  • The student can give an overview of various microorganisms and their role in nature.
  • The student is familiar with basic microbiological terminology
  • The student can give an overview of what characterizes the prokaryotic cell type
  • The student can give an overview of what affects growth of microorganisms
  • The student understand the mechanisms of action of antibiotics and the processes leading to antibiotic resistance.
  • The student is familiar with the structural components and distinguishing features of viruses.
  • The student has practical knowledge of the growth conditions of micro-organisms and how to prevent the growth of undesired micro-organisms.
  • The student can interpret data generated in the laboratory exercises

Skills:

  • Can make use of aseptic techniques
  • Can use light and phase contrast microscopy in the study of different microorganisms
  • Be able to set up simple experiments for testing a hypothesis.
  • Can make interpretation of experimental data obtained during laboratory exercises
  • Hand in laboratory journal for selected exercises within the deadline
  • The student is able to individually perform the preparations, techniques and analyses employed in the course
  • The student masters the instruments and equipment used in the course

General competence:

The course provides basic competence in theoretical and practical microbiology and a basis for further studies in biology, microbiology, biotechnology and food science.

  • Learning activities
    • Lectures
    • Laboratory exercises
    • Journal writing
    • Individual study
  • Teaching support
    • Supervision is given with the lectures and laboratory work.
    • An oracle lesson is held after the last lab exercise.
    • Power point files will be available on Canvas prior to the lectures.
    • Exercises from the textbook and previous exams will be available on Canvas.
  • Prerequisites
    KJM100 General Chemistry (or equivalent)
  • Recommended prerequisites
    • BIO120 Genetics, or equivalent.
    • BIO100 Cell Biology (may be taken in the same semester), or equivalent.
    • Specialisation in Biology / Chemistry from high school is an advantage.
  • Assessment method

    Overall assessment, A-F: The course includes a mandatory lab with a written lab journal (25%) and a 3-hour digital written exam (75%) during the exam period.

    The portfolio assessment tests skills in interpretation of experimental data in the laboratory journals handed in. The journals are evaluated and graded by an internal examiner. The journals count for 25% of the final grade. The journals have to be handed in within a given deadline. The journals have to be approved to be admitted to the digital exam. An approved lab journal is valid for the following two years.

    Handing in laboratory reports: Late submission of a journal leads to a lower grade. Students must have passed the laboratory journals to be admitted to the exam. If a journal is not approved, the student may submit one improved version for a new assessment. The best possible grade for a second submission is B. Mandatory attendance at all lab exercises.

    The theoretical knowledge will be tested in a 3-hours' written exam (that has to be approved) and counts 75% of the final grade.



    Portfolio Karakterregel: Letter grades Written exam Karakterregel: Letter grades Hjelpemiddel: A1 No calculator, no other aids
  • Examiner scheme

    An internal examiner approves the laboratory journals and the examination questions.

    An external examiner must approve the evaluation arrangements for the course.

  • Mandatory activity
    Compulsory participation in laboratory exercises (take place in week 38 - 42), absence not approved.
  • Teaching hours
    Lectures: 2 hours per week. The lecture period ends with a course summary of the required reading. A compulsory laboratory course is given in two-hour sessions 2 days a week, for 5 weeks.
  • Preferential right
    B-BIOTEK, B-MAT, M-KB, B-BIOL, B-HV
  • Admission requirements
    Special requirements in Science