Module Information

This module is designed to introduce students to the diversity of microbes, their core role in ecosystem function, their diverse mutualistic interactions, as well as their importance to humans (microbes as pathogens etc.). It will teach skills and knowledge to underpin careers in microbiology, and clinical practice.

The lecture course begins with an introduction to the three domains of life and microbial evolution. Applied aspects of microbiology and plant science, which have direct relevance to humans, such as the importance of microbes in disease, biotechnological exploitation of microbes (e.g. pharmaceuticals). The major groups within bacteria, fungi and viruses are described along with their key morphological (cellular ultrastructure), physiological and life history traits. The importance of mutualistic interactions, ranging from the gut microbiome to mycorrhizas are discussed. The module also covers the central role microbes in global biogeochemical cycles, including how these have evolved over the past 4 billion years and how they are disrupted by human activities. The module also considers clinical practice, with practitioners leading sessions focused on case studies. Practical classes illustrate and consolidate aspects of the lecture course. Students will gain key skills in light microscopy and the safe handling of micro-organisms through simple experimental investigations. By the end of the course students will have acquired basic knowledge of experimental design and a range of laboratory methods.