Units

---

Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

Issues relating to microbial populations within the environment are of great interest and relevance to the community, and also to scientists. Building on the foundation of basic microbiology, in this advanced level unit you will gain a strong understanding of the nature of microbial populations in water, air and soil, and their importance to the human population. This unit is issues-based, encouraging a problem solving approach as you investigate/study microbial pollution, bioremediation, biogeochemical cycles and a healthy environment. You will gain knowledge and skills in analysis and interpretation of water, air and soil populations, which will permit you to investigate real-world problems. You will apply Australian standard methods of analysis, as well as innovative and emerging technologies as you investigate these problems.

Aims

The aim of the unit is to apply basic and advanced microbiological knowledge and problem-solving skills to investigate relevant microbial environmental issues.

Objectives

Upon the successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

1. Collect and analyse microbial populations within environmental samples, using Australian standard methods and innovative technological approaches.
2. Understand and apply your knowledge of concepts regarding the influence of microorganisms on the environment.
3. Compare and contrast microbiologically balanced and unbalanced eco-systems and their effects on other life-forms including humans.
4. Understand the tenets of microbial bioremediation.
5. Develop and demonstrate workplace skills including: critical thinking and advanced laboratory skills to research and investigate current issues of environmental concern; working in teams to study environmental problems; time-management skills; and oral and written communications skills to report results in a format that is suitable for reporting of scientific research results or a consultancy report.

Content

The content in this unit will be explored by examining specific ecological niche areas (water, air, soil) and the use of case studies. It includes:

1. Water - Importance of water as a global resource
- Water treatment, Australian standards and testing:
-Potable, Recycled, Grey,
-Recreational, pool and spa, air - conditioner
- Laboratory accreditation- NATA
- Taxonomy
-Microbial pathogens in water
-Nuisance microorganisms in water
- Bioremediation

2. Soil
- As a microbial econiche
- Industrially important microorganisms
- Principles of metagenomics
- Bioremediation of soil
- Biogeochemistry
- Carbon cycle

3. Air
- As a vehicle for microbial pathogens, allergens, mycotoxins
- Regulations for air quality
- Analysis of air quality
- Bioremediation of air

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

The unit will be taught using 13 x 2 hours interactive lectures, 13 x 2.5 hours laboratory sessions, which will consist of both structured components and a major project. Case studies will be used as a stimulus for discussion of content. The emphasis will be on self-directed learning, with lecture material and other sources of information available for student access online. During the course of the unit, you will research a topic of environmental significance and give a short presentation of your findings to the class. The project is designed to foster critical inquiry and intellectual debate, as well as problem solving capabilities and lateral thinking. You will also be encouraged to keep yourselves informed about current developments in issues of public concern relating to environmental microbiology.

Assessment

General Comments:

1. You will be given significant opportunities for formative assessment and feedback. Sample questions for the central theory examination (Assessment 1) will be made available online during the semester after each of the relevant topics have been covered in class. You will be encouraged to submit draft answers to the examination questions for comment by the lecturer prior to the examination period.

The practical examination (Assessment 2) may consist of a series of tests throughout the semester with formative feedback provided throughout. Drafts of the major project (Assessment 3) are required to undergo several iterations of feedback, commentary and revision before final submission.

2. The assessment package outlined below is a sample of the type of package that will be negotiated with each cohort of students. The actual format, weighting and timing of the assessment will be discussed with you in week 1, and fixed by negotiation by week 2 of semester.

Assessment
1. The specific assessment schedule is negotiated with each cohort of students within a fixed set of parameters such as the need for assessment of practical skills, graduate attributes and an assessment of theory, employing a range of appropriate, authentic assessment strategies. A typical assessment schedule is given on the blackboard site.

2. Each schedule will include approximately 50% weighting for each of the practical and theory components.Feedback will be available on your progress.

Assessment name: Student negotiated assessment
Description: Students, in consultation with Supervisory and Academic Staff, will negotiate the process and nature of the assessment they intend to undertake in this unit.
Please refer to the Blackboard site for further information and examples.
Individual or Group participation as appropriate and negotiated for each assessment task.
Relates to objectives: All
Weight: 100%
Internal or external: Both
Group or individual: Group with Individual Component
Due date: End of Semester

Academic Honesty

QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.

A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.

Resource materials

Texts:

1. Madigan MT, Martinko JM & Parker J Brock, Biology of Microorganisms, Most recent edition, Prentice Hall

References:

1. Mitchell R (1992) Environmental Microbiology, Wiley-Liss

Risk assessment statement

This unit includes a laboratory component. In order that you become proficient in necessary practical skills, you will be trained in the handling of equipment, materials and specimens normally associated with this discipline. All students are required to complete an online health and safety quiz prior to entry to the laboratory. A passing score of 9/10 is required and will be checked prior to entry to the first laboratory. You may resit the quiz until this score is achieved.You are referred to the university's health and safety web site http://www.hrd.qut.edu.au/healthsafety/index.jsp for further information.

If you have an underlying health condition you are encouraged to consult the lecturer in charge of the unit, as you may be required to take additional precautions on occasions.

Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

Last modified: 18-Oct-2012