Module Details

Module Code: BIOL C2705
Module Title: Agricultural Microbiology
Title: Agricultural Microbiology
Module Level:: 6
Credits:: 5
Module Coordinator: Stephen Whelan
Module Author:: Stephen Whelan
Domains:  
Module Description: Formal lectures will be supplemented by laboratory work as individuals and where appropriate, in groups. The lecturer will balance the learning experience to ensure that the learner obtains knowledge through doing as well as through formal lecturers. This will allow them to understand the complex role that algae, bacteria, fungi and protozoa play in agri-food systems. Case studies on the significance of antimicrobial resistance will be presented to the students. Practical learning experiences will focus on factors that affect microbial growth using fungi and bacteria as model microbes. An emphasis will be placed on health and safety in biological studies throughout.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Understand the differences between algae, bacteria, fungi and protozoa at a cellular level
LO2 Demonstrate how the risk of antimicrobial resistance developing in the food chain can be reduced
LO3 Demonstrate how the microbe contributes to ecosystem services
LO4 Understand the optimal conditions that are required for microbial growth
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is recommended before enrolment in this module.
No recommendations listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Additional Requisite Information
No Co Requisites listed
 
Indicative Content
Plant Biology
• Introduction to plant taxonomy; identification of agriculturally important crop and weed species. • Plant cells; structure & function • Physiology of flowering plants: photosynthesis; respiration; reproduction; growth; nutrition; response to environmental stimuli. • Algae; liverworts; mosses; ferns; horsetails; club mosses; and conifers. • Introduction to Agricultural microbiology; agriculturally-important fungi, bacteria and viruses.
Mycology
Cell structure of the fungus, acquisition of nutrients from the environment, factors that affect fungal growth, ecosystem services of fungi, practical uses fungi, fungi as pests of plants and animals
Animal Biology
• Introduction to animal taxonomy • Animal cells; structure and function • Animal physiology; respiration; reproduction; endocrine system; digestion; growth; nutrition; movement. • Introduction to Agricultural entomology; identification of insects, arthropods and other forms of agricultural significance.
Bacteriology
Cell structure of bacteria, acquisition of nutrients form the environment, factors that affect bacterial growth, the role of bacteria in the digestive process of animals, bacteria in food production, antimicrobial resistance in bacterial populations
Protozoa
Cell structure of the protozoa, differences amongst protozoa in their acquisition of energy and other nutrients necessary for growth and development, ecosystem services of protozoa.
Algal biology
Cell structure of algae, acquisition of nutrients form the environment, factors that affect algal growth, algae in the fresh water environment, marine algae, practical uses of algae in agri-food production
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Practical50.00%
End of Module Formal Examination50.00%

Assessments

Full Time

No Continuous Assessment
No Project
Practical
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 50
Timing Every Week Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Students will be expected to produce a two page summary of their lab session summarising the importance of the topic covered, the methodology and outcomes. Sketches of the outcomes will be encouraged where appropriate. The report should be typed with sketches included as figures. It will be handed in a timely manner and general feedback will be given in subsequent lab sessions.
End of Module Formal Examination
Assessment Type Formal Exam % of Total Mark 50
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcomes  
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Terminal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Exam Board
It is at the discretion of the Examination Board as to what the qualifying criteria are.
Reassessment Description
Re-assessment will be based on repeat coursework. This is at the discretion of the exam board contingent on the nature of the failed submission. The student the student may have to complete a number of components of the project or it may be requested to repeat and attend the module.

SETU Carlow Campus reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Workload Category Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Imparting knowledge and ideas and facilitating learners to learn independently. 12 Weeks per Stage 1.50 18
Laboratory Contact Field and laboratory based practical work that backs up lecture based learning activities. 12 Weeks per Stage 1.50 18
Independent Learning Non Contact Completion of laboratory reports. Autonomous student learning and revision of concepts delivered through the lectures 12 Weeks per Stage 3.00 36
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Lisa A. Urry,Michael L. Cain,Steven A. Wasserman,Peter V. Minorsky,Jane B. Reece,Neil A. Campbell. Campbell Biology, Global Edition, [ISBN: 9781292170435].
  • Michael T. Madigan,Thomas D. Brock, 1926-,John M.. Martinko,Kelly S.. Bender. (2015), Brock Biology of Microorganisms, [ISBN: 9781292018317].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Hillis, D.M., Sadava, D, Heller, H.C., Price, M.V.. (2011), Principles of Life, Sinauer Associates Inc.
  • Madigan, M., Martinko, J., Stahl, D., Clark, D.. (2011), Brock, Biology of Microorganisms, 13th. Pearson, [ISBN: 10: 032173551].
  • Colbert E. Cushing,J. David Allan. (2001), Streams, Gulf Professional Publishing, p.366, [ISBN: 0120503409].
  • Horst Feldmann. (2012), Yeast; molecular and cell biology, John Wiley & Sons, p.464, [ISBN: 9783527332526].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
Discussion Note: