BIOL 11012

>< Type/Status : Compulsory for biological science students
>< Title : Basic Microbiology (Lecture cum Laboratory)
>< Pre-requisite : G.C.E. (A / L) Biology
>< Objectives : At the end of the course unit students will be able to
• identify the contributions made by the scientists to the development of microbiology,
• demonstrate the understanding of principles of taxonomy and basic physiological characteristics of microorganisms,
• demonstrate the understanding of the basic laboratory methods used in the study of microorganisms,
• demonstrate the understanding of microbiology related to food, soil and wastewater treatment.
>< Course content:

Origin and Scope of Microbiology, Major divisions of the living world. Prokaryotic structure & functions. Diversity of microbial world: General introduction, Bacteria, Fungi, Virus etc.
Basic Microbiological methods: Pure culture techniques, Principles of microbial nutrition, Formulation of culture media, Different types of culture media.

Microbial growth: the definition of growth and growth curve of bacteria; factors affecting the microbial growth; Control of microorganisms; the theory and practice of sterilization and disinfections.
Introduction to Food microbiology, soil microbiology and Water & wastewater microbiology

Practical:
Examination of living Micro-organisms – Wet Mount Techniques, Examination of living Micro-organisms in natural environment, Microscopic examination of bacteria, endospores, capsules Preparation of culture media, Isolation of pure cultures

>< Methodology: Combination of lectures laboratory classes and tutorials
>< Scheme of evaluation: End of course examination.
>< Recommended reading:
1. Atlas, R.M. (1996). Microbiology Fundamentals and applications. Wm. C. Brown Publishers
2. Tortora, G.J., Funke, B.R., Case, C.L (1998) Microbiology. Benjamin Cummings

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