ENVR06044 2019 Environmental Microbiological Monitoring

General Details

Full Title
Environmental Microbiological Monitoring
Transcript Title
Environmental Microbiological
Code
ENVR06044
Attendance
N/A %
Subject Area
ENVR - Environmental Science
Department
ESCI - Environmental Science
Level
06 - NFQ Level 6
Credit
05 - 05 Credits
Duration
Semester
Fee
Start Term
2019 - Full Academic Year 2019-20
End Term
9999 - The End of Time
Author(s)
Aideen Considine, Ana Vale
Programme Membership
SG_SECOL_B07 202000 Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science with Ecology SG_SENVI_B07 201900 Bachelor of Science in Environmental Protection SG_SENVI_H08 201900 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Environmental Science SG_SECOL_H08 202000 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Environmental Science with Ecology SG_SECOL_C06 202000 Higher Certificate in Science in Environmental Science with Ecology SG_SSCIE_B07 201900 Bachelor of Science in Science SG_SENVI_H08 201900 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Science in Environmental Science SG_SENVI_H08 201900 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Science in Environmental Science SG_SSCIE_H08 201900 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Science SG_SSCIE_C06 201900 Higher Certificate in Science SG_SECOL_B07 202100 Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science with Ecology SG_SECOL_H08 202100 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Environmental Science with Ecology
Description

The aim of this module is to introduce students to a variety of laboratory methods used to assess the microbiological status of environmental samples and to teach them the importance of control  and containment in  environmental microbiology.  

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this module the learner will/should be able to;

1.

 Apply a range of laboratory skills to perform routine analysis using microbiological techniques

2.

Count microorganisms in and on environmental samples using a range of laboratory procedures

3.

Explain the common methods used to control environmental microorganisms

4.

Demonstrate a knowledge of the importance of containment of potentially pathogenic environmental microorganisms

5.

Outline the risks from air borne biohazards and relate the methods for the detection and control of air microflora

Teaching and Learning Strategies

This module will be delivered full-time and will include lecturers and practicals augmented by independent and direct learning. Moodle will be used as a repository of educational resources and as a means of assessment- uploading assignments and assessments

Module Assessment Strategies

This module is 70% continuous assessment and 30% final exam.

To assess the learning outcomes the students will be tested on the theory covered by short question tests and final theory examination.

The laboratory activities will be assessed on an ongoing basis by short question examinations, electronically uploaded laboratory reports and the periodic testing of practical laboratory skills acquired. A minimum attendance of 75% is required at practical sessions.

The student must reach an assigned gate (mark)  in the final exam and achieve 40% overall to pass the subject.

Repeat Assessments

Repeat continuous assessment and/or final exam

Module Dependencies

Prerequisites
None
Co-requisites
None
Incompatibles
None

Indicative Syllabus

Apply a range of laboratory skills to perform routine analysis using microbiological techniques

Students will perform a range of laboratory tests that support module theory content

  • Environmental Monitoring
  • Microbial air analysis
  • Antibiotic Inhibition to the growth of microorganisms
  • Minimal Inhibitory Concentration Test for antimicrobials
  • Effect of water treatment tablets and UV light


Count microorganisms in and on environmental samples using a range of laboratory procedures

Students will perform a range of laboratory tests that support module theory content

  • Haemocytometer Slide
  • Pour Plate/Spread Plate
  • Optical Density
  • Membrane Filtration

Explain the common methods used to control environmental microorganisms

  • Temperature
  •  Desiccation
  • Lyophilization
  • Filtration
  • Osmotic Pressure
  • Radiation
  • Chemical Antimicrobials
  • Antibiotics

Demonstrate a knowledge of the importance of containment of potentially  pathogenic environmental microorganisms

  • MSDS
  • Risk groups
  • Biosafety levels
  • Biohazard signage
  • Laboratory acquired Infections

Outline the risks from air borne biohazards and relate the methods for the detection and control of air microflora

  • Factors affecting air microflora
  • Sources of air contaminants
  • Outdoor and indoor microorganisms
  • Major diseases transmitted through air
  • Evaluation of air quality
  • Standards and limits for air quality
  • Controlling air biohazards


     

 


 

Coursework & Assessment Breakdown

Coursework & Continuous Assessment
70 %
End of Semester / Year Formal Exam
30 %

Coursework Assessment

Title Type Form Percent Week Learning Outcomes Assessed
1 Short Answer Questions Theory Coursework Assessment Closed Book Exam 10 % Week 8 2,3
2 Short Answer Questions Theory Coursework Assessment Closed Book Exam 10 % Week 13 4,5
3 Written Report Laboratory Coursework Assessment Written Report/Essay 10 % Week 2 1,2
4 Short Answer Questions Laboratory Coursework Assessment Closed Book Exam 10 % Week 6 1,2
5 Short Answer Questions Laboratory Coursework Assessment Closed Book Exam 10 % Week 11 1
6 Laboratory Book Coursework Assessment Written Report/Essay 20 % OnGoing 1,2

End of Semester / Year Assessment

Title Type Form Percent Week Learning Outcomes Assessed
1 Final Exam Theory Final Exam Closed Book Exam 30 % End of Term 2,3,4,5
             
             

Full Time Mode Workload


Type Location Description Hours Frequency Avg Workload
Lecture Lecture Theatre Lecture 2 Weekly 2.00
Practical / Laboratory Science Laboratory Laboratory 2 Weekly 2.00
Independent Learning UNKNOWN Self Study 3 Weekly 3.00
Total Full Time Average Weekly Learner Contact Time 4.00 Hours

Module Resources

Non ISBN Literary Resources

Dubey R, Maheshwar D.( 2010). Practical Microbiology. 1st edn. S Chand & Co Ltd. India 

Glazer, Alexander N, Nikaidō H. (2007). Microbial Biotechnology. 2nd edn. Cambridge University Press.Cambridge, England

Hofkin B, (2010). Living in a microbial world. 1st edn. Garland Science Publishers.New York, USA.

Madigan M, Martinko J, Stahl D, Clark D,( 2011).  Brock Biology of Microorganisms. 13th edn. Benjamin Cummings Publishers. San Francisco, USA

Maier R, Pepper I, Gerba C, 2008. Environmentsal Microbiology. 2nd edn. Academic Press Publishers. Cambridge, Massachusetts.

 Martin A, Moss M, McClure P. (2015).Food Microbiology.4th edn. Royal Society of Chemistry. England

Prabakaran G. (2010). Introduction to soil and agricultural microbiology. Himalaya Pub. House. India

Prescott L, Harley J, Klein D, (2004).  Microbiology. 6th edn. McGraw-Hill Higher Education.New York, USA

Slonczewski J,  Foster J, (2017). Microbiology: An Evolving Science.4thedn. W. W. Norton & Company. New York. USA.

Strelkauskas A,  StrelkauskasJ, Moszyk- Strelkauskas D, 2009. Microbiology: A Clinical Approach. 1st edn. Garland Science. USA.

Tortora G, Berdell R, Case C, Weber D, Warner B. (2018). Microbiology an Introduction. 13th edn. Pearson. New York, USA.

Whellis M, (2007). Principles of Modern Microbiology. 1st edn. Jones and Bartlett.Boston. USA.

Willey J, Sherwood L, Woolverton C, (2013). Prescott's Microbiology. 9th edn. McGraw-Hill Science. San Diego.USA.

Journal Resources

International Journal of Microbiology

Annual review of Microbiology

Nature Microbiology

Microbiome

URL Resources

https://microbiologyonline.org/

https://www.asm.org/

https://www.asm.org/podcasts

www.cdc.gov

http://www.learner.org/resources/series121.html

www.epa.ie

https://www.nature.com/subjects/environmental-microbiology

www.microbe.net/resources/microbiology-web-resources/

onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/14622920

https://microbiology.usgs.gov/

https://microbiologysociety.org/publication/past-issues/soil.html

https://www.nature.com/subjects/soil-microbiology

https://microbiologyonline.org/

https://www.nature.com/subjects/food-microbiology

https://www.nature.com/subjects/soil-microbiology

https://microbiologysociety.org/publication/past-issues/soil.html

Other Resources

Lecture Notes and Handouts 

Practical Manual

Moodle Pages

Additional Information

None