ENVR06044 2019 Environmental Microbiological Monitoring
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;
Apply a range of laboratory skills to perform routine analysis using microbiological techniques
Count microorganisms in and on environmental samples using a range of laboratory procedures
Explain the common methods used to control environmental microorganisms
Demonstrate a knowledge of the importance of containment of potentially pathogenic environmental microorganisms
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
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 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 |
Module Resources
Dubey R, Maheshwar D.( 2010). Practical Microbiology. 1st edn. S Chand & Co Ltd. India
Glazer, Alexander N, NikaidÅ 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.
International Journal of Microbiology
Annual review of Microbiology
Nature Microbiology
Microbiome
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
Lecture Notes and Handouts
Practical Manual
Moodle Pages
None