MIC3011 · Molecular microbiology

Overview

This unit concentrates on specific aspects of bacterial molecular biology. Areas examined include the molecular biology of plasmids and genetic elements such as plasmids, transposons, integrons and pathogenicity islands, recombination and DNA repair mechanisms. The ability of bacteria to control gene expression in response to extracellular signals will also be examined, as well as the intracellular transport and secretion of macromolecules, and some aspects of bacterial genomics.

Areas of study: Biochemistry Microbiology

Offerings

Assessment

The Handbook lists an examination for this unit.

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

The Handbook lists no prerequisite, corequisite or prohibition for this unit.

Learning outcomes

1. Compare and contrast different sequencing strategies and analyse bacterial genomic data using bioinformatics;
2. Explain the processes of homologous recombination and site-specific recombination and how bacteria repair damaged DNA;
3. Compare and contrast the different types of mobile genetic elements;
4. Articulate how bacteria respond to changes in their environment by regulating gene expression;
5. Assess and interpret the mechanisms of replication, maintenance and transfer of bacterial plasmids;
6. Explain the molecular mechanisms of transport, assembly and secretion in the bacterial cell;
7. Demonstrate the ability to execute laboratory experiments relevant to advanced molecular microbiology, as well as analyse and report experimental results by formulating a scientific laboratory report and poster presentation.

Workload

A total of 12 hours per week including 6 hours of directed learning (such as lectures, laboratories and workshops) and 6 hours of private study.

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.