Rapid methods in Microbiology
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| BIOS3093 | Biosciences | 3 | 10 | Spring UK |
- Code
- BIOS3093
- School
- Biosciences
- Level
- 3
- Credits
- 10
- Semesters
- Spring UK
Summary
The use of culture-based methods as a standard for determining bacterial contamination of foods will be evaluated. Alternative rapid methods used in industry and medical diagnostics will be described in detail. These will include antibody based and ELISA systems, molecular methods that include the use of DNA probes, RNA probes, PCR, LAMP, NASBA, and phage based assays, and recently emerged methods which include Next Generation sequencing, and MALDI-TOF. A particular emphasis will be placed on the problems of technology transfer into industry.
Practicals will compare methods for isolating and identifying microorganisms using both standard and newer methods and will evaluate the limitations of these procedures.
Target Students
Only available for Microbiology and Food Science students.
Classes
- Two 1-hour tutorials each week for 2 weeks
- One 1-hour tutorial
- Two 1-hour seminars each week for 2 weeks
- One 2-hour practicum each week for 6 weeks
- Three 1-hour lectures each week for 3 weeks
- Two 1-hour lectures each week for 4 weeks
- Three 1-hour lectures each week for 3 weeks
Assessment
- 50% Coursework 1: Technical report under 2,000 word
- 50% Exam 1 (2-hour): Open book online assessment.
Assessed by end of spring semester
Educational Aims
To provide an understanding of the methods which can be used to isolate and/or identify bacteria from food, environmental and medical samples. Students will also develop a knowledge of where new methods can replace traditional techniques of microbial detection and enumeration.Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
1) Comprehend the terminology, nomenclature and fundamental principles used in rapid microbiological methods.
2) Apply fundamental principles to understand the advantages and limitations of traditional and modern detection and identification methods.
3) Analyse where novel advances in rapid microbiological methods are likely to occur.
4) Evaluate rapid pathogen identification methods safely in the laboratory under ACDP2 conditions.
5) Collect, record, and analyse data by making accurate observations and measurements and use appropriate methods for presentation.
6) Synthesize subject knowledge in order to solve problems in a logical manner.