This module looks at the basic concepts in microbiology with an emphasis on the conditioons required to support microbial growth and the control of contamination
SYLLABUS CONTENT: Introduction to microbiology
General characteristics of micro-organisms; microscopy and specimen preparation
Prokaryotic cell
Overview of prokaryotic cell structure (size, shape, arrangement); prokaryotic cell organisation (cytoplasmic matrix, nucleoid, plasma membrane, cell wall, external cell components, endospores)
Aseptic technique and microbial culture
Types of media; media preparation; isolation of pure cultures (spread, streak and pour plates); colony morphology
Sterilisation processes
Basic introduction to sterilisation as deatiled material will be covered in validation of sterilisation module
Microbial growth and ecology & microbes as agents of disease
The growth curve, measurement of microbial growth, influence of environmental factors on growth; micro-organisms in various environments. Disease caused by microbes.
Packaging
Types of packaging; properties of packaging materials; European standards for packaging materials; recent innovations in packaging materials.EN868.
Virology
General characteristics of viruses, structure, cultivation and reproduction of viruses, bacteriophage; viruses of eukaryotes
| Module Content & Assessment | |
|---|---|
| Assessment Breakdown | % |
| Other Assessment(s) | 50 |
| Formal Examination | 50 |