MICR2024
Microbes in the Environment
Course Information
These course outlines are a guide only. They are provided for the information of prospective students. Although every effort is made to ensure the most up to date information is provided, timetables often change each semester due to the availability of rooms and resources. Content (including lecture/practical topics, assessment and textbooks) is also regularly reviewed to ensure relevance and effective learning.
This unit introduces the diversity of microbes found in soil, water, air, plant and animal environments. Through an examination of their physiology and genetics it explores their interactions with plants, animals and each other, and their roles as decomposers and recyclers in the environment. The soil is a rich microbial environment, and the concept of soil health and its relationship to plant growth is discussed. Practical classes introduce techniques and skills in isolating, quantifying and culturing microbes, designing and interpreting experiments to study microbial growth, and in preparing and presenting data. Students will complete a short project that is relevant to either agricultural microbiology. Students are very strongly recommended to complete MICR (2021 or 2921 or 2024) before enrolling in MICR2922 in Semester 2. For progression on to Senior Microbiology units, students must also complete MBLG(1001 or 1901) or PLNT (2001 or 2901).
Dr Andrew Holmes
Room: 563
Telephone: 9351 2530
E-mail: a.holmes@mmb.usyd.edu.au
30 credit points of Junior Science or Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resource units including 6 credit points of Junior Biology.
1st Lecture: Monday 9:00am Chemistry Lecture Theatre 2
2nd Lecture: Tuesday 12:00pm Chemistry Lecture Theatre 2
Practical: Monday 2:00pm-5:00pm Biochem/Microbiol 300 Lab
Atlas RM and Bartha R (1997) Microbial Ecology: Fundamentals and applications. 4th Edition. Benjamin/Cummings Scientific Publishing, Menlo Park, CA
One 2 hour exam, fortnightly practical quiz, project report and continuous practical assessment.