MICR3022/3922

Microbial Biotechnology

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.

Microbes are central to biotechnology as chemical factories, as sources of enzymes, as cloning hosts, and as providers of cloning vectors. The lecture and prac courses in MICR3022/MICR3922 aim to teach basic principles and methods in microbiology, molecular biology and biochemistry in the context of applications in biotechnology – including industrial, medical and environmental biotech. The course builds on knowledge and skills from MICR2, MBLG2, and 1st semester MICR3 units.
The course revolves around three themes, summarized as metabolites, enzymes, and communities. Topic areas to be covered in lectures include production of small molecules (alcohols and antibiotics), production of macromolecules (protein expression, recombinant DNA), expressing microbial proteins in plants and animals (principles, methods, risks), and management of microbial communities (gastrointestinal health, waste treatment, bioprospecting). A special focus is on the importance of microbial diversity as a source of enzyme diversity for biotechnology.
Techniques covered in lectures include fermentation, mutation, making and screening clone libraries, directed evolution, heterologous expression, metabolic engineering, environmental metagenomics, culture-independent community analysis, microarrays, and high throughput screening.

MICR3022/3922 provides a good basis for careers in molecular microbiology. Graduates have found work in diagnostic and research laboratories based in hospitals, universities, government organizations such as the CSIRO and Sydney Water, and private industries including biotechnology companies and industries involved in the production of food, crops and pharmaceuticals. Employment can also be found in sectors related to these industries, such as sales, technical support, marketing, scientific journalism and communication, and education.

Dr Nick Coleman

Room: 501

Telephone: 93516047

E-mail: n.coleman@mmb.usyd.edu.au

For MICR3022
At least 6 credit points of MBLG units and 6 credit points of Intermediate MICR units. For BMedSc students: 42 credit points of Intermediate BMED units including BMED (2802 and 2807). For BScAgr students: PLNT (2001 or 2901) and MICR2024.

For MICR3922
At least 6 credit points of MBLG units and Distinction in 6 credit points of Intermediate MICR units. For BMedSc students: 42 credit points of Intermediate BMED units including BMED (2802 and 2807) with a Distinction in at least one of these two. For BScAgr students: PLNT (2001 or 2901) and MICR2024 including one Distinction.

MICR3X22: Tues & Thurs. 11:00am Chem.Eng Lecture Theatre 2, weeks 1-13
MICR3922: Mon 10 am, Carlslaw Tute room 353, weeks 2-6

There is no designated textbook for MICR3X22, although the text for MICR2021/MICR2022 (Willey et al, Prescott’s Microbiology 7th edition) is useful background reading. Papers from the primary scientific literature will be provided via WebCT and the library as supplementary reading.

L1. Introduction: Microbes and enzymes used in biotechnology
Theme 1. Classical methods and small molecules
L2. Microbial growth control and optimization
L3. Microbial growth control and optimization (2)
L4. Metabolism in the production of ethanol
L5. Metabolism in the production of ethanol (2)
L6. Metabolism in the production of antibiotics I
L7. Modification of processes through genetic manipulation
L8. Classical and novel methods for screening organisms
L9. Classical and novel methods for screening organisms (2)
L10. Summary and Tutorial : Classical methods and small molecules
Theme 2. Recombinant methods and microbial proteins
L11. Microbial enzymes for manipulating DNA
L12. Microbial cells as factories for protein production
L13. Directed evolution: protein improvement by mutation and selection
L14. Useful microbial hydrolases 1. Amylase, cellulase, xylanase
L15. Useful microbial hydrolases 2. Lipase, protease, phytase
L16. Expression of microbial proteins in plants and animals
L17. Risk assessment of genetically-modified organisms
L18. Summary and Tutorial: Recombinant methods and microbial proteins
Theme 3. Microbial communities & environmental biotechnology
L19. Community biotechnology – history and challenges
L20. Modern techniques – Identifying cells without growing them in the lab
L21. Modern techniques – Physiology of cells in situ
L22. Modern techniques – meta-‘omics (genomes from communities)
L23. Case Study – Managing communities in wastewater treatment
L24. Case Study – Managing gut communities for animal health
L25. Case Study – Metagenomic prospecting for enzymes and drugs
L26 Summary and Tutorial: Communities & environmental biotechnology


Advanced Lecture Topics (MICR3922 only)
The MICR3922 advanced lectures are shared with MICR3912.
L1. Introduction
L2. Listeria pathogenesis -1
L3. Listeria pathogenesis -2
L4. Integrons -1
L5. Integrons -2

MICR3X22: Tues 1-5 pm, Weeks 2-9, Lab 542, BIOCHEM BLDG G08
PRAC COORDINATOR: Dr. Nick Coleman

In one prac. project, we will purify an enyzme (DNA polymerase) from recombinant E.coli cells, and test the enzyme for activity in the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). In the second prac. project, we will isolate hydrocarbon-oxidizing bacteria from soil, and investigate their ability to produce a useful metabolite (the blue dye indigo).

Students taking both MICR3922 and MICR3912 may be eligible to undertake a research project (~60 h) in a Microbiology lab (School of MMB) to replace the practical component of both courses. Allocation to a research project is based on academic merit as places are limited.

For MICR3022: Theory: One 2 hour exam in Nov exam period; Prac: practical report, lab book, lab skills (continuous assessment).

For MICR3922: Same as MICR3022 plus an additional essay or seminar presentation on an advanced lecture topic.

For MICR3922/MICR3912 Research projects: lab performance, lab book and an oral presentation.