Learning outcomes: 

At the end of the course unit student should be able to;

• • Identify the contributions made by the scientists to the development of microbiology
  • Demonstrate the understanding of principles of taxonomy and basic physiological characteristics of microorganisms,
  • Demonstrate the understanding of the basic laboratory methods used in the study of microorganisms,
  • Demonstrate the understanding of microbiology related to food, soil and wastewater treatment.

Course content:

• • Origin and Scope of Microbiology, Major divisions of the living world, Structure & functions: prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells
  • Diversity of microbial world: General introduction (Bacteria, Fungi, Virus, etc.)
  • Microbial growth: the definition of growth and growth curve of bacteria, Principles of microbial nutrition, Formulation of culture media, Different types of culture media
  • Introduction to Food microbiology, soil microbiology, and Water & wastewater microbiology

Laboratory sessions:

• • Examination of living Microorganisms: Wet Mount Techniques, Examination of living Microorganisms in the natural environment, Microscopic examination of bacteria, endospores, capsules
  • Control of microorganisms: the theory and practice of sterilization and disinfection.
  • Basic microbiological techniques: Pure culture techniques, Preparation of culture media. Isolation of pure cultures

Methods of teaching and learning:

Combination of lectures laboratory classes and tutorials

Assessment:

End of course examination.

Recommended reading:

1. Atlas, R.M. (1996).Microbiology Fundamentals and applications. Wm. C. Brown Publishers
2. Tortora, G.J., Funke, B.R., Case, C.L (1998) Microbiology. Benjamin Cummings