Learning outcomes:

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

• compare molecular methods with conventional techniques on microbial taxonomy,
• develop phylogenetic relationship in selected groups of bacteria,
• demonstrate taxonomy of viruses, Viral genetics and Growth cycles of different viruses,
• discuss microbial metabolism,
• outline the industrial importance of some microbial metabolic activities.

Course content:
Bacterial Taxonomy

Species as units of classification; Problems in Taxonomy; New approaches to bacterial Taxonomy; Methods of isolation and identification; Preservation and maintenance of microorganisms. Survey of selected taxonomic groups of bacteria: ex. Archaeobacteria, The Pseudomonadaceae, The lactic acid bacteria, mycoplasina, Actinomycetes, Bacillus etc.

Bacterial Physiology and Biochemistry
Cell wall & factors affecting the cell wall synthesis, cytoplasmic membrane, etc. Nutrient transport across the membrane. Factors affecting the growth of microorganisms. Control of microbial growth: chemical control of microbial growth, chemotherapeutic agents.

Microbial energetics, Thermodynamics of biological reactions. Metabolic diversity of microorganisms: Heterotrophic generation of ATP: EMP, HMP, ED and phosphoketolase pathway. Fermentation : Different pathways of fermentation; Autotrophic generation of ATP: Chemolithotrophic bacteria; Photosynthesis and Photometabolism in bacteria. Amphibolic pathways. Anaplerotic processes; Biosynthesis of important polymers; Amino acid catabolism and anabolism; hydrocarbon metabolism.

Virology

General feature of virus reproduction, Steps in virus multiplication, Viral genetics, Bacterial viruses, RNA bacteriophages, DNA bacteriophages, Lytic phage, Lysogeny, Replication of animal viruses: Replication of DNA animal viruses, replication of RNA animal viruses. Transformation of animal cells, Reoviruses, Herpesviruses, Pox viruses, Adenoviruses and Retroviruses.

Method of teaching and learning:

Throughout the year course with a combination of lectures, tutorials, computer assisted learning and assignments.

Assessment:

Continuous assessment and end of the course examination.

Recommended reading:

1. Atlas, R M (1996). Microbiology Fundamentals and applications. Wm. C. Brown Publishers
2. Dimmock, N J, and Primrose, S.B (1994) Introduction to Modern Virology, 4th ed. Blackwell Scientific Publications Ltd., Oxford, United Kingdom
3. Tortora, G.J.; Funke, B.R.; Case, C.L (1998) Microbiology. Benjamin Cummings Publishers, Addison Wesley Longman, Inc.