Agriculture

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr Eunice Allan

Pre-requisites

N/A

Overview

This course consists of individually tailored, directed study on topics of relevance to the degree programme. The study leads to the presentation of a seminar and the preparation of a dissertation.

Structure

12 hours of staff contact time

Assessment

80% dissertation, 20% seminar.

Credit Points

10

Course Coordinator

Dr Graeme I Paton

Pre-requisites

None

Co-requisites

None

Notes

Overview

Course Aims: This course is designed to complement the lecture-based courses by teaching microbiological skills through practicals and tutorials.

Main Learning Outcomes:
Practical microbiological knowledge
Introduction to working in a laboratory
Development of basic microbiological skills
Technical skills relevant to environmental microbiology
Experience of keeping a laboratory notebook

Content:
Bacteria, archaea, fungi (including fungal foray), bacteriophages
Microbiological techniques: aseptic techniques, media preparation, culture techniques (aerobic/anaerobic), identification, staining, batch culture, enumeration
Culture collections & maintenance of cultures
'Bioremediation' practical
Winogradsky columns

Structure

14 three hour practicals/tutorials during first and second half sessions

Assessment

Continuous assessment based on a laboratory notebook (100%), no written examination.