What will I learn on this module?
You will learn the importance of microbes in biotechnology, in particular organisms that produce therapeutic and commercially significant compounds. You will also learn about how viruses impact on the microbial communities in the environment and clinical setting. You will study in detail the diverse habitats that bacteria and viruses are isolated from such as deep-sea sediments, the Mir space station and desert sand, as well as the explorative techniques required for isolating bioactive microorganisms and the taxonomic approaches that are undertaken to characterise the producers of commercially significant products.
Underpinning theoretical concepts and principles will be covered in a lecture course that will be informed, illustrated and applied through a strong practical element. You will be trained in basic techniques that you will then have to utilise to solve ‘real life’ research project revolving around the selective isolation and identification of micro-organisms.
How will I learn on this module?
You will learn through lectures, laboratory and bioinformatic practical sessions. The lectures will cover the theories and the concepts that will enable you to tackle a series of guided practical sessions that will also be drawn from current research. You will work on these during hands-on sessions in the biological laboratories and computer labs, which are fully equipped with the latest equipment and software.
How will I be supported academically on this module?
You will be given lecture materials and directed reading to inform both self-directed learning and in-class activities. Support will include feedback from tutors throughout the taught material, and hands-on practical sessions.
What will I be expected to read on this module?
All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.
What will I be expected to achieve?
Knowledge & Understanding:
• You will be expected to understand the obstacles that are encountered in bacterial systematics and be able to discuss alternative strategies to overcome them.
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
• You will conduct the selective isolation and the classification of bioactive micro-organisms in the laboratory
• You will deliver a retrospective analysis of the suitability of the procedures undertaken during this module
• You will develop a biological analysis of results obtained from practical studies and wider literature.
How will I be assessed?
You will be challenged with a simulated ‘real life’ problem to solve in an end of module practical assessment session (100%). Throughout the course of the module students will be expected to complete a workbook, which will also act as a prompt for their directed and independent study. You will be allowed to refer to your [completed] workbook in the practical assessment session. In the practical assessment session you will have to draw upon the range of techniques and topics covered during the course of the module and apply your knowledge and skills to address the problem they are tasked with. On an on-going basis your tutors will give feedback on the exercises and you will record and track your progress through a workbook that accompanies the module.
Pre-requisite(s)
N/A
Co-requisite(s)
N/A
Module abstract
‘Microbial Diversity’ will focus on the diversity of bacteria and viruses, as well as the habitats these microorganisms are found and their interactions within those habitats. We have designed the module so that the theoretical concepts and principles you will learn during the lecture course will then inform the strong practical element, where you will be trained in basic techniques that you will then have to utilise to solve ‘real life’ research project revolving around the selective isolation and identification of microorganisms.
Course info
Credits 20
Level of Study Postgraduate
Mode of Study 1 year Full Time
Department Applied Sciences
Location City Campus, Northumbria University
City Newcastle
Start September 2025
All information is accurate at the time of sharing.
Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.
Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.
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