Subject details

At the completion of this subject students will be able to:

  1. describe and explain fundamental principles involved in Microbial Influenced Corrosion, including concepts of corrosion and the basics of microbiology
  2. apply fundamental knowledge to explain Microbial Influenced Corrosion occurring in complex environments
  3. compare different approaches used in Microbial Influenced Corrosion assessment and monitoring, and interpret the data produced by these approaches
  4. evaluate a corrosion situation and select appropriate mitigation and control techniques.

  • Topics

    • Microbiology Basics
    • MIC causative microorganisms and Biofilms
    • MIC Mechanisms and effect of materials/alloying elements
    • Reservoir souring and MIC in Oilfields
    • MIC in freshwater and seawater environments
    • MIC in specific environments (soil, atmospheric, storage)
    • Diagnosing MIC: Traditional and molecular microbiology methods
    • MIC risk assessment models and Monitoring
    • Advanced methods and research approaches to study MIC
    • Biocides and Chemical treatments
    • Coatings and Cathodic protection
    • Novel approaches for fouling and MIC control

  • Study resources

    • Instructional Methods

      • Audio/Video conferencing
      • Disscusion forum/Discussion Board
      • Online assignment submission
      • Podcasting/Leacture capture
      • Online Quizzes/Tests

    • Online Materials

      • Resources and Links
      • Printable format materials
      • Online Assessment
      • Audio-Video streaming
      • Quizzes

Entry Requirements

You must have successfully completed the following subject(s) before starting this subject:

CUR-ENR500-Principles of Corrosion

Special requirements

No special requirements

In this subject, students will be introduced to the fundamentals of Microbial Influenced Corrosion (MIC), basics of microbiology, microorganisms that cause MIC and biofilm formation. MIC mechanisms on different materials and in different environments focusing on reservoir souring, MIC in oilfields, soil, storage tanks and atmospheric, will be explained. Different MIC behavior in seawater and freshwater will be discussed along with MIC monitoring and assessment techniques, such as traditional and molecular microbiology methods. Students will study various MIC controls including chemical treatments, coating, cathodic protection, and approaches preventing fouling.

Please Note: If it’s your first time studying a Curtin University subject you’ll need to complete their compulsory ‘Academic Integrity Program’. It only takes two hours to complete online, and provides you with vital information about studying with Curtin University. The Academic Integrity Program is compulsory, so if it’s not completed your subject grades will be withheld.

Find out more about the Academic Integrity module.

  • Four Quizzes (20%)
  • Final Invigilated Examination (50%)
  • Report 1 (15%)
  • Report 2 (15%)

Textbooks are subject to change within the academic year. Students are advised to purchase their books no earlier than one to two months before the start of a subject.

View textbooks

Related Degrees

postgraduate OUA-PSU-GCE-2018

Postgraduate Single Subjects