This subject requires on campus attendance. Refer to Additional Requirements for more information.
Microbiology
UndergraduateRMI-SCB2002024
Course information for 2024 intake
Get close to good and bad microorganisms. Reveal the bacteria that’s important to people, and expose pathogens. Grow skills about microorganisms that inhabit, create or contaminate food, used in industrial processes or found in the natural environment
Enrolments for this course are closed, but you may have other options to start studying now. Book a consultation to learn more.
- Study method
- Online & on-campus
- Assessments
- Subject may require attendance
- Entry requirements
- Part of a degree
- Duration
- 13 weeks
- Loan available
- HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP available
Microbiology
About this subject
The capabilities developed in this subject include: Knowledge, basic technical expertise, critical analysis, written communication skills and professional awareness of important medical and industrial microorganisms.
On successful completion of the subject students will:
- Describe characteristics, taxonomy, and classification of bacteria and other microorganisms of importance to humans, and apply this knowledge to various microbiology fields (such as medicine & health, environment, and food industries).
- Isolate and identify bacteria and other microorganisms, applying knowledge of specific microbial characteristics for detection, prevention and control.
- Perform microbiology laboratory skills safely and carefully, and demonstrate knowledge of hazards, their prevention and safety.
- Work effectively and cooperatively in small groups.
- Critically analyse and discuss the results of laboratory investigation into selected case studies demonstrating creativity, initiative and a high level of autonomy.
- Communicate clearly and effectively via oral and written approaches using the proper scientific language in the field.
- Introduction to Microbiology
- Bacterial Anatomy and Growth and Metabolism
- Molecular Biology and Microbial Genetics
- Microbial evolution & Bacterial Taxonomy
- Microbial interactions with humans
- Antimicrobial agents and growth control
- Other unusual bacteria & Eukaryotic microorganisms - Parasitology
- Eukaryotic microorganisms - Mycology
- Food Microbes - 'the good and the bad'
- Environmental Microbiology
- Industrial Microbiology
- Virology
This subject follows on from the introductory studies in microbiology undertaken in SCB140 Introduction to Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics. Your study will increase your depth of knowledge and practical skills in microbiology with emphasis on microorganisms of importance to humans. Topics covered in lectures include microbial ecology, bacterial growth and metabolism, microbial genetics, taxonomy of bacteria, mycology, parasitology and virology. There is also an emphasis on bacteria of importance to humans and the subject covers medically important pathogens and organisms relevant to the fields of food, industrial and environmental microbiology.
Please note the dates below for the compulsory requirements for this subject to attend laboratory classes at RMIT University's City Campus in central Melbourne. These practicals are a hurdle and attendance is mandatory in order to pass the subject.
In practical class you will study the key characteristics used in identification of important bacteria. You will also cover basic techniques in mycology and some tools used in environmental monitoring.
- Practical assessments (40%)
- Invigilated exam (50%)
- 2 x 5% online tests (10%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
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Entry requirements
To enrol in this subject, you must be admitted into a degree.
Prior study
To help set you up for success before you start this subject, we suggest completing or having equivalent knowledge in:
RMI-SCB140-Introduction to Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics (no longer available)
Additional requirements
- Attendance requirements - Includes four half days of mandatory laboratory exercises at RMIT University, Melbourne Mandatory lab practicals are scheduled to run for this subject at the RMIT City Campus (Melbourne, Australia). Practical dates For SP2: 1 July - 4 July (4 half days from 9 am - 12 am)
- Other requirements - Practical assessments will include a self-directed learning test, 2 practical assignments and a final open book written test - submission of the 2 written assessment tasks is a mandatory requirement for this course.
Study load
- 0.125 EFTSL
- This is in the range of 10 to 12 hours of study each week.
Equivalent full time study load (EFTSL) is one way to calculate your study load. One (1.0) EFTSL is equivalent to a full-time study load for one year.
Find out more information on Commonwealth Loans to understand what this means to your eligibility for financial support.