Overview
Fundamental concepts in microbiology, building from the characteristics of microorganisms, through the handling and containment of microorganisms, to medical microbiology and immunology.
Microbes are all around us, all over us and all over every surface on earth. Microbes compose greater than 50% of life forms on our planet and yet it is estimated that only 1% have been identified and studied. We can’t live without microbes and they benefit our lives immensely.
Many of the microbes that surround us can cause disease and our immune system helps protect us from these microbes. The specialised cells of the immune system work as key defenders, protecting us from infection and disease.
MICR 221 will introduce you to the wonderful world of Microbiology and Immunology. You will learn about the immune system and the key cells and pathways of the immune system and also learn about the world of microbes.
The labs will teach you essential skills in handling and manipulating microorganisms and include looking at the treatment of microbial infections with different pharmaceutical preparations.
MICR 221 is essential if you want to carry on in Microbiology but it is also a useful addition to a wide variety of courses.
About this paper
| Paper title | Microbes to Medicine |
|---|---|
| Subject | Microbiology |
| EFTS | 0.15 |
| Points | 18 points |
| Teaching period | Semester 1 (On campus) |
| Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) | $1,318.20 |
| International Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website. |
- Prerequisite
- CELS 191 and (CHEM 191 or CHEM 111) and 36 further 100-level points
- Restriction
- MELS 221 and PHCY 219 and PSCI 202
- Recommended Preparation
- HUBS 191 or PTWY 131
- Recommended Preparation or Concurrent Study
- GENE 221
- Schedule C
- Science
- Eligibility
- Appropriate for students majoring in Microbiology and all other biological and health sciences.
- Contact
- Dr Judith Bateup, convenor of MICR221: judith.bateup@otago.ac.nz
- Teaching staff
Convenor: Dr Judith Bateup
- Paper Structure
Lectures cover the following areas:
- Microbial Growth and Control
- Microbial Ecology and Evolution
- Medical Microbiology
- Immunology
- Virology
- Putting Microbes to Work
- Teaching Arrangements
31 lectures and six 4-hour laboratory sessions.
- Textbooks
Recommended: Prescott's Microbiology by Wiley, Sandman and Wood, 12th edition, 2023, McGraw-Hill Publishers. ISBN: 978-1-265-12303-1
Recommended: Kuby Immunology, published by Palgrave Macmillan. 8th edition, 2019.
- Course outline
- Graduate Attributes Emphasised
- Lifelong learning, Communication, Critical thinking, Self-motivation, Teamwork
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes. - Learning Outcomes
- Be able to demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of microbiology and immunology in preparation for advanced laboratory skills in 300-level and in graduate papers
- Display a practical knowledge of fundamental microbiology and immunology, with the ability to assimilate complex information on a spectrum of interdisciplinary topics and to use this knowledge for applications in the workplace
- Develop an ability to communicate ideas about science
- Assessment details
- Lecture test 15%
- Laboratory test 15%
- 3-hour final exam 70%
Overview
Fundamental concepts in microbiology, building from the characteristics of microorganisms, through the handling and containment of microorganisms, to medical microbiology and immunology.
Microbes are everywhere: driving disease, shaping ecosystems and powering new technologies. In this paper, you will explore the full microbial universe, from parasites, bacteria, fungi and viruses that cause infections through to the immune defences that keep us alive. You will investigate how microbes grow, adapt and evolve, how they contaminate food and water and how outbreaks emerge and spread. Through case studies and real-world examples, you will see how microbiology underpins modern medicine, vaccines, diagnostics, public health and biotechnology. In the laboratory, you will develop practical skills that employers look for: safely handling and culturing microorganisms, identifying unknown isolates, testing antimicrobial treatments and working with clinical and environmental samples.
MICR 221 is designed for students who want a solid platform in microbiology and immunology for further study in biomedical, clinical or environmental fields, but it also adds strong value to broader life science degrees by showing how microbes connect molecules, humans and the planet.
About this paper
| Paper title | Microbes to Medicine |
|---|---|
| Subject | Microbiology |
| EFTS | 0.15 |
| Points | 18 points |
| Teaching period | Semester 1 (On campus) |
| Domestic Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for 2027 have not yet been set |
| International Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website. |
- Prerequisite
- CELS 191 and (CHEM 191 or CHEM 111) and 36 further 100-level points
- Restriction
- MELS 221 and PHCY 219 and PSCI 202
- Recommended Preparation
- HUBS 191 or PTWY 131
- Recommended Preparation or Concurrent Study
- GENE 221
- Schedule C
- Science
- Eligibility
- Appropriate for students majoring in Microbiology and all other biological and health sciences.
- Contact
Dr Judith Bateup: judith.bateup@otago.ac.nz
- Teaching staff
Conveners:
Other Lecturers:
- Paper Structure
Lectures cover the following areas:
- Medical microbiology: parasitology, mycology and bacteriology
- Virology: virus structure, replication, pathogenesis and control
- Immunology: cells and molecules of the immune system, innate and adaptive responses
- Environmental microbiology: food and water microbiology, surveillance and public health
- Microbial growth, ecology and evolution: growth control, genetics and microbiomes
- Applied microbiology: biotechnology and putting microbes to work
- Teaching Arrangements
The course comprises 30 lectures and 6 four-hour laboratories.
- Textbooks
Recommended:
- Prescott's Microbiology by Wiley, Sandman and Wood, 12th edition, 2023, McGraw-Hill Publishers. ISBN: 978-1-265-12303-1
Recommended:
- Kuby Immunology, published by Palgrave Macmillan. 8th edition, 2019.
- Course outline
- Graduate Attributes Emphasised
- Lifelong learning, Communication, Critical thinking, Self-motivation.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes. - Learning Outcomes
Students who successfully complete this paper will be able to:
- Be able to demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of microbiology and immunology in preparation for advanced laboratory skills in 300-level and in graduate papers
- Display a practical knowledge of fundamental microbiology and immunology, with the ability to assimilate complex information on a spectrum of interdisciplinary topics and to use this knowledge for applications in the workplace
- Develop an ability to communicate ideas about science
- Assessment details
- Lecture Test (15%)
- Laboratory Test (15%)
- Three-hour Final Exam (70%)