Overview
This tutorial-based paper investigates selected hot topics in molecular microbiology through analysis of original research papers. You will gain the ability to critically evaluate published scientific research, an essential skill for anyone wishing to be involved in research or other higher learning. The teaching format of this paper will also provide you with the opportunity to work in small groups and develop communication and organisational skills.
About this paper
| Paper title | Molecular Microbiology |
|---|---|
| Subject | Microbiology |
| EFTS | 0.1667 |
| Points | 20 points |
| Teaching period | Semester 1 (On campus) |
| Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) | $1,627.83 |
| International Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website. |
- Notes
- Students who are interested in this paper but are not majoring in Microbiology, Genetics, Biochemistry or Molecular Biotechnology are invited to discuss course content with the department.
- Eligibility
Appropriate for BSc(Hons), MSc and PGDipSci students majoring in Microbiology, Genetics, Biochemistry or Molecular Biotechnology.
- Contact
- Teaching staff
Convenor: Keith Ireton
Other lecturers:
- Paper Structure
This tutorial-based paper is divided into four modules of three weeks each. While the structure of each module will differ, generally the tutor will introduce the topic in week one, with the students (often in small groups) leading the discussion of original research papers and experimental approaches in week two, and assessment of the module will be undertaken in association with week three. The topics covered may change from year to year, reflecting topical issues in microbiology.
Modules in 2025 were:
- Mechanisms of phage resistance in bacteria
- Molecular mechanisms of bacterial pathogenesis
- Whole-genome sequencing of bacterial pathogens
- Antivirals and their targets
- Teaching Arrangements
This is a first semester paper with one tutorial per week for 12 weeks. The duration of tutorials will vary from one up to three hours.
- Textbooks
Textbooks are not required for this paper.
Course readings are reviews and original papers from the literature.- Graduate Attributes Emphasised
- Communication, Critical thinking, Information literacy, Research, Self-motivation, Teamwork.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes. - Learning Outcomes
Students who successfully complete this paper will:
- Be able to demonstrate an in-depth understanding of topical issues in molecular microbiology
- Develop skills in critically evaluating the scientific literature and in experimental design
- Develop communication and teamwork skills
- Assessment details
100% internal assessment with each of the four modules worth 25% of the final mark.
Overview
This tutorial-based paper investigates selected hot topics in molecular microbiology through analysis of original research papers. You will gain the ability to critically evaluate published scientific research, an essential skill for anyone wishing to be involved in research or other higher learning. The teaching format of this paper will also provide you with the opportunity to work in small groups and develop communication and organisational skills.
About this paper
| Paper title | Molecular Microbiology |
|---|---|
| Subject | Microbiology |
| EFTS | 0.1667 |
| Points | 20 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. |
- Notes
- Students who are interested in this paper but are not majoring in Microbiology, Genetics, Biochemistry or Molecular Biotechnology are invited to discuss course content with the department.
- Eligibility
Appropriate for BSc(Hons), MSc and PGDipSci students majoring in Microbiology, Genetics, Biochemistry or Molecular Biotechnology.
- Contact
- Teaching staff
Convener: Associate Professor Keith Ireton
Other Lecturers:
- Associate Professor Htin Aung
- Dr Bridget Watson
- Professor Jemma Geoghegan
- Paper Structure
This tutorial-based paper is divided into four modules of three weeks each. While the structure of each module will differ, generally the tutor will introduce the topic in week one, with the students participating in discussion of original research papers, review articles, and/or experimental approaches in week two, and assessment of the module will be undertaken in week three. The topics covered may change from year to year, reflecting topical issues in microbiology.
Modules in 2026 were:
- Mechanisms of bacterial pathogenesis
- Bacterial defence systems
- Discovering viruses through deep sequencing of metagenomes
- Whole genome sequencing of bacterial pathogens
- Teaching Arrangements
This is a first semester paper with one tutorial per week for 12 weeks. The duration of tutorials will vary from one-to-three hours.
- Textbooks
Textbooks are not required for this paper.
Course readings are reviews and original papers from the literature.- Graduate Attributes Emphasised
- Communication, Critical thinking, Information literacy, Research, Self-motivation, Teamwork.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes. - Learning Outcomes
Students who successfully complete this paper will:
- Be able to demonstrate an in-depth understanding of topical issues in molecular microbiology.
- Develop skills in critically evaluating the scientific literature and in experimental design.
- Develop communication and teamwork skills.
- Assessment details
100% internal assessment with each of the four modules worth 25% of the final mark.