BIOL456-20S2 (C) Semester Two 2020

Dynamics of Microbiological Interactions

15 points

Details:
Start Date: Monday, 13 July 2020
End Date: Sunday, 8 November 2020
Withdrawal Dates
Last Day to withdraw from this course:
  • Without financial penalty (full fee refund): Friday, 24 July 2020
  • Without academic penalty (including no fee refund): Friday, 25 September 2020

Description

Biological interactions, particularly with micro-organisms, impact on almost every aspect of biology, from plant nutrient uptake and photosynthesis to animal digestion to ecosystem function. We will explore the intimate interactions of micro-organisms (bacteria, oomycetes, fungi, archaea) with plants and animals, other micro-organisms and extreme environments. Students will develop skills in evaluating how molecular, ecological, biochemical and synthetic community approaches all contribute to our understanding of these critical, yet challenging to study, interactions. Students will apply their understanding to practical questions in using micro-organisms for biological control and primary productivity and to understanding gut microbiome.

Microbiological interactions impact on almost every aspect of biology, from plant nutrient uptake and photosynthesis to animal digestion to ecosystem function. We will explore the intimate interactions of microorganisms with plants and animals, and other microorganisms. We consider a range of microorganisms, including bacteria, oomycetes, fungi, and archaea. You will develop skills in evaluating how molecular, ecological, biochemical and synthetic community approaches contribute to our understanding of microorganisms and their myriad interactions.

Learning Outcomes

  • As a student in this course I will develop:
  • A sophisticated understanding of experimental design and methodology (seminar discussions, assignments),
  • An understanding of the scientific process, including critical review skills (seminar discussions),
  • Science and communication skills (assignments).


    Transferable skills register
  • I can express myself as a scientist. This will be important for any career in research, journalism or business where you will need to communicate science to both experts and lay readers. The two assignments will focus on two forms of scientific communication.

Prerequisites

Subject to approval of the Head of School. RP: At least one of BIOL313, BIOL332-335, BIOL352, BIOL455, BIOL460, and/or BCHM305.

Restrictions

BIOL493

Recommended Preparation

At least one of BIOL313, BIOL332-335, BIOL352, BIOL455, BIOL460, and/or BCHM305.

Course Coordinator / Lecturer

Ian Dickie

Lecturers

Matthew Stott and Mitja Remus-Emsermann

Assessment

Assessment Due Date Percentage 
Collaborative review 2 contribution 15%
Collaborative review 3 contribution 15%
Collaborative review leadership 35%
Final Exam 35%

Indicative Fees

Domestic fee $1,054.00

* All fees are inclusive of NZ GST or any equivalent overseas tax, and do not include any programme level discount or additional course-related expenses.

For further information see School of Biological Sciences .

All BIOL456 Occurrences

  • BIOL456-20S2 (C) Semester Two 2020
  • BIOL456-20S2 (D) Semester Two 2020 (Distance)