Key facts
UNE unit code: MICR220
*You are viewing the 2026 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 2 - On Campus
- Trimester 2 - Online
- Armidale Campus
- Yes
- No
- Yes
- 6
Unit information
Our understanding of the interactions between microbes, humans and the environment is rapidly evolving. This introductory unit offers you the opportunity to explore the classification, growth, structure and function of the major types of microorganisms.
This unit draws on your understanding of biology and biochemistry, providing insight into the importance of microorganisms, including their roles in human health and disease, and their environmental significance. You will also develop a broad, basic understanding of immune function, and the relationship between hosts and microbes in human pathogen reservoirs.
Practical sessions introduce you to basic microbiological techniques, including bacterial staining, aseptic technique, identification, growth and quantification. You will find these skills invaluable in other scientific disciplines as well as in microbiology.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
| Teaching period | Mode/location |
|---|---|
| Trimester 2 | On Campus, Armidale Campus |
| Trimester 2 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
There are no intensive schools required for this unit.
Enrolment rules
Notes
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- demonstrate an understanding of the basis of bacterial classification and taxonomy;
- use a broad range of cognitive and technical skills to determine microbial numbers;
- use knowledge of host microbial interactions to describe reservoirs for human pathogens;
- demonstrate a broad and coherent understanding of microbial structure and function;
- apply knowledge and skills to describe the effects of changing environmental conditions on microbial growth; and
- demonstrate a broad theoretical knowledge of basic immune function.
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
| Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment 1 - Online quizzes | Yes | 10% | All offerings | Two online quizzes. No. Words: 750 |
| Final Examination - Assurance Task | Yes | 55% | All offerings | It is mandatory to pass this component in order to pass this unit. There is a supervised exam at the end of the teaching period in which you are enrolled. The exam will be offered online with supervision via webcam and screen sharing technology. Coordinated by UNE Exams Unit. |
| Practical Assessment | Yes | 35% | All offerings | Oral Presentation - Microbiology @ Home The practical component assessment includes lab notes, experiment presentation and lab quiz. No. Words: 1450 |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
Brock Biology of Microorganisms
ISBN: 9781292404790
Madigan, M.T., Martinko, J.M., Bender, K.S., Buckley, D.H. and Stahl, D., Pearson 16th ed. 2021
Text refers to: All offerings
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