LQB362 Fundamentals of Microbiology

Unit Outline: Semester 1 2025, Kelvin Grove, Internal

Overview

Medical microbiology involves research into human infectious diseases from multiple viewpoints including: spectrum of disease, diagnosis, aetiology, treatment, prevention, control and epidemiology. An integral part of the practice of medical microbiology is the laboratory processing of specimens derived from patients with infectious diseases, with a focus in this unit on bacterial, fungal and parasitic species. Ultimately, you will need to have both a comprehensive and in-depth knowledge and understanding of theoretical concepts in infectious disease microbiology and be able to apply that knowledge and understanding safely, competently and skilfully in a PC2 diagnostic laboratory context.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:

1. Recall and apply knowledge and understanding of the concepts in medical microbiology, including conventional and molecular approaches in diagnostic microbiology of human bacterial, fungal and parasitic disease.
2. Safely, competently and skilfully perform routine microbiological techniques required by biomedical scientists, including baseline competencies in a diagnostic microbiology PC2 laboratory.
3. Present and analyse scientific data derived from laboratory activities and draw evidence-based interpretations and conclusions.
4. Effectively communicate understanding of the concepts in medical microbiology using the correct terminology and scientific nomenclature.

Content

Learning Approaches

This unit will be taught by a team and as such will employ a variety of teaching and learning models. You may also be provided with a series of self-directed learning activities designed to assist you in monitoring your own learning outside of the classroom.

A context-based approach will help you construct your knowledge and understanding in this unit. Theory and practice will be closely aligned to each other through integrating theory modules with laboratory learning experiences.  Wherever appropriate, laboratory concepts or techniques will be introduced in the theory and then be followed up with practice in the laboratory. Thus, there will be a seamless transition in your learning from theory to practical application in the laboratory environment.

Practical sessions allow you to apply your learning, demonstrate your skill development and ability to critically analyse and evaluate data, while obtaining learning support and feedback from laboratory teaching staff. Teamwork and independent learning will be encouraged in the laboratory. Apart from discipline specific knowledge and practical skills, you will also learn how to troubleshoot and problem-solve in the laboratory, develop effective communication skills, as well as the ability to work individually or as a team in an ethical, culturally sensitive and professional manner. Your learning activities and assessment tasks will be focused on developing and demonstrating these skills and capabilities, respectively.

Note: Students should note that all laboratory practicals for this unit are held at Kelvin Grove Campus.  Tutorials may be timetabled at Gardens Point Campus .

Feedback on Learning and Assessment

Throughout the semester you will be provided with feedback on your learning by participating in formative assessment items and discussing them with your classmates and teaching staff. You can also receive immediate feedback on your own progress by completing the self directed learning activities available to you on Canvas, where relevant. Feedback on summative assessment items will be provided and you should use this feedback to identify areas you might need to focus your learning.

Assessment

Overview

Summative
Your ability to meet the various learning milestones embedded in this unit is critical to successful completion of this unit while ensuring that learning outcomes and aims have been met. The first assessment will assess your ability to safely and competently complete routine laboratory skills required in a microbiology lab. The second assessment will examine your understanding and application of theoretical and practical concepts by completing two written laboratory reports. These checkpoints will focus on theoretical/practical learning experiences as well as PC2 diagnostic laboratory skill competence. These assessments will allow us and you to monitor your performance in the unit and provide, where needed, the opportunity for you to seek feedback and assistance from the teaching team. Your final learning milestone assessment will be conducted in the central examination time slot and will assess whole-of-unit learning experiences.

Formative
A series of formative question for you to work through outside of the practical classroom are included at the end of your practical notes. Additional formative question may also be available on Canvas each week to test your knowledge of medical microbiology theory.

Unit Grading Scheme

7- point scale

Assessment Tasks

Assessment: Laboratory skills

Acting as a microbiologist in a PC2 laboratory you will demonstrate your ability to safely and competently complete a range of fundamental microbiological laboratory skills.

Assessment: Practical report

Acting as a microbiologist in a laboratory you will prepare a written report on data and case studies obtained from the practical classes. You will be assessed on your understanding, presentation and interpretation of the results, as well as your application of theoretical knowledge of microbiological practice and evaluation of experimental outcomes.

This is an assignment for the purposes of an extension.

Assessment: Examination (invigilated)

Review and challenge-type multiple-choice and short answer questions.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.

The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.

You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.

Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.

Requirements to Study

Costs

Cost of obtaining lab gown and safety glasses is the responsibility of the student.

Resources

Resource Materials

Prescribed text(s)

Tortora, Funke and Case. Microbiology: An Introduction (latest edition). Pearson Australia. 

Recommended text(s)

Brock Biology of Microorganisms (latest edition) Madigan, Martinko, Bender, Buckley & Stahl. Pearson

Safety and protective equipment

Practicals will require personal protective equipment supplied by each student:
1. Laboratory Gown - Rear fastening 100% cotton or polyester/cotton mix
2. Safety eye protection glasses - selected and used in accordance with Australian Safety Standards
3. Fully enclosed non-slip shoes

Risk Assessment Statement

This unit includes a laboratory component. In order that you become proficient in necessary practical skills, you will be trained in the handling of equipment, materials and specimens normally associated with this discipline. You are required to view a Health & Safety Induction video and complete an online health and safety quiz prior to being permitted into the laboratory, to access please follow this link Health & Safety Induction. A passing score of 10/10 is required and will be checked prior to entry to the first laboratory session. You may repeat the quiz until this score is achieved. You are also referred to the Faculty of Health's Health & Safety Web Site for further information.

If you have an underlying health condition you are encouraged to consult the lecturer in charge of the unit, as you may be required to take additional precautions on occasions.

Course Learning Outcomes

LS40 Bachelor of Biomedical Science

1. Critically review, analyse and synthesise foundational knowledge in a broad range of biomedical discipline areas and in depth theoretical, technical and practical knowledge in specialised discipline areas.
   Relates to: Laboratory skills, Practical report, Examination (invigilated)
2. Demonstrate the technical skills required to solve multi-disciplinary problems in biomedical research, industry and clinical settings and do so in an ethical, safe and responsible manner.
   Relates to: Practical report
3. Demonstrate the cognitive skills required to find solutions to scientific problems.
   Relates to: Practical report, Examination (invigilated)
4. Apply knowledge and skills to rapidly source, critically analyse and communicate biomedical science information using appropriate technologies.
   Relates to: Practical report

LS47 Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science

1. Discipline Knowledge
   Relates to: ULO1, Laboratory skills, Practical report, Examination (invigilated)
2. Professional (including OHS and QA) Knowledge
   Relates to: ULO2, Practical report
3. Technical proficiency
   Relates to: ULO2, Practical report
4. Interpretation and application of protocols
   Relates to: ULO2, Laboratory skills, Practical report
5. Analysis and interpretation of data
   Relates to: ULO3, Laboratory skills, Practical report, Examination (invigilated)
6. Synthesis, judgement, and explanation
   Relates to: ULO3, Practical report, Examination (invigilated)