BVB305 Microbiology and the Environment
To view more information for this unit, select Unit Outline from the list below. Please note the teaching period for which the Unit Outline is relevant.
| Unit code: | BVB305 |
|---|---|
| Prerequisite(s): | BVB201 |
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Timetable | Details in HiQ, if available |
| Availabilities |
|
| CSP student contribution | $1,192 |
| Domestic tuition unit fee | $5,364 |
| International unit fee | $5,952 |
Unit Outline: Semester 1 2026, Gardens Point, Internal
| Unit code: | BVB305 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Pre-requisite: | BVB201 |
| Coordinator: | Caroline Hauxwell | caroline.hauxwell@qut.edu.au |
Overview
The biology, evolution and ecology of microorganisms underpin critical, complex and, sometimes, harmful processes in almost every environment on earth, from oceanic vents to the animal gut, in the roots of plants and the health of soil, and even in your shower head. These fundamental biological processes are a rich resource for cutting-edge research and applications of biotechnology, including the growing field of synthetic biology.
You will conduct original laboratory research and desktop analyses to explore, evaluate and communicate insights into core concepts in microbiology, their functional interactions in the environment, and their exploitation in agriculture, bioindustry and the environment. Through this, you will build skills in project planning, design, conduct, analysis and communication to address real world applications and prepare you for a key area of post-graduate employment.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Evaluate the core concepts and principles of microbiology, ecology and environmental processes and their application to industry and emerging fields.
- Plan, design and conduct original research ethically using appropriate risk, health and safety assessments.
- Analyse, interpret and critically evaluate research findings using appropriate scientific techniques.
- Use industry standard software to perform data analysis, bioinformatics and sequence-based systematics.
- Collaborate in interdisciplinary teams in a research environment to undertake microbiological research using appropriate desktop and collaborative research technology.
- Communicate scientific data, information and arguments to peers, mentors and industry or government partners.
Content
Topics covered in the unit will include:
- Techniques in microbial isolation, characterisation and functions, including sequence-based systematics.
- The diversity and origins of metabolic processes of microorganisms and their functions in environment, evolution, and industry.
- Fundamental processes in sensing, signalling, syntrophy and the emergence of order in microbial communities.
- Symbiosis, pathogens and biological control in crop health.
- The biology of biofilms and their function in microbiota, agroecosystems, and the built environment.
- Microorganisms in extreme environments, and the origins of life.
- Applications of diverse microbial functions in biotechnology and synthetic biology.
Learning Approaches
Primary unit information will be presented through a combination of face-to-face lectures and workshops, supported by independent reading (scientific papers, book chapters, or commentary articles) and guest-lectures from practitioners and researchers.
You will undertake group research activity in the laboratory and deliver an individual scientific poster that details your aims, methods, and evaluation of findings. You will also conduct an individual, in-depth case study that critically evaluates and communicates the exploitation of fundamental microbiological process in emerging applications using scientific literature and real-world models, in which activity you will be required to explain the development of your concepts and present your preliminary outline for peer discussion. This multifaceted teaching and learning approach will provide the background concepts and analytical tools necessary to develop your analytical and critical skills in microbiology and its applications.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
All aspects of the assessment pieces will be discussed during formal learning activities and workshops, and students may be required to provide progress updates and document outlines for formative assessment and discussion.
Assessment
Overview
For the first assessment items you will produce an individual case study that critically evaluates and communicates the fundamental microbiological processes that underpin emerging applications. The aim of the assessment piece is to demonstrate an in-depth understanding and skills in critical evaluation of the fundamental science that underpins emerging applications and technology. It will be based on your independent study of concepts and processes introduced in lectures and workshops. You will be required to submit a PowerPoint presentation of the preliminary outline at the end of week 10 that explains the development and core concepts of your study, and present this in person for peer review and assessment in week 11. You will then develop and submit a completed case study document using the framework provided at the end of week 13
The final assessment is a group research project developed and documented in weeks 1 and 2 and conducted in the laboratory in weeks 8 to 10. Your work will be recorded in a formal lab book, and you will submit an individual poster for assessment in week 12.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Case study - outline and concept development
Case study of a specific microbiological system
You will create and present a preliminary outline of the core concepts in a detailed case study that critically evaluates and communicates how a specific microbiological function (e.g. signalling, dynamic processes, metabolism, syntrophy, emergent order) underpins emerging technology and applications (e.g. synthetic biology, agriculture, built environment). The case study is conducted through your independent study following material presented in lectures and workshops. It should include examples from specific refereed literature as well as books, commentary, or interviews with practitioners.
An outline in PowerPoint will be submitted in week 10 and presented in person in week 11 for peer feedback and assessment.
For this assignment, the outline submission in week 10 (not the oral presentation in week 11) is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Assessment: Case study - final document
Your final case study document should meet the standards of a professional report using the framework provided.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Assessment: Project (research)
You will carry out a substantial group research project. You will be required to conduct a risk assessment, to document communication within the group, with the project mentor and with technical services, and to keep and submit weekly records in a lab book. 10% of the assessment will be based on weekly submission of lab book scans and planning, submitted during the project period. You will submit a scientific poster as a PDF or PowerPoint slide.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
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.
Resources
A set text-book will not be required but a list of appropriate text-books and literature will be made available on Canvas. Any specialist readings will be provided via the unit modules and QUT Readings. You will require personal protective equipment as described below to work in the laboratory.
Resource Materials
Safety and protective equipment
To participate in practical classes you will require personal protective equipment, including laboratory coats, laboratory safety glasses and enclosed footwear, and a standard QUT laboratory notebook.
Risk Assessment Statement
This unit includes a laboratory component. You are required to complete an online health and safety quiz prior to entry to the laboratory. A passing score of 9/10 is required and will be checked prior to entry to the first laboratory. You may resit the quiz until this score is achieved. 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 referred to the university's health and safety web site for further information. If you have an underlying health condition you are encouraged to consult the unit coordinator, as you may be required to take additional precautions on occasions. The lectures and workshops in this unit are all low risk activities and are delivered online. You will be made aware of evacuation procedures and assembly areas in the first few lectures. In the event of a fire alarm sounding, or on a lecturer's instruction, you should leave the room and assemble in the designated area that will be indicated to you.
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.ST01 Bachelor of Science
- Develop a broad, multidisciplinary understanding of science and a specialised, in-depth knowledge of at least one discipline.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO4, Case study - outline and concept development, Case study - final document, Project (research) - Use higher order thinking skills to design, plan, and conduct investigations and evaluate data to address scientific questions and challenges.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, Case study - outline and concept development, Case study - final document, Project (research) - Develop and demonstrate key competencies in scientific practices and relevant technologies.
Relates to: ULO3, ULO4, ULO5, Project (research) - Practice science in a safe, culturally appropriate, ethical, sustainable, and socially conscious way with a knowledge of relevant concepts, regulatory frameworks and protocols.
Relates to: ULO2, Project (research) - Communicate scientific findings, concepts and evidence-based reasoning to diverse audiences using a variety of methods.
Relates to: ULO6, Case study - outline and concept development, Case study - final document, Project (research) - Work autonomously and collaboratively with others in an inclusive and professional manner and use critical reflection for personal and professional growth.
Relates to: ULO5, Project (research)
SV02 Bachelor of Science
- Develop a broad, multidisciplinary understanding of science and a specialised, in-depth knowledge of at least one discipline.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO4, Case study - outline and concept development, Case study - final document, Project (research) - Use higher order thinking skills to design, plan, and conduct investigations and evaluate data to address scientific questions and challenges.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, Case study - outline and concept development, Case study - final document, Project (research) - Develop and demonstrate key competencies in scientific practices and relevant technologies.
Relates to: ULO3, ULO4, ULO5, Project (research) - Practice science in a safe, culturally appropriate, ethical, sustainable, and socially conscious way with a knowledge of relevant concepts, regulatory frameworks and protocols.
Relates to: ULO2, Project (research) - Communicate scientific findings, concepts and evidence-based reasoning to diverse audiences using a variety of methods.
Relates to: ULO6, Case study - outline and concept development, Case study - final document, Project (research) - Work autonomously and collaboratively with others in an inclusive and professional manner and use critical reflection for personal and professional growth.
Relates to: ULO5, Project (research)