Unit Outline

This unit is designed to provide an accessible and practical introduction to microbiology. In this unit, you will acquire and apply knowledge of microbiology principles and techniques as relevant to applied or industry contexts. You will be introduced to key microbiology concepts, such as the impact of microorganisms, microbial characteristics and interactions, microbial-risk management, microbiological technologies, and emerging microbiological opportunities, as relevant to a range of applications and scenarios.
Through a laboratory workshop, you will gain practical knowledge and insight into microbiology techniques. You will develop technical observation skills, and also select, explore, and communicate specific microbiological techniques, including their relative advantages and disadvantages for different applied contexts. You will build on this approach to assess and communicate real-world microbiology challenges through different perspectives.

Intended Learning Outcomes

As per the Assessment and Results Policy 1.3, your results will reflect your achievement against specified learning outcomes.

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


1	Explain key microbiological concepts and principles in relation to applied environments and scenarios
2	Perform basic preparatory and exploratory microbiology techniques as relevant to selected real-world contexts
3	Respond to real-world questions through analysis and interpretation of microbiological data
4	Identify and evaluate opportunities for self-development in the context of microbiology practice and knowledge

Requisites


REQUISITE TYPE	REQUISITES
Anti-requisite (mutual excl)	ZAS201 ZAS221

Alterations as a result of student feedback

To be determined.

How will I be Assessed?

For more detailed assessment information please see MyLO.

Assessment schedule


ASSESSMENT TASK #	ASSESSMENT TASK NAME	DATE DUE	WEIGHT	LINKS TO INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES
Assessment Task 1:	Report - Experimental Investigation Methods	Week 7	30 %	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4
Assessment Task 2:	Technical poster	Week 9	35 %	LO1, LO2, LO3
Assessment Task 3:	Scenario-based Group Presentation	Refer to Assessment Description	35 %	LO1, LO3, LO4

Assessment details

Assessment Task 1: Report - Experimental Investigation Methods

Task Description:

You will investigate key physical and biochemical attributes of sample microorganisms in an experimental-investigation workshop.

Using standard methods for microbiological investigation, you will prepare samples and apply a range of techniques, record results and observations. You will present conclusions inferred from your records, drawing on information provided during the workshop, in unit content, and from relevant published sources (including journals, industry publications, etc.).

To complete this task, you will record the results and observations from your investigation in the template provided, including images and written descriptions as appropriate. The word-count is a guide only; you may select the most appropriate way for yourself to represent these outcomes, such as:
- Text in paragraphs
- Bullet points
- Graphs
- Images and graphics

For each element of your investigation, you will compare your results to those presented in appropriate published material, including citations of your sources, and briefly discuss similarities, differences, and possible explanations. You will also use the supplied template to complete an overall discussion of the results of your investigation, reflecting on key challenges and insights related to the techniques you used, and their relevance to real-world contexts where you might apply these microbiological methods.

Task Length:

As per templated lab book (Approximately 3000 words OR equivalent combination of text, images, and other elements; see task description)

Due Date:

Week 7

Weight:

30 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Interpret and perform microbiology techniques appropriate for basic laboratory investigations	LO2
2	Record and validate results and observations	LO2
3	Discuss practical investigation results in an applied industry context	LO3
4	Critically assess own laboratory practice and experience	LO4
5	Identify and explain microbiology concepts and principles as relevant to observations	LO1

Assessment Task 2: Technical poster

Task Description:

You will select one technique you used in your laboratory workshop investigation. Drawing on information provided during the workshop, in unit content, and from relevant published sources, you will develop an A3-sized poster presenting:
- A summary of the technique, including required materials, and relevance for real-world applications
- Key considerations for the technique's effectiveness and optimal results
- Variations of the selected technique as used in industry or other real-world applications
- Complementary or comparable techniques, if any
- Importance and implications of the technique in one or more industry or other real-world contexts

To complete this task, you will present information in your poster using images, infographics, tables, or written text, as appropriate for most effective communication.

Task Length:

A3 (single side) + reference list

Due Date:

Week 9

Weight:

35 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Identify and describe key microbiology concepts, principles, and processes	LO1
2	Explain applicability of relevant microbiological methods and techniques for real-world contexts	LO2
3	Communicate ideas and information using prescribed formats and styles	LO1
4	Explain the necessary information and principles for effective application of the selected method / technique	LO3

Assessment Task 3: Scenario-based Group Presentation

Task Description:

In groups of 2 to 4 members, you will select:
- A hypothetical scenario in an industry or other real-world context
- Typical objectives associated with the given scenario
- Roles / jobs commonly associated with the given scenario and objectives

Part A – Draft (Due Week 10) and Peer Review (Due Week 11)
As a group, you will submit a high-level draft outlining your selected scenario, roles, and types of information each individual will present on.

As an individual, you will review and provide feedback on a draft submitted by a group other than your own. This will contribute to Criteria 4 and 5 (10 % of overall assessment mark)

Part B - Presentation (Presentations will commence in Week 12, and continue through Week 13 contingent on student numbers and in-class discussion)
In your groups, you will:
- Select a microorganism with important implications for the chosen industry / sector
- Assign each group member a different role and objective/s

Individually, you will present on the key considerations, concepts and objectives, as relevant to your selected role. You will submit supporting material (e.g. – slides) developed from the draft and review in Part A. The presentation and submitted material should include:
- Microbial characteristics that are of particular relevance for your chosen role and objective
- How your role complements those of your other group-members to deliver microbiological outcomes for the scenario
- Demonstrated connection to methods and / or principles covered in the unit
- References to your sources of information wherever appropriate
(90% of overall assessment mark)

You will be assessed individually for this task, though your work should reflect outcomes from group collaboration as specified above.

Task Length:

Part A (Peer review): Approximately 250 words Part B (Presentation): 5 - 7 minutes (presentation) and relevant supporting material + 5 minutes (Q&A) per person

Due Date:

Refer to Assessment Description

Weight:

35 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Assess the microbiology-related challenges and opportunities in a particular applied context	LO3
2	Communicate ideas and information using prescribed formats, methods and styles	LO1
3	Clarify the relevance and use of key microbiological information as specific to the selected role(s)	LO3
4	Evaluate the implications of chosen microbiological methods and principles for effectiveness of a selected role in a real-world scenario	LO4
5	Provide and respond to feedback in preparation of final outcomes	LO4

How your final result is determined

To pass this unit, you need to demonstrate your attainment of each of the Intended Learning Outcomes, achieve a final unit grade of 50% or greater, and pass any hurdle tasks.

Submission of assignments

Where practicable, assignments should be submitted to an assignment submission folder in MYLO. You must submit assignments by the due date or receive a penalty (unless an extension of time has been approved by the Unit Coordinator). Students submitting any assignment in hard copy, or because of a practicum finalisation, must attach a student cover sheet and signed declaration for the submission to be accepted for marking.

Academic integrity

Academic integrity is about acting responsibly, honestly, ethically, and collegially when using, producing, and communicating information with other students and staff members.

In written work, you must correctly reference the work of others to maintain academic integrity. To find out the referencing style for this unit, see the assessment information in the MyLO site, or contact your teaching staff. For more detail about Academic Integrity, see Important Guidelines & Support.

Requests for extensions

If you are unable to submit an assessment task by the due date, you should apply for an extension.

A request for an extension should first be discussed with your Unit Coordinator or teaching support team where possible. A request for an extension must be submitted by the assessment due date, except where you can provide evidence it was not possible to do so. Typically, an application for an extension will be supported by documentary evidence: however, where it is not possible for you to provide evidence please contact your Unit Coordinator.

The Unit Coordinator must notify you of the outcome of an extension request within 3 working days of receiving the request.

Late penalties

Assignments submitted after the deadline will receive a late penalty of 5% of the original available mark for each calendar day (or part day) that the assignment is late. Late submissions will not be accepted more than 10 calendar days after the due date, or after assignments have been returned to other students on a scheduled date, whichever occurs first. Further information on Late Penalties can be found on the Assessments and Results Procedure.

Review of results and appeals

You are entitled to ask for a review of the marking and grading of your assessment task if there is an irregularity in the marking standards or an error in the process for determining the outcome of an assessment. Details on how to request a review of a mark for an assignment are outlined in the Review and Appeal of Academic Decisions Procedure.