Microbiology in Agriculture (AGRI20044)
Undergraduate level 2Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
Overview
| Availability | Semester 1 |
|---|---|
| Fees | Look up fees |
This subject introduces students to the diverse world of microbiology and the roles that microorganisms play in all aspects of agriculture, including animal, plant and soil science. The basic structure and biology of microorganisms will be covered, with a focus on bacteria, viruses and fungi. Aspects of molecular biology and genetics will also be introduced. The role that microorganisms play within the environment, in particular relating to plant, animal and soil health, will also be considered. The use of microorganisms in food and beverage production is also discussed, as well as how bioinformatics can be utilised in agricultural microbiology.
Intended learning outcomes
Students successfully completing this subject will be able to:
- Understand and accurately apply terminology used in the field of microbiology, and understand the fundamental differences between different types of microorganisms including bacteria, viruses, fungi, prions and protozoa
- Describe the structure and biology of bacterial cells, including the arrangement and replication of genetic material, and understand the concept of virulence and virulence factors
- Describe the structure and function of fungi
- Explain the fundamental concepts of virus structure and replication
- Explain how microorganisms may be detected within various environments, including how they may be cultivated within the laboratory setting, and molecular methods of detection
- Be able to carry out basic laboratory techniques related to microbiology and molecular biology
- Explain the various relationships microorganisms have with their environments, including pathogenic, symbiotic and commensal lifestyles
- Give examples of specific microorganisms important to animals, plants and soil ecosystems, and explain why these microorganisms are significant
- Explain how microorganisms are important in food and beverage production
- Explain how bioinformatics can be used in agricultural microbiology.
Generic skills
A student who satisfactorily completes this subject should be able to:
- Explain their understanding of microbiology as it relates to agriculture, both in writing and orally
- Review and evaluate readings relating to microbiology and agricultural production
- Participate as an effective member of a group in workshop discussions, and study groups
- Think independently and analytically, and direct his or her own learning; and
- Manage time effectively in order to be prepared for regular classes, tests and the examination
Last updated: 8 November 2024
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
Students must meet one of the following prerequisite sets:
SET A
One of
| Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| AGRI10050 | Agricultural Systems Biology | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| BIOL10006 | Systems Biology | Semester 1 (On Campus - Dookie) |
12.5 |
AND
One of
| Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| AGRI10051 | Genetics for Agriculture | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| AGRI10052 | Agricultural Genetics | Semester 2 (On Campus - Dookie) |
12.5 |
SET B
One of
| Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| BIOL10008 | Foundational Biology: Life's Machinery |
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
Summer Term (On Campus - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
| BIOL10009 | Biology: Life's Machinery | Not available in 2025 |
12.5 |
AND
One of
| Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| BIOL10010 | Foundational Biology: Life's Complexity | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| BIOL10011 | Biology: Life's Complexity | Not available in 2025 |
12.5 |
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 8 November 2024
Assessment
| Description | Timing | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
4 written assessment tasks worth 5% each; to be completed during practicals and/or workshops | Throughout the teaching period | 20% |
Intra-semester test held approximately week 6 or 7
| From Week 6 to Week 7 | 20% |
Examination
| End of semester | 60% |
| Hurdle requirement: Students must attend a minimum 80% of scheduled workshops/practical classes | N/A |
Last updated: 8 November 2024
Dates & times
- Semester 1
Principal coordinator Glenn Browning Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 54 hours. 33 hours of lectures and 21 hours of practicals or workshops Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 3 March 2025 to 1 June 2025 Last self-enrol date 14 March 2025 Census date 31 March 2025 Last date to withdraw without fail 9 May 2025 Assessment period ends 27 June 2025 Semester 1 contact information
What do these dates mean
Visit this webpage to find out about these key dates, including how they impact on:
- Your tuition fees, academic transcript and statements.
- And for Commonwealth Supported students, your:
- Student Learning Entitlement. This applies to all students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP).
Subjects withdrawn after the census date (including up to the ‘last day to withdraw without fail’) count toward the Student Learning Entitlement.
Last updated: 8 November 2024
Further information
- Texts
- Related Handbook entries
- Available through the Community Access Program
About the Community Access Program (CAP)
This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.
Please note Single Subject Studies via Community Access Program is not available to student visa holders or applicants
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
- Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students
Last updated: 8 November 2024