Microbiology and Professional English (10 cr)

Objective

The student
• knows the biochemically most important substances, their structures, and properties
• understands the structure of biological macromolecules and their role in cell structure and function
• understands the structures of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells
• understands the structure of the genome, the definition of a gene, the principle of gene regulation, and the transfer of information from DNA to protein
• understands that microbes are found almost everywhere
• knows the classification of microbes, the characteristics of different microbial groups, and the basic principles of microbial identification
• knows the factors that influence microbial growth and how microbes are grown in the laboratory
• is able to work aseptically and understand the main working methods in a biological laboratory
• can use the basic equipment in the biological laboratory.

The student
• can communicate fluently and effectively in English in the context of learning and working in their professional field and can use English to develop their professional skills
• is able to acquire, process, and communicate information from a variety of sources relevant to their professional field, both orally and in writing
• has a realistic understanding of their language and communication skills and a positive attitude towards developing them as part of their professional competence.

Content

• Structure, characteristics, and function of biomolecules (lipids, carbohydrates, proteins, nucleic acids)
• Structure and function of genetic material
• Regulation of gene expression
• Cell cycle, DNA replication, and changes in genetic material
• Protein synthesis
• Structure of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells
• Viruses
• Classification of microbes (bacteria, archae, fungi, algae, protozoa, and parasitic worms)
• Microbial growth, cultivation and staining techniques of microbes, microscopy, mechanisms of microbial pathogenicity, vector-borne infections
• Basic biochemical and microbiological laboratory operations, e.g. aseptic technique, preparation of culture media, sterilization techniques, centrifugation, and handling of small volumes

The content of the course focuses on the following topics that will enhance your oral and written communication skills in English:
• Key professional interactions: individual and group communication
• Key concepts and terms used in the profession
• Textual conventions and documents used in the profession
• Acquisition, processing, application and communication of information
• Self-assessment of language and communication skills and development of learning strategies

Location and time

Leiritie 1, 4th period

Materials

Lecture materials and lab protocols.
Tortora, Funke & Case (2019): Microbiology An Introduction. 13th Ed. Pearson..
English: lectures and material provided by teacher.

Teaching methods

Laboratory works
Interactive lecture
Team working
English: lectures and assignmetns

Exam schedules

Exam Tuesdays, 29.4 (Hye) / 6.5 (Tiina)
re-exam possible

English exam (Petri)
For English, retake is possible only for failed/missed exam (English uses cont. assessment, in which points come from various sources). Exam and re-exam time agreed upon at lessons.

Completion alternatives

Recognition of Prior Learning

Student workload

Labs and lectures according to the schedule.
Homework
Group presentation

Content scheduling

KICK OFF lectures are given according to the schedule during week12.

Evaluation scale

0-5

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

The student
• demonstrates achievement of the key learning outcomes
• correctly uses specific concepts in the field
• can act in accordance with instructions in specific professional situations
• complies with safety instructions.

In communicating in English in situations related to their professional field, the student
• is confident with their ability to cope with situations in the professional language by asking clarifying questions and making short contributions
• understands the communication of the interlocutor so as to be able to act appropriately on it
• expresses their ideas in a simple and largely coherent manner and with a reasonable degree of comprehension, even when there are shortcomings in the specific language of the profession and when there are language errors which hinder the transmission of the message
• produces simple texts in a structured form independently, as well as more complex texts with the aid of linguistic tools.

Assessment criteria, good (3)

The student
• demonstrates familiarity with the concepts and knowledge base of the field
• can perform well in tasks and situations typical of the profession
• is able to work safely in a biological laboratory.

In communicative situations in English related to the profession, the student
• is confident with their communication skills to cope with language situations in the field in accordance with the objectives of the professional task
• exchanges ideas as an equal partner with an independent language user
• communicates proactively in professional language situations, taking into account to some extent the linguistic and cultural backgrounds of the participants and the requirements of the situation
• speaks clearly and in detail without delay
• uses professional vocabulary accurately
• pronounces English clearly so that the overall message is conveyed
• produces texts for different purposes without linguistic deficiencies that would interfere with the message.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

The student
• uses concepts and knowledge in a coherent way
• evaluates and uses different sources of information
• acts independently and responsibly in a professional situation
• acts with due regard for safety.

In communicative situations in English related to their professional field, the student
• has confidence with their communication skills to participate proactively in situations in which they use the language of the field, in accordance with the conventions of the different communication situations
• exchanges ideas clearly and fluently as an equal partner with a competent user of the language
• communicates proactively, including in demanding professional situations, taking into account the linguistic and cultural backgrounds of the participants
• speaks effectively and accurately
• uses sophisticated professional vocabulary accurately
• pronounces English clearly, with emphasis and rhythm to reinforce the overall message
• produces clear, well-structured and effective texts for various purposes.

Assessment methods and criteria

Group presentation
Assignments
Exams

Qualifications

Fundamentals of Chemistry 1
Fundamentals of Chemistry 2
Orientation to the Field and Studies