World of Microbes (5 cr)

Objective

Upon completing the course, the student will have an understanding of the microbial world and their role in various environments and processes. The student will have basic knowledge of different microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, viruses, etc.) and will have internalized the concepts of eukaryotes and prokaryotes.
Throughout the course, the student will explore the structures of microbes and cells and will understand the presence of microbes in various locations and environments: air, water, surfaces, food, and different industrial processes.
As the course progresses, the student will learn how microbes can be utilized in various processes and will be able to identify potential issues they may cause. The student will also understand how microbial growth can be controlled and prevented, and how microbes can be cultivated and studied. Additionally, the student will recognize the importance of aseptic techniques and personal hygiene in different stages of processes, such as laboratory work and sampling.

Content

Microbial classification, prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell structures. Genetic material of the cell and the expression of genetic information. The presence and role of microbes in the environment and in different processes. Microbial growth and growth control. Working aseptically and studying microbes in the laboratory.

Location and time

Leiritie 1, 3rd period

Materials

Lecture materials and lab protocols.
Brock Biology of Microorganisms.

Teaching methods

Laboratory works
Interactive lecture
Team working
Writing a report
Exam

Exam schedules

Re-exam in March 2025. The information about the re-exam will be provided closer to the date.

Student workload

-Lectures and laboratory work according to the course schedule
-Writing the laboratory report in a group
-Preparing for the exam

Content scheduling

According to course schedule.

Further information

The course KICK OFF event will be held in week 3, on January 14th 2025, according to the schedule.
The course lecturer and responsible teacher is Markus Räsänen.

Evaluation scale

0-5

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

• A superficial understanding of microbes and their role in the environment and processes
• Lack of knowledge of microbial classification and limited knowledge of the structures of different cells
• Insufficient knowledge and application of factors influencing microbial growth in practice
• Proficient in basic aseptic technique

Assessment criteria, good (3)

• A good understanding of the prevalence of microbes and their role in the environment and in different processes
• Can classify microbes and understand different cell structures
• Knowledge of the factors influencing microbial growth and some practical application of knowledge
• Has a good command of aseptic work

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

• Excellent understanding of the prevalence of microbes and their role in nature and different processes
• Advanced knowledge of microbial classification and cellular structures
• Knowledge of the factors influencing microbial growth and how different methods can be used to prevent and control microbial growth
• Has an excellent knowledge of aseptic work

Assessment criteria, approved/failed

• A superficial understanding of microbes and their role in the environment and processes
• Lack of knowledge of microbial classification and limited knowledge of the structures of different cells
• Insufficient knowledge and application of factors influencing microbial growth in practice
• Proficient in basic aseptic technique

Assessment methods and criteria

-Participation in laboratory work: approved/rejected; max. 1 absence which results in a -10 point deduction in course points; laboratory work can be replaced in other groups
-Exam: 80 points
-Group-specific laboratory report: 20 points
= Total 100 points

Course feedback: max. 5 additional points

If over 80% of course attendees submit the course feedback (deadline March 14th, 2025), all students will receive an additional 5 points to their total course points.
If over 70% submit, they will receive 3 additional points.
If over 60% submit, they will receive 1 additional point.

The passing grade for the course is 40 points. Grading boundaries can be found in the course info document in the course workspace.

Qualifications

Participation in the Introduction to Professional Communication course.

Further information

The course includes laboratory exercises in microbiology