UnitLevel 2Undergraduate

BTH2830 Fundamentals of microbiology

Faculty of Science

BTH2830 Fundamentals of microbiology is a level 2, 6-credit-point, undergraduate unit from the Faculty of Science, offered in 2027 in Semester 1 at Malaysia. It has no prerequisites and unlocks 5 units.

Credit points
6
Offered in 2027
Semester 1
Malaysia
Assessment
Exam 40%
and 3 other tasks

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Requisites

Enrolment rules

PREREQUISITE: Six credit points of level one biology

PROHIBITION: MIC2011

Overview

This unit has been designed to develop a better understanding of the microbial world, as a foundation for third-year level microbiology units. It consists of three essential parts, each containing a series of topics. The unit begins with a detailed understanding of microbiology and covers bacterial cell structure, growth, genetics, and metabolism. The second part focuses on fungi and viruses, understanding their structure and function, as well as their growth and control. Finally, their ecological role and importance to the medical and food industries will be discussed.

Offerings in 2027

Teaching periodCampusMode
First semesterMalaysiaOn campus

Assessment

  • Laboratory reportsWritten
    20%
  • Project
    30%
  • Mid-semester testQuiz / Test
    10%
  • Final assessment - Exam (2 hours and 10 minutes)Examination
    40%

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Learning outcomes

When you finish this unit, you should be able to:

  1. 1

    Describe the fundamentals of microorganisms in maintaining their life cycle and growth control;

  2. 2

    Reflect the role and importance of microorganisms in medicine, food science and the environment;

  3. 3

    Apply recognized microbiology methods and techniques collaboratively to achieve the experimental outcome;

  4. 4

    Collect, analyse, interpret and present scientific data via oral or written methods.

Workload and teaching

  • Tutorials12 hours
  • Laboratories33 hours
  • Teaching approachOnline learning
  • Teaching approachProblem-based learning
  • Teaching approachActive learning
  • Three 1-hour online video content or equivalent;
  • One 3-hour laboratory class (for eleven weeks);
  • One 1-hour tutorial and
  • Five to six hours of independent study per week

Online learning will be used to illustrate and explain the theory and concepts.

Problem-based learning will be explored in all classes and laboratory sessions and will enable the development of relevant observation and descriptive skills, as well as communication skills.

Active learning will occur in classes and lab sessions.

Learning resources

Required resources

  • Fully enclosed shoes
  • laboratory coat
  • laboratory log book/notebook

Recommended resources

  • Tortora, G. J., Funke, Berdell R, & Case, Christine L. (2016). Microbiology : An Introduction (12th ed., Global ed.), Pearson
  • Madigan, M.T., Bender, K.S., Buckley D.H., Sattley W.M. & Stahl, D.A. (2018) Brock Biology of Microorganisms 15th Edition, Pearson

Technology resources

You are requested to bring a smartphone, tablet, or laptop to tutorials to engage in activities.

Contacts

Unit Coordinators
Dr Ng Chen Seng
Chief Examiners
Dr Ng Chen Seng

Common questions

What are the prerequisites for BTH2830?

BTH2830 has no prerequisites, but enrolment rules apply.

What can I take after BTH2830?

BTH2830 is a prerequisite or corequisite for 5 units, including BTH3260, BTH3722, BTH3732, FST3711 and FST3820.

When is BTH2830 offered?

In 2027, BTH2830 runs in Semester 1 at Malaysia.

Does BTH2830 have an exam?

Yes. The exam is worth 40% of the final mark, alongside 3 other tasks.

More details

Credit points
6
Level
2
Study level
Undergraduate
Faculty
Faculty of Science
Organisational unit
Malaysia School of Science
Type
Coursework
EFTSL
0.125
Student contribution
SCA Band 2
Study abroad
Available