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 2025 in Semester 1 at Malaysia. It has no prerequisites and unlocks 4 units.
- Credit points
- 6
- Offered in 2025
- Semester 1
- Malaysia
- Assessment
- Exam 40%
- and 3 other tasks
This is the 2025 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.
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Requisites
Before BTH2830
No prerequisites or corequisites besides the enrolment rules below.
After BTH2830
4 units list BTH2830 as a prerequisite or corequisite.
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 2025
| Teaching period | Campus | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| First semester | Malaysia | On campus |
Assessment
- Laboratory reportsWritten20%
- Project30%
- Mid-semester testQuiz / Test10%
- Final assessment - Exam (2 hours and 10 minutes)Examination40%
Learning outcomes
When you finish this unit, you should be able to:
- 1
Describe the fundamentals of microorganisms in maintaining their life cycle and growth control;
- 2
Reflect the role and importance of microorganisms in medicine, food science and the environment;
- 3
Apply recognized microbiology methods and techniques collaboratively to achieve the experimental outcome;
- 4
Collect, analyse, interpret and present scientific data via oral or written methods.
Workload and teaching
- Tutorials12 hours
- Laboratories33 hours
- Teaching approachProblem-based learning
- Teaching approachOnline 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
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.
Online learning will be used to illustrate and explain the theory and concepts.
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.
Where it fits
BTH2830 is part of 4 areas of study in the 2025 handbook.
Contacts
- Chief Examiners
- Dr Adzzie Shazleen Azman
- Unit Coordinators
- Dr Adzzie Shazleen Azman
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 4 units, including BTH3722, BTH3732, FST3711 and FST3820.
When is BTH2830 offered?
In 2025, 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.
Which majors and minors include BTH2830?
BTH2830 is part of Applied microbiology, Biotechnology and Tropical environmental biology.