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MICROBIOLOGY

Major Combinations.
NQF Level: 5: CHE1501, CHE1502, CHE1503, BLG1501, EUP1501, STA1501
NQF Level: 6: MIB2601, MIB2602, MIB2603, MIB2604
NQF Level: 7: MIB3701, MIB3702, MIB3703, MIB3704

Introductory Microbiology - MIB2601
Under Graduate Degree Semester module NQF level: 6 Credits: 12
Module presented in English
Purpose: To gain insight into and understanding microbiology as a scientific discipline: to critically evaluate and understand the methodologies used by microbiologists to explain the organisation and structure of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells; to understand the fundamental principles and consequences of bacterial growth and reproduction, and to gain insight into the control of microorganisms by means of physical methods and chemicals.
Microbial Ecology - MIB2602
Under Graduate Degree Semester module NQF level: 6 Credits: 12
Module presented in English
Purpose: To understand basic concepts relevant to microbial ecology such as; the extent of microbial diversity, the interactions of microbial communities in various ecosystems and the role thereof in the biogeochemical circulation of nutrients and disease transmission as well as the application of microbial metabolism in biological wastewater treatment.
Introductory Microbial Genetics, Immunology and Epidemiology - MIB2603
Under Graduate Degree Semester module NQF level: 6 Credits: 12
Module presented in English Module presented online
Purpose: of this module is an introduction to bacterial genetics as well as immunology and epidemiology and as such will be useful to people who want to apply genetic manipulation, and diagnostic and epidemiological techniques, to achieve a better understanding of various disease processes. Students upon completion will be able to identify and describe the structures and functions of macromolecules found in the body, ranging from nucleic acids to immunoglobulins, and to explain, in basic terms, the processes involved in microbial genetics, the features and activation of the immune system and, in cases where the immune system is unable to prevent disease, the assessment and response by medical personnel to disease outbreaks.
Microbiology II (Practical) - MIB2604
Under Graduate Degree Year module NQF level: 6 Credits: 12
Module presented in English
Pre-requisite: CHE1501 or CHE1502 Co-requisite: Any 2 of MIB2601, MIB2602, MIB2603
Purpose: This unit standard is an introduction to practical microbiology as well as serology and as such will be useful to people who want to apply microscopy, serological and diagnostic techniques to achieve a better understanding and identification of agents responsible for various diseases and for identification of various cells. People credited with this unit standard are able to: learn safety procedures to work with confidence in modern microbiology laboratories; use light microscopy and specific stains to identify microorganisms; culture various bacteria on agar and selective media and identify the bacteria according to their growth characteristics; identify bacteria by using various methods including biochemical reactions and automated instruments; demonstrate serological reactions involving gels and blood typing; isolate and characterize bacteria from environmental sources including water, soil, and air; isolate and study bacteriophages; learn techniques involved in tissue culture; apply principles of basic personal hygiene and food cleaning to reduce the spread of pathogens.
Microbial Physiology - MIB3701
Under Graduate Degree Semester module NQF level: 7 Credits: 12
Module presented in English
Purpose: To understand the general principles of microbial metabolism; to obtain an overview of the principles governing energy generation during cellular metabolism and the integration and control of metabolic processes; the metabolic pathways involved in the assimilation (anabolism) and dissimilation (catabolism) of organic carbon-based compounds by microbial enzymes.
Advanced Microbial Genetics, Recombinant DNA Technology and Industrial Microbiology - MIB3702
Under Graduate Degree Semester module NQF level: 7 Credits: 12
Module presented in English
Purpose: To understand the concepts and events related to natural and artificial recombination processes, microbial genome analysis, characteristics and applications of extra-chromosomal genetic elements, transposons and phages in microbial recombinant DNA technology as well as the ethics thereof; the use of different microbial groups in industrial processes for the production of different fermented and metabolic products, in the treatment of hazardous waste, bioremediation of polluted environments, in biological control of pests and their role in the spoilage and preservation of food.
Microbial Diversity - MIB3703
Under Graduate Degree Semester module NQF level: 7 Credits: 12
Module presented in English
Purpose: To gain insight into the underlying principles of microbial diversity; to gain an overview of the unique diversity of the most important prokaryotic groups and fungi; and to gain insight into the general characteristics, chemical composition, structure and replication of bacterial, animal and plant viruses.
Microbiology III (Practical) - MIB3704
Under Graduate Degree Year module NQF level: 7 Credits: 12
Module presented in English
Pre-requisite: MIB2604 Co-requisite: Any two of the following: MIB3701, MIB3702, MIB3703
Purpose: of this module, students will have been exposed to a range of microbiology laboratory equipment such as basic measurement of bacterial colonies using colony counters to more advanced instruments such as thermocyclers and flow cytometers. They will be able to follow a laboratory protocol and analyse the data that is obtained from such a protocol. Students will also be able to describe laboratory techniques used in recombinant DNA experiments. Students will review techniques to recycle water and determine some industrial applications of microorganisms including the biological treatment of waste and xenobiotic compounds. Students will receive practical training and demonstrations involving the following instruments: micropipettes, laminar flow hood, biological safety hoods, inverted and standard microscopes, incubators for cell culture, incubators for bacterial growth, colony counters, dry blocks, bench top and floor standing centrifuges, autoclaves, pH meters, refrigerators and freezers (4ﾰ, -20ﾰ and -80ﾰC), water deionizer, hot plates, stirrers, balances, flow cytometer, standard and real time PCR cyclers, ELISA washer and spectrophotometer, advanced bacteriological identity analyzer, DNA sequencer, electrophoresis tanks and power packs and gel documentation system. Gas and liquid chromatography and inductively coupled plasma systems will be demonstrated in relation to water quality analysis.
Advanced Medical Microbiology - LSH4801
Honours Year module NQF level: 8 Credits: 24
Module presented in English Module presented online
Purpose: This module forms part of the Bachelor of Science Honours in Life Sciences and studies pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, prions and fungi from the viewpoint of zoonotic transfer, development of antibiotic resistance, development of vaccines and novels treatment strategies, aspects of epidemiology and laboratory methods used to diagnose and analyse pathogens.
Advanced Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology - LSH4802
Honours Year module NQF level: 8 Credits: 24
Module presented in English Module presented online
Purpose: Students completing this module can be able to do the following: (1) perform an adequate literature survey around the selected subject (2) present an adequate summary of the subject material to fellow students and lecturers (3) present a suitable conclusion to the subject, (4) respond to fellow studentsﾒ assessments of their presentations in advanced aspects of industrial microbiology.