MICROBIOLOGY AND MYCOLOGY

Microbiology and Mycology By Prof. Jassiel Nyengani Zulu, University of Zambia, Department of Biological Sciences, Lusaka and Dr. Modest Diamond Varisanga, Open University of Tanzania, Faculty of Science, Technology and Environmental Studies. The Three Domains of micorbes Obtained from 30/03/2007 2. Prerequisite Courses or Knowledge In order to be allowed to do this module a learner should have acceptable High School qualifications or its equivalent qualifications for entry into University for Biology Science Education as required by the University. Exemptions may be extended to cases where pre-entry examinations exist, or where in-service Biology teachers are to be considered. Basic knowledge of structure and function of different cell types will be useful in understanding the concepts contained in this Module. 3. Time Module Development Template 2 120 hours, will be required to complete this module; 80 hours for the part dealing with Bacteria, Viruses and Protozoa and the remaining 40 hours for the part on Mycology. 4. Material Access to the following materials is necessary to facilitate the study of this Module: ● A hard copy (print) and electronic materials, including relevant CDs, CD-ROMS, videos, and other related learning aids. ● Relevant reference text books. ● Laboratory equipment such as a microscope, an autoclave, oven, an incubator (various temperatures), Petri plates, materials for bacterial and fungal media preparations, various staining chemicals, identification manuals and other laboratory equipment and materials for standard microbiology work ● Capacity to facilitate for site visits/field trips. 5. Module Rationale This Module provides a student with basic knowledge of the diversity of microorganisms. These are; bacteria, viruses, protozoa and fungi. Their biology as it relates to their economic importance in the environment are discussed in detail. The theory aspects of the module will be elaborated through relevant laboratory exercises to illustrate the principles and concepts of the subject matter. The knowledge attained will enhance the teacher’s ability to teach High School Biology. II. CONTENT 6. Overview This Module is a study of organisms that can not be seen with the unaided eye unless with the help of a microscope. They are referred to as microorganisms. More commonly they are called microbes. These are bacteria, viruses, protozoa and fungi. Although viruses are strictly not organisms, they too will be discussed under the same title for convenience. Mycology which is the study of fungi includes some groups like the mushrooms with macroscopic fruiting structures, which appear seasonally above the ground. The study of microbes is called microbiology. The module starts with the history of microbiology; the discovery of microbes and the development of sterile culture techniques, and goes on to explore the diversity of microbes, their major biological characteristics and economic importance. Examples of laboratory exercises meant to familiarise the students with microbiological techniques such as, media preparation, isolation, identification, culture maintenance, growth measurements, staining techniques and preservation are presented wherever applicable. Module Development Template 3 Outline Table 1: Module Coverage and Lecture Schedule Section Subsection Topic Hours Practical 6.1 History of Microbiology 3 Self study 6.2 Diversity of microbes 3 Compare electron (em) micrographs and drawings of typical representatives of each group 6.3 Bacteria 6.3.1. Structure, characteristics and Classification 4 Study the drawing of Escherichia coli And examine classification cladograms 6.3.2 Nutrition 4 Prepare a typical bacterial medium 6.3.3 Growth and reproduction 4 Study growth patterns of different types of bacteria 6.3.4 Genetics 6 Self study Laboratory activities 6..3.5 Economic significance Isolation, identification and culture techniques 6 Bacterial effects on plant growth and effect on milk 6.4 Viruses 6.4.1 Structure and characteristics 3 Study typical drawings of lambda virus 6.4.2 Classification 4 Compare drawings of different structures of viruses 6.4.3 Growth and Reproduction 6 Study visit to a virology laboratory 6.4.4 Economic importance 6 Effects on humans (Human Immuno deficiency syndrome) 6.4.5 Isolation, culture and identification techniques 4 Study visit to University laboratory for demonstrations 6.5 Protozoa 6.5.1 Structure and characteristics 6 Comparative pictures and videos 6.5.2 classification 3 Examine classification cladograms 6.5.3 Nutrition 4 Examples of malaria parasites 6.5.4 Growth and reproduction 6 Life cycle of a malaria parasite 6.5.5 Isolation, culture and identification Techniques 4 Study visit to a research institutes for identification demonstrations 6.5.6 Significance 4 Example of a malaria parasite Sub total hours 80 6.6 Fungi 6.6.1 Structure and characteristics 6 Study visit to a University laboratory to observe prepared slides Module Development Template 4 6.6.2 Classification of fungi 6 Study pictures and drawings of various types of fungi 6.6.3 Identification 4 Study visit to a research institutes for identification demonstrations 6.6.4 Nutrition 6 Study the effects of nutritional deficiencies on fugal growth 6.6.5 Growth 5 Watch a video demonstrating apical growth in a typical fungus 6.6.6 Reproduction 5 Pictures and drawings of reproductive structures 6.6.7 Ecology 4 Study visit to a brewing industry 6.6.8 Isolation, culture and identification techniques 4 Video show Sub total hours 40 Module Development Template 5 Module Development Template 6 7. General Objective(s) At the end of this Module, the learner should be able to; 7.1 describe the biology of microbes in terms of their structure and classification, growth patterns and reproduction including their nutritional needs. 7.2 outline the economic importance of microbes. 7.3 describe the different techniques in the isolation, identification, and culture of microbes. 7.4 apply the knowledge acquired from this course in the teaching of Biological sciences to High School pupils. 8. Specific Learning Objectives (Instructional Objectives) Unit 1: Bacteria At the end of this unit, the learner should be able to; 1. describe how bacteria were discovered. 2. discuss the development of the culture technique. 3. classify bacteria based on their characteristics 4. explain the nutritional requirements of bacteria. 5. discuss metabolic activities of bacteria. 6. describe the conditions necessary for optimum growth of bacteria. 7. explain the genetics of bacteria. 8. explain the economic importance of bacteria. 9. demonstrate the techniques used to isolate and stain bacteria for.