General Microbiology

The course gives an introduction to the prokaryotic microorganisms (bacteria and archaea) and virus; their systematics, physiology and genetics / molecular biology. Energy metabolism, regulation, gene transfer and microbial diversity / evolution are the main topics. The role of microorganisms in biogeochemical cycles, biotechnology and medicine will also be discussed.

The laboratory course gives an introduction to basic microbiology techniques and methods such as enrichments, cultivation, microscopy, isolation, characterization and identification of microorganisms as well as genetic analysis.

On completion of the course the student should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

The student

• can identify the important groups of bacteria and archaea, their metabolism, environment adaptations and ecological as well as evolutionary aspects
• can describe the nutrient requirements, growth, regulation and gene transfer of microorganisms
• can describe viruses, their structural composition and replication cycle
• can explain the theoretical principles behind key microbiology techniques
• can recognize that microbiology is a continuously and rapidly evolving field and explain how the development of new technologies (e.g., sequencing) has expanded knowledge of microbial diversity

Skills

The student

• can perform sterile technique while handling microorganisms
• can practice microbiology in a responsible and safe manner, using appropriate safety equipment and adhering to emergency procedures and guidelines
• can perform basic laboratory techniques, following a laboratory protocol
• can grow and isolate microorganisms using basic cultivation techniques
• can perform a bacteriological assessment of drinking water
• can apply and discuss appropriate physiological and genetic methods to characterize microorganisms
• can prepare, view, and analyze microbiological samples using brightfield microscopy
• can document and communicate the methods, results, and conclusions from microbiology experiments in writing and orally, using precise scientific language
• can identify, interpret, and evaluate credible sources of information and cite them appropriately

General competence

The student

• can apply concise terminology to describe and discuss issues related to microbiology and relevance of microorganisms in society
• can demonstrate the ability to work independently and in collaboration with others during laboratory work, as well as give and receive feedback

Autumn.

This course has a limited capacity, enrolment is based on application. The application deadline is Wednesday in week 33 for the autumn semester. Please see this page for more information. You will receive confirmation of whether you received a seat in Studentweb no later than Monday the week after the deadline.

It is compulsory to attend the first lecture/orientation meeting, or you risk losing your seat. If you are unable to attend the first lecture, you must contact the Study Section (studie.bio@uib.no). The time of the first lecture/orientation meeting can be found in the schedule on the course website or on Mitt UiB.

Students who have the course as a mandatory course in their degree are guaranteed a place if they apply before the application deadline.

If there are more applicants than available places, students will be given priority as follows:

1. Students enrolled in the Master’s programme in Biology
2. Students enrolled in the Master’s programme in Molecular Biology
3. Students enrolled in the last year of the Bachelor’s programme in Biology
4. Students enrolled in the last year of the Bachelor’s programme in Molecular Biology
5. Students enrolled in other bachelor's and master's programme at the Faculty of Science and Technology
6. Students with postgraduate study rights

For some courses, there is a separate quota of places for exchange students. Exchange students who have preapproved a place on the course are guaranteed a place on the course. Additional exchange students can apply for admission to the course, but are not guaranteed a place.