Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2025 (28/07/2025 - 22/11/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Chemistry & Molec Biosciences
To provide an advanced version of MICR2000 Microbiology and Immunology for the B Advanced Science Cohort. In particular this will involve an advanced research laboratory practical component (and accompanying assessment) that is not offered to MICR2000 students.
Microorganisms encompass the greatest evolutionary and metabolic diversity of all living organisms on the planet. Microbiology is the study of these microorganisms which individually cannot be seen without the aid of a microscope. They include the prokaryotic cellular organisms such as the archaea and bacteria, eukaryotic organisms such as yeasts and filamentous fungi, and the non-cellular viruses. Microbes were the first forms of biological life to evolve over 3.5 billion years ago and continue to shape and sustain the environment. Some microorganisms are serious pathogens of humans, animals, or plants, but others have beneficial biotechnological applications in industry, agriculture, and waste water treatment. In this introductory course you will explore the diversity of microorganisms, their cellular biology, growth and nutrition, metabolism, and basic genetics. You will learn of the role of microorganisms in disease, as well as their ecology and applications in biotechnology. You will also gain an insight into the immune response to infection by studying the innate, humoral and cellular immune systems and their functions in health and disease. You will undertake laboratory experiments to demonstrate principles learned in the lectures, and gain practical skills to aseptically handle cultures safely for isolation and identification. This course provides the fundamental knowledge and skills needed to proceed further in microbiology, but also for all courses or disciplines involving molecular biology and biotechnology.
While MICR2900 will share the same foundation as MICR2000, there will be an additional module of hands-on laboratory research that ties into assessment tasks tailored specifically for this advanced version of the course. ﾠThe laboratory skills and activities covered in this module will align directly to third-level courses in biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics, biotechnology, immunology, and microbiology majors.
Course requirements
Assumed background
It is expected students have completed BIOL1020 (a prerequisite)ﾠso they are familiar with some of the fundamental concepts in prokaryotic and eukaryotic biology. ﾠSome concepts from BIOL1030 will also be covered in this course.
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
BIOL1020
Recommended prerequisites
We recommend completing the following courses before enrolling in this one:
BIOC2000 or BIOC2900
Recommended companion or co-requisite courses
We recommend completing the following courses at the same time:
BIOL2202 or BIOL2902
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
MICR2000 (co-taught)
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Associate Professor David Muller
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
Check your online timetable regularly.
Aims and outcomes
• To give an introduction to Microbiology with an overview of microorganisms, structure and function, growth and nutrition, metabolism, evolution and ecology, microbial diversity and biodiscovery.
• To introduce environmental microbiology, which examines the role of microorganisms in environmental sustainability and biotechnology.
• To explore the role of microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites) in infectious diseases and give students an appreciation of the mechanisms employed by microorganisms to cause disease as well as understanding of how infectious diseases are controlled and prevented.
• To give an introduction to immunology with examples that demonstrate the role of the immune system in human health and disease.
• To provide a curriculum informed by active research in key modules: environmental microbiology, virology, bacteriology, immunology. Students will actively participate in undergraduate research experiences in this course.
• To provide practical sessions that demonstrate microbiological and immunological principles and teach students current techniques in these disciplines.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Identify fundamental concepts in microbiology that are required for further studies in microbiology, molecular biology, and biotechnology
LO2.
Explain the structure and function of the components of a variety of microbial cells
LO3.
Categorize prokaryotic, eukaryotic, and viral microorganisms based on their growth, nutrition, metabolism, and physiological diversity
LO4.
Apply the principles of molecular phylogeny to explain the diversity and evolutionary relationships of microorganisms (archaea, bacteria, fungi, protozoa, algae, and viruses) across a variety of ecosystems.
LO5.
Identify microorganisms that are important in health and disease in mammals through their transmission cycles, modes of replication, and mechanisms of pathogenesis
LO6.
Differentiate between the different aspects of the immune system (innate, humoral, cellular) and explain how each component would respond in both healthy and diseased states
LO7.
Proficiently utilise technical laboratory skills to study bacteria, viruses, and the immune response while maintaining high safety standards
LO8.
Clearly communicate experimental results through the accurate recording and evaluation of experimental observations
LO9.
Design experiments that apply advanced laboratory techniques to answer novel research questions in microbiology.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Notebook/ Logbook, Practical/ Demonstration |
Laboratory Practicals
|
15% |
20/08/2025 - 24/10/2025 |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Presentation |
Science Communication Assessment
|
35% |
Podcast due 10/09/2025 2:00 pm Report due 29/10/2025 2:00 pm |
| Examination |
End of semester Exam
|
50% |
End of Semester Exam Period 8/11/2025 - 22/11/2025 |
A hurdle is an assessment requirement that must be satisfied in order to receive a specific grade for the course. Check the assessment details for more information about hurdle requirements.
Assessment details
Laboratory Practicals
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance
- Category
- Notebook/ Logbook, Practical/ Demonstration
- Weight
- 15%
- Due date
20/08/2025 - 24/10/2025
Task description
Your hands-on competencies in core microbiology laboratory skills learnt throughout the practicals in this course (foundation module) will be worth 15%. These will be assessed in-person during the laboratory practicals scheduled for weeks 7 and 8. The advanced research module will take place from weeks 9 to 12 and be assessed separately (see Science Communication Assessment below).
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT)
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Absence from a Practical Session
You must attend 100% of the laboratory component of this course.
If you are unable to attend your timetabled practical session due to circumstances beyond your control (e.g., illness) you must submit a practical absence request immediately accompanied by acceptable supporting documentation that covers the date of the missed practical.
A list of acceptable reasons and required supporting documentation is found at: https://my.uq.edu.au/information-and-services/manage-my-program/exams-and-assessment/applying-assessment-extension?p=1#1
Requests for practical absences can be submitted via the course Blackboard site under the Assessment tab > Practical (Pass/Fail) > Applying for Practical Absences. Your request must be submitted prior to or on the day of the missed practical; it is your responsibility to submit an application and provide correct documentation by the due date and time. Request without correct supporting documentation may not be approved. If the reason for your absence is not approved, you will be considered as absent from that practical session and the laboratory attendance hurdle may apply.
Extensions will not be granted for alternate assessment (unless exceptional circumstances can be demonstrated).
Once submitted please complete the relevant alternative assessment on the MICR2000/2900/6000 Blackboard site. You can find the alternative assessment in the Learning Resources tab and under the Laboratory Practical Resources folder. You only need to complete alternative assessment relevant to the week of the missed practicals.
Hurdle requirements
See ADDITIONAL COURSE GRADING INFORMATION for the hurdle/s relating to this assessment item.Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
See TASK DESCRIPTION for instructions on how to apply for a practical absence.
Science Communication Assessment
- Online
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance, Product/ Artefact/ Multimedia, Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Presentation
- Weight
- 35%
- Due date
Podcast due 10/09/2025 2:00 pm
Report due 29/10/2025 2:00 pm
Task description
The Science Communication Assessment will comprise of two components:
- An audio podcast communicating scientific results to the general public (15% of the course mark) - due in week 7
- A laboratory report communicating the results of your advanced research module to scientists (20% of the course mark) - due in week 13
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT)
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI or MT in each instance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Submit your assessment through the course Turnitin submission point in Blackboard.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Applications for extension
Extension applications must be received no later than 24 hours after the published assessment due date and time.
Read the information contained in the following links carefully before submitting an application for extension to assessment due date.
For guidance on applying for an extension, information is available here.
For the policy relating to extensions, information is available here (Part D).
Information on medical certificates
Please note the University's requirements for medical certificates here.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
You are required to submit assessable items on time. If you fail to meet the submission deadline for any assessment item, then 10% of the maximum possible mark for the assessment item (assessment ‘marked from’ value) will be deducted as a late penalty for every day (or part day) late after the due date. For example, if you submit your assignment 1 hour late, you will be penalised 10%; if your assignment is 24.5 hours late, you will be penalised 20% (because it is late by one 24-hour period plus part of another 24-hour period). 10% will be deducted per day for up to 7 calendar days, at which point your submission will receive a mark of zero (0) unless an extension has been approved.
In most instances one or more hurdles will apply to your assessment item so you will need to submit it to fulfil the requirements of the course regardless of how late it is and the mark you are likely to be awarded.
End of semester Exam
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 50%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
8/11/2025 - 22/11/2025
Task description
The on-campus, invigilated end of semester examination will sample your knowledge of topics covered throughout the whole semester. A single viewing session will be held AFTER any deferred/supplementary examinations have taken place and have been marked, at a time when all of the relevant examiners are available.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of Generative AI may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Hurdle requirements
See ADDITIONAL COURSE GRADING INFORMATION for the hurdle/s relating to this assessment item.Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 120 minutes |
| Calculator options | (In person) Casio FX82 series only or UQ approved and labelled calculator |
| Open/closed book | Closed book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Exam platform | Paper based |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Each student's cumulative performance across all course assessment tasks is used to determine their course percentage. The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 0% |
| 2 (Fail) |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Each student's cumulative performance across all course assessment tasks is used to determine their course percentage. The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 30% |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: Each student's cumulative performance across all course assessment tasks is used to determine their course percentage. The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 45% |
| 4 (Pass) |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Each student's cumulative performance across all course assessment tasks is used to determine their course percentage. Students must obtain an overall course mark of 50% or more, obtain a mark of 40% or more in the end of semester exam, and complete and submit all other course assessment items and learning tasks. See the course assessment hurdles for more details. The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 50% |
| 5 (Credit) |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Each student's cumulative performance across all course assessment tasks is used to determine their course percentage. Students must obtain an overall course mark of 65% or more, obtain a mark of 40% or more in the end of semester exam, and complete and submit all other course assessment items and learning tasks. See the course assessment hurdles for more details. The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 65% |
| 6 (Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Each student's cumulative performance across all course assessment tasks is used to determine their course percentage. Students must obtain an overall course mark of 75% or more, obtain a mark of 40% or more in the end of semester exam, and complete and submit all other course assessment items and learning tasks. See the course assessment hurdles for more details. The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 75% |
| 7 (High Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Each student's cumulative performance across all course assessment tasks is used to determine their course percentage. Students must obtain an overall course mark of 85% or more, obtain a mark of 40% or more in the end of semester exam, and complete and submit all other course assessment items and learning tasks. See the course assessment hurdles for more details. The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 85% |
Additional course grading information
Assessment Hurdles
In order to pass this course, you must meet ALL of the following requirements (if you do not meet these requirements, the maximum grade you will receive will be a 3):
1. You must obtain an overall mark of 40% or more on the end of semester exam; and
2. You must complete 100% of the laboratory component of the course.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Should you fail a course with a grade of 3, you may be eligible for supplementary assessment. Refer to my.UQ for information on supplementary assessment and how to apply.
Supplementary assessment provides an additional opportunity to demonstrate you have achieved all the required learning outcomes for a course.
If you apply and are granted supplementary assessment, the type of supplementary assessment set will consider which learning outcome(s) have not been met.
Supplementary assessment can take any form (such as a written report, oral presentation, examination or other appropriate assessment) and may test specific learning outcomes tailored to the individual student, or all learning outcomes.
To receive a passing grade of 3S4, you must obtain a mark of 50% or more on the supplementary assessment.
Additional assessment information
Assessment Submission
It is the responsibility of the student to ensure the on time, correct and complete submission of all assessment items.
Students are responsible for retaining evidence of submission by the due date for all assessment items, in the required form (for example, screenshot, email, photo, and an unaltered copy of submitted work).
In the case of a Blackboard outage, contact the Course Coordinator as soon as possible to confirm the outage with ITS.
Assessment/Attendance
Notify your Course Coordinator as soon as you become aware of any issue that may affect your ability to meet the assessment/attendance requirements of the course. The my.UQ website and the Course Profile (CP) for your course provide information about your course requirements, the rules associated with your courses and services offered by the University.
A note for repeating students in this course
Only learning activities and/or assessment items completed during the study period of enrolment, including any approved extensions, may contribute to your grade in this course. The whole or partial use of assessment items previously submitted for the same course, for a course at any institution, or for published material, is not permitted without written permission of the Course Coordinator.
Important Note
Turnitin is to be used for assignments/laboratory reports to check for plagiarism. Penalties can be severe for plagiarism.
The University has adopted the following definition of plagiarism: Plagiarism is the act of misrepresenting as one's own original work the ideas, interpretations, words or creative works of another either intentionally or unintentionally. These include published and unpublished documents, designs, music, sounds, images, photographs, computer codes and ideas gained through working in a group. These ideas, interpretations, words or works may be found in print and/or electronic media.
Students should read the UQ Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
Other course materials
If we've listed something under further requirement, you'll need to provide your own.
Required
| Item | Description | Further Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Laboratory Coat and Safety Glasses | PPE required for laboratory practical classes | own item needed |
Additional learning resources information
Blackboard
Additional supplementary material may be posted on the Blackboard site for ﾠMICR2900 at learn.uq.edu.au
Check the Announcements section of the Blackboard site regularly for information updates. The final exams will be the same format as in MICR2000 so please use past exams from MICR2000 for reference.
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Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Week 1 (28 Jul - 03 Aug) |
Lecture |
Introduction to Microorganisms Jack Wang - 3 lectures |
Week 2 (04 Aug - 10 Aug) |
Lecture |
Microbial Growth Mark Schembri - 3 lectures |
Multiple weeks From Week 3 To Week 4 |
Lecture |
Bacterial Pathogenesis Jack Wang - 5 lectures |
Multiple weeks From Week 4 To Week 12 |
Practical |
Laboratory Practical series 3 hour laboratory practical sessions will run once a week from weeks 4 to 8. We will provide hands-on training in laboratory techniques used to isolate, identify, and experiment on microorganisms, as well as their usage in immunological applications. This will then be followed by an advanced research module from weeks 9-12. |
Multiple weeks From Week 4 To Week 6 |
Lecture |
Virology David Muller - 6 lectures |
Multiple weeks From Week 6 To Week 7 |
Lecture |
Environmental Microbiology Paul Evans - 4 lectures |
Multiple weeks From Week 8 To Week 9 |
Lecture |
Mycology James Fraser - 4 lectures |
Multiple weeks From Week 9 To Week 11 |
Lecture |
Immunology Kate Stacey - 7 lectures |
Week 12 (20 Oct - 26 Oct) |
Lecture |
Parasitology Stephen Barker - 2 lectures |
Week 13 (27 Oct - 02 Nov) |
Lecture |
Feedback + Course Review Assessment feedback + Course Review in preparation for the final exam. Jack Wang |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments for Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.
You'll also need to be aware of the following policies and procedures while completing this course:
- Laboratory Occupational Health and Safety