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Industrial Microbiology

HES2210

Duration
One Semester or equivalent

Prerequisites
BOO20002 The Microbial World

Corequisites
Nil

Contact hours
60 hours

Credit Points
12.5

Aims and learning outcomes

This unit aims to introduce the theory and practice in fermentation science and to provide an understanding of the concepts of screening and isolating industrially useful organisms.

Unit Learning Outcomes (ULO):

  1. Describe the characteristic features of industrial microbiological processes important for local industries.
  2. Discuss the different operations and activities in industrial microbiological processes
  3. Demonstrate how the metabolic capabilities of microorganisms can be harnessed in some industrial applications
  4. Conduct fermentation using microorganisms, and evaluate the outcome based on key production parameters.
  5. Apply screening techniques to identify microorganisms from tropical environment that produce industrially important metabolites and products

General skills outcomes:

  1. Communication skills
  2. Teamwork skills
  3. Digital literacies

Unit information

Learning and teaching structures

Scheduled face to face: Lectures (24 hours), Tutorials (12 hours), Laboratory Work (24 hours)
Non-scheduled online learning and assessment events and activities (Approx. 90 hours)

Minimum requirement to pass this units

As the minimum requirements of assessment to pass a unit and meet all Unit Learning Outcomes to a minimum standard, a student must achieve:

  • an aggregate mark of 50% or more, and
  • obtain at least 40% in the final exam, and
  • must complete a minimum fraction of 80% of laboratory work based on the criteria for successful completion as explained in the lab handout(s).

Students who do not successfully achieve at least 40% for the final exam will receive a maximum of 45% as the total mark for the unit.

Content

  • Isolation, screening and selection of useful microorganisms
  • Maintenance and preservation of microorganisms.
  • Model of microbial growth. Batch, semi-batch, fed-batch and continuous culture.
  • Bioreactor operation and design considerations.
  • Fermentation products.
  • Immobilized microorganisms and biocatalysts in biotransformations.
  • Methods of yield improvement and scale up.
  • Product harvesting and downstream processing, fermentation economics; patents; marketing.
  • Use of microorganisms in environment and agriculture, e.g. bioremediation and composting.

Assessments

Types Individual or Group Task Weighting Assesses attainment
of these ULOs
Quizzes Group & Individual 10% 1,2,3,4,5
Report Group & Individual 20% 1,2,3,4,5
Presentation Group 20% 1,2,3,4,5
Test Individual 20% 1,2,3
Examination Group 30% 2,3,4

Study Resources

Resources and reference material

  • A list of reading materials will be made available on the Canvas Unit Online