Biofilms and Microbial Communities

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Describe in detail concepts in biofilm research including: a) The distinction, in terms of physiology and behaviour, between free-living bacteria and biofilm bacteria in environmental and medical settings, b) The biofilm life-cycle, including attachment, development, differentiation, and dispersal that is now established for a number of core model organisms in biofilm research c) The biofilm extracellular matrix, its composition and importance for bacterial survival, d) Evolutionary processes within biofilms, such as cooperation and cheating, and their implications for microbial multicellularity; e) Methods for studying microbial biofilms in the natural environment and disease f) Strategies for the control of biofilms in industrial, environmental or public health benefits
• Critically evaluate scientific data through use of published literature,
• Demonstrate effective written scientific communication skills.

The syllabus will concentrate on the following areas:

• Biofilm Development (attachment, differentiation and dispersal)
• Biofilm Physiology, Viability and Antibiotic Resistance
• Microbial Ecology Techniques
• Environmental Biofilms
• Clinical Biofilms
• Biofilms in Industry/Engineering (Biofilm Engineering and Biofilms in Drinking Water)
• Evolutionary/Population Processes in Biofilms

The contact teaching component of this module will be delivered by lecturing (20 lectures). A series of learning outcomes have been established and teaching and non-contact learning are closely aligned with these criteria. A number of the learning outcomes are focused on transferrable skills, including a critical review where students will critique a scientific research article.

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.