PLANT SC 2500WT - Microbiology and Invertebrate Biology II

Waite Campus - Semester 1 - 2025

An introduction to the biology of microorganisms and invertebrates of importance in agriculture, food, wine and natural ecosystems. Topics to be considered include: microbial growth, energy sources and nutritional categories; form and function of major groups of microorganisms; classification and identification; features of saprophytic, pathogenic, symbiotic and commensal lifestyles; interactions of microorganisms with their environment, including plants and animals; case studies of natural and managed microbial ecosystems; basic concepts of invertebrate taxonomy, physiology and function; external and internal anatomy; reproduction, life cycles, feeding relationships; practical skills for manipulating microorganisms and invertebrates and studying their activities.

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Course Details

Course Code	PLANT SC 2500WT
Course	Microbiology and Invertebrate Biology II
Coordinating Unit	Agricultural Science
Term	Semester 1
Level	Undergraduate
Location/s	Waite Campus
Units	3
Contact	Up to 6 hours per week
Available for Study Abroad and Exchange	Y
Incompatible	OENOLOGY 2501WT or PLANT SC 2520WT
Assumed Knowledge	BIOLOGY 1101 or BIOLOGY 1001
Assessment	Exam, practical reports, group project, quizzes

Course Staff

Course Coordinator: Associate Professor Ken Chalmers

Dr Karina Riggs- Course coordinator,
School of Agriculture, Food and Wine,
Rm 126, Charles Hawker Building, Waite Campus,
Tel (08) 8313 0169
karina.riggs@adelaide.edu.au

Course Timetable

The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from .

Course Learning Outcomes

1	describe the nature and activities of microorganisms and invertebrates in agriculture, food and wine
2	demonstrate an understanding of the growth, handling and identification of microorganisms
3	describe the structure, function and evolution of the main invertebrate taxa relevant to agriculture, food and wine
4	apply an understanding of the processes involved in the recognition of key groups of invertebrates
5	demonstrate effective information handling and communication skills through individual and group work

最新糖心Vlog Graduate Attributes

This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

最新糖心Vlog Graduate Attribute	Course Learning Outcome(s)
Attribute 1: Deep discipline knowledge and intellectual breadth Graduates have comprehensive knowledge and understanding of their subject area, the ability to engage with different traditions of thought, and the ability to apply their knowledge in practice including in multi-disciplinary or multi-professional contexts.	1-4
Attribute 2: Creative and critical thinking, and problem solving Graduates are effective problems-solvers, able to apply critical, creative and evidence-based thinking to conceive innovative responses to future challenges.	2,4,5
Attribute 3: Teamwork and communication skills Graduates convey ideas and information effectively to a range of audiences for a variety of purposes and contribute in a positive and collaborative manner to achieving common goals.	5
Attribute 4: Professionalism and leadership readiness Graduates engage in professional behaviour and have the potential to be entrepreneurial and take leadership roles in their chosen occupations or careers and communities.	1-5
Attribute 5: Intercultural and ethical competency Graduates are responsible and effective global citizens whose personal values and practices are consistent with their roles as responsible members of society.	5
Attribute 6: 最新糖心Vlogn Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural competency Graduates have an understanding of, and respect for, 最新糖心Vlogn Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander values, culture and knowledge.	1
Attribute 7: Digital capabilities Graduates are well prepared for living, learning and working in a digital society.	4, 5
Attribute 8: Self-awareness and emotional intelligence Graduates are self-aware and reflective; they are flexible and resilient and have the capacity to accept and give constructive feedback; they act with integrity and take responsibility for their actions.	5

Learning Resources

Required Resources

A lab coat and closed footwear must be worn in every practical session.

Recommended Resources

Recommended reading

Communication

Cargill M and Bellotti M (2004) Written Communication in the Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences, The 最新糖心Vlog of Adelaide. http://www.agwine.adelaide.edu.au/students/external/carwripg1.pdf

General microbiology and bacteria

Madigan MT, Martinko JM et al. (2012) Brock Biology of Microorganisms (13th edition). Pearson. (earlier editions, 2000 onwards, are also suitable).

Willey JM, Sherwood LM and Woolverton CJ (2017) Prescott’s Microbiology (10th edition). McGraw-Hill. (earlier editions, 2005 onwards, are also suitable).

Fungi

Deacon JW (2006) Fungal Biology (4th edition). Blackwell Publishing.

Ingold CT and Hudson HJ (1993) The Biology of Fungi (6th edition). Chapman & Hall.

Virology

Hull R (2009 or electronic resource) Comparative Plant Virology (2nd edition). Academic Press.

Wagner EK and Hewlett MJ (2004) Basic Virology (2nd edition). Blackwell Publishing.

Applied microbiology

Agrios GN (1997, 2005 or electronic resource) Plant Pathology (4th, 5th edition). Academic Press.

Pitt J and Hocking AD (1997) Fungi and Food Spoilage (2nd edition). Blackie Academic Publishers.

or Pitt J and Hocking AD (electronic resource) Fungi and Food Spoilage (3rd edition). Springer.

Invertebrate biology

Barker, GM (ed.) (2001 or electronic resource) The Biology of Terrestrial Molluscs. CABI Publishing, Wallingford, UK. 558 p.

Barnes RSK, Calow PP, Olive PJW, Golding DW and Spicer JI (2001) The invertebrates: a synthesis (3rd edition). Wiley-Blackwell.

Edwards, CA, Hendrix P and Arancon N (2008) Biology and ecology of earthworms (4th edition). Springer, New York.

Harvey, MS and Yen AL (1989) Worms to wasps: an illustrated guide to 最新糖心Vlog's terrestrial invertebrates. Oxford 最新糖心Vlog Press.

Moore J (2006 or electronic resource) An introduction to the invertebrates (2nd edition). Cambridge 最新糖心Vlog Press.

Naumann ID (ed.) (1994) Systematic and applied entomology: an introduction. Melbourne 最新糖心Vlog Press.

Ruppert EE, Fox RS and Barnes RD (2004) Invertebrate zoology: a functional evolutionary approach, 7th ed. Thomson-Brooks/Cole.

Triplehorn CA and Johnson NF (2005) Borror and DeLong's Introduction to the Study of Insects (pp. 401-402). Belmont, CA: Thomson Brooks/Cole.

Online Learning

Teaching and course materials will be posted on MyUni (http://myuni.adelaide.edu.au/). Lectures will be recorded and posted on MyUni. A series of videos demonstrating common microbiological techniques will be available on MyUni (Practicals pages). Interactive pre-laboratory activities will be used in formative and summative assessment. Online quizzes will be available to help with review and revision (formative assessment).
Learning & Teaching Activities

Learning & Teaching Modes

Lectures are supported by online activities and laboratory work that develop and reinforce material covered in lectures. Microbiology project work in weeks 4-6 and invertebrate collection in weeks 9-12 allow students to synthesise and apply the skills learned in the course to address practical situations.

Workload

The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

Lectures: 2 hours
Practicals: 2-3 hours per week
Reading (lecture material, practical manual) and preparation for practicals, including online activities: approximately 6 hours per week
Preparation of project poster: approximately 6-8 hours (total)
Revision for exams: approximately 20 hours
Estimated average weekly workload: 12 hours

Learning Activities Summary

Week 1 of 13
Topic: Introduction and overview of microorganisms
Lecture: Role and importance of microbiology in agriculture and related areas
Lecture: Microbial growth and its control
Practical: Microbial culture techniques, use of dissecting and compound microscopes

Week 2 of 13
Topic: Bacteria and fungi
Lecture: Bacteria - form and function
Lecture: Fungi - form and function
Practical: Single-celled microorganisms: form and function

Week 3 of 13
Topic: Viruses, Identification and classification
Lecture: Viruses - form and function
Lecture: Identification and classification of microorganisms
Practical: Complete work on single-celled microorganisms; Multi-celled microorganisms - form and function

Week 4 of 13
Topic: Microbial ecosystems
Lecture: Microbial ecosystems - introduction
Lecture: Food fermentaion and spoilage
Practical: Project work on activities of microorganisms

Week 5 of 13
Topic: Microbial ecosystems
Lecture: Plant-microbe interactions – disease
Lecture: Plant disease and control
Practical: Project work (continued, 1 hour); Microbes as pathogens: bacteria, fungi and virus diseases

Week 6 of 13
Topic: Microbial ecosystems
Lecture: Plant-microbe interactions – rhizobium
Lecture: Bioremediation, compost, silage
Practical: Project work (continued)

Week 7 of 13
Topic: Microbial ecosystems
Lectures: Rumen microbiology
Practical: Rumen microbiology

Week 8 of 13
Introduction to the Invertebrate collection
Applications of microbiology in Agriculture - Plant Accelerator & Arboretum tours

Week 9 of 13
Topic: Invertebrate biology
Lecture: Overview of invertebrates of importance in agriculture, viticulture and food production, Platyhelminths
Lecture: Annelida (earthworms and leeches), Mollusca (snails and slugs)
Practical: Principles and practices for collecting and preserving invertebrates

Week 10 of 13
Topic: Invertebrate biology
Lecture: Nematoda (nematodes as animal and plant parasites)
Lecture: Arthropoda (slaters, millipedes, centipedes)
Practical: Worms, snails, slugs and nematodes: anatomy, biology and ecology

Week 11 of 13
Topic: Invertebrate biology
Lecture: Arachnida (spiders, mites, ticks)
Lecture: Hexapoda (insects and related organisms)
Practical: Arthropod identification: anatomy, biology and ecology

Week 12 of 13
Topic: Invertebrate biology
Lectures: Hexapoda (insects and related organisms)
Practical: Quizz on practicals 9-11; Invertebrate collection: identification and curation

Week 13 of 13
Optional revision sessions will be offered.

Specific Course Requirements

Attendance at practicals is compulsory.

The 最新糖心Vlog's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
Assessment must maintain academic standards.

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Type of assessment	Percentage for grading purposes	Hurdle?	Approximate timing of assessment	Learning Outcome
Practical assignments	Formative and Summative	26%	No	Weeks 1-3, 5, 8, 9-12	1-5
Microbiology project work	Formative and summative	20%	No	Weeks 4-6, 9	1, 2, 5
Quiz on invertebrate biology practicals 9-11	Summative	4%	No	Week 12	3, 4, 5
Online quizzes for learning and revision	Formative	0%	No	Weeks 2-13	1-4
Final exam	Summative	50%	No	Exam period	1-5

Assessment Related Requirements

Attendance at practical classes is compulsory. Students who miss a practical session should obtain a replacement assessment from the lecturer in charge and submit it on the date advised. There will be no opportunity for additional assessment on the practical component of the course.

Assessment Detail

Written examinations
Final examination: an end-of-semester written examination will be used to assess, summatively, understanding of the course material material covered in weeks 1-12 making up 50% in total of the final grade for the course.

Assessment of practical and tutorial work

Summative assessment and submission of work for assessment. Instructions for format, content and submission of practical reports, and project work will be provided by the lecturer concerned.

Practical report 1. Single- and multi-celled microorganisms; prepared in pairs, template distributed in class, data entered in practical sessions 2 and 3, due date to be advised in class, 5% of final mark, addresses learning objectives 1, 2, 5

Practical report 2. Plant disease; prepared in pairs, template distributed in class, due date to be advised in class, 5% of final mark, addresses learning objectives 1, 2, 5

Practical report 3. Rumen microbiology; individual exercise, instructions given in class, due date to be advised in class, 5% of final mark, addresses learning objectives 1, 2, 5

Practical report 4. Invertebrate collection; individual exercise, instructions given in class, due in week 13, 11% of final mark, addresses learning objectives 3, 4, 5

Microbiology project report (group poster). Microbial activities - experiments and interpretation; presented as one poster per group of students, instructions in practical manual, due on specified date, 20% of final mark, addresses learning objectives 1, 2, 5

Quiz. Invertebrate biology practical work; individual assessment task, instructions given in class, held in practical 12, 4% of final mark, addresses learning objectives 3, 4, 5

Submission

A completed assessment cover-sheet must be attached to each practical report. Practical reports are submitted in class unless stated otherwise.

A student who misses an assessed exercise or whose work is impaired through illness or equivalent may be offered a replacement assessment task.

Staff endeavour to return marked assessments and provide feedback to students within 2 weeks of submission.

Late submission of assessments
If an extension is not applied for, or not granted, then a penalty for late submission will apply. A penalty of 10% of the value of the assignment for each calendar day that is late (i.e. weekends count as 2 days), up to a maximum of 50% of the available marks will be applied. This means that an assignment that is 5 days or more late without an approved extension can only receive a maximum of 50% of the mark.

Course Grading

Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
Grade	Mark	Description
FNS		Fail No Submission
F	1-49	Fail
P	50-64	Pass
C	65-74	Credit
D	75-84	Distinction
HD	85-100	High Distinction
CN		Continuing
NFE		No Formal Examination
RP		Result Pending

Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

Final results for this course will be made available through .

Student Feedback

The 最新糖心Vlog places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the 最新糖心Vlog to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.
Student Support
Policies & Guidelines
This section contains links to relevant assessment-related policies and guidelines - all university policies.
Fraud Awareness

Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student鈥檚 disciplinary procedures.

The 最新糖心Vlog of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The 最新糖心Vlog of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.

Authorised by:	Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Academic)
Maintained by:	Course Outlines Administrator

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