Outline

Overview

Microbes are essential for every aspect of life on the planet. Microbes in the human gut control our digestion and our immune system, microbes in the soil are required for plant growth, microbes in the ocean fix more carbon dioxide than all the Earth's trees. In this unit of study you will investigate the diversity and activity of microorganisms - viruses, bacteria, fungi, algae and protozoa - and look at how they interact with us, each other, plants and animals. You will examine how microbes underpin healthy ecosystems through nutrient cycling and biodegradation, their use industrially in biotechnology and food production, and their ability to cause harm, producing disease, poisoning, pollution and spoilage. Detailed aspects of microbial ecology, nutrition, physiology and genetics will also be introduced. This unit of study will provide you with the breadth of knowledge and skills needed for further studies of microbiology, and will provide the fundamental understanding of microbes that you will require to specialise in related fields such as biochemistry, molecular biology, immunology, agriculture, nutrition and food sciences, bioengineering and biotechnology, ecology, or science education. As an Advanced unit, MICR2931 provides increased challenge and academic rigour to develop a greater understanding and depth of disciplinary expertise. You will actively participate in a series of small group tutorials investigating the molecular detail of microbial communication and function, which will culminate in you creating a scientific research report that communicates your understanding of recent research in microbiology.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Life and Environmental Sciences Academic Operations
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	A mark of 65 or above in (BIOL1XXX or MBLG1XXX)
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	MICR2021 or MICR2921 or MICR2024 or MICR2031
Assumed knowledge ?	Fundamental concepts of microorganisms, biomolecules and ecosystems; CHEM1XX1
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Michael Kertesz, michael.kertesz@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Written exam	Final exam Written exam under supervised conditions	40%	Formal exam period	1.5 hours	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	EFT Quiz 1 Online quiz #earlyfeedbacktask	7.5%	Week 03 Due date: 13 Mar 2026 at 23:59	40 min	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Quiz 2 Online quiz	7.5%	Week 06 Due date: 02 Apr 2026 at 23:59	40 min	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Quiz 3 Online quiz	7.5%	Week 09 Due date: 01 May 2026 at 23:59	40 min	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Forensic Microbiology Report Scientific paper	20%	Week 10 Due date: 08 May 2026 at 23:59	4-6 pages	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Practical skill	Lab write up This is part of the normal Week 12 practical class. A practical write-up sheet will be provided.	10%	Week 12 Due date: 21 May 2026 at 13:00	3 hours	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Quiz 4 Online quiz	7.5%	Week 12 Due date: 22 May 2026 at 23:59	40 min	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Contribution	Attendance Practical class	0%	Weekly	3 hours	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = early feedback task ?

Early feedback task

This unit includes an early feedback task, designed to give you feedback prior to the census date for this unit. Details are provided in the Canvas site and your result will be recorded in your Marks page. It is important that you actively engage with this task so that the University can support you to be successful in this unit.

Assessment summary

Theory exams: These assessments test your understanding of the microbiological content presented in the unit. The final exam will be a mixture of multiple choice and short answer questions. This is a secure assessment (use of AI not permitted) and it is a hurdle task to pass the unit - a minimum exam mark of 40% is usually required to provide evidence that the unit learning outcomes have been met.
Final exam: This assessment is compulsory and failure to attend, attempt, or submit will result in the award of an AF grade.
If a second replacement exam is required, this exam may be delivered via an alternative assessment method, such as a viva voce (oral exam). The alternative assessment will meet the same learning outcomes as the original exam. The format of the alternative assessment will be determined by the unit coordinator.
Research report: This assessment tests your understanding of Koch's postulates: ability to manage a research project as a team; ability to synthesize information in a scientific format. The research report should present the results of your Forensic Microbiology project in the format of a scientific paper. This should be approximately 4-6 pages long, and should consist of Introduction, Methods, Results and Discussion, with Tables and Figures as appropriate.
Online lab write-up: This assessment tests your record keeping skills during a practical experiment, and your understanding of the Synthetic biology practical experiment. A practical writeup sheet will be provided. Notes made during the practical should be recorded on this sheet, and answers provided to the questions.
Online quizzes: The online quizzes are mixed multiple choice and short answer questions. They are open book quizzes to help you assess your own knowledge.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	At HD level, a student demonstrates a flair for the subject as well as a detailed and comprehensive understanding of the unit material. A ‘High Distinction’ reflects exceptional achievement and is awarded to a student who demonstrates the ability to apply their subject knowledge and understanding to produce original solutions for novel or highly complex problems and/or comprehensive critical discussions of theoretical concepts.
Distinction	75 - 84	At DI level, a student demonstrates an aptitude for the subject and a well-developed understanding of the unit material. A ‘Distinction’ reflects excellent achievement and is awarded to a student who demonstrates an ability to apply their subject knowledge and understanding of the subject to produce good solutions for challenging problems and/or a reasonably well-developed critical analysis of theoretical concepts.
Credit	65 - 74	At CR level, a student demonstrates a good command and knowledge of the unit material. A ‘Credit’ reflects solid achievement and is awarded to a student who has a broad general understanding of the unit material and can solve routine problems and/or identify and superficially discuss theoretical concepts.
Pass	50 - 64	At PS level, a student demonstrates proficiency in the unit material. A ‘Pass’ reflects satisfactoryachievement and is awarded to a student who has threshold knowledge.
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Basic functions of microbes – building a microbe	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 02	Basic functions of microbes – building a microbe	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 02	1. Aseptic technique; 2. Gram stain; 3. Microbiological growth media	Practical (3 hr)
Week 03	1. Basic functions of microbes – building a microbe; 2. Microbes on land and sea	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 03	1. Description of microbes; 2. PCR; 3. Identification of bacteria with biochemical tests	Practical (3 hr)
Week 04	Microbes on land and sea	Lecture (2 hr)
	Forensic Microbiology project	Practical (3 hr)
	Microbes on land and sea	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 05	Microbes on land and sea	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 05	Forensic Microbiology project	Practical (3 hr)
Week 06	Plants and microbes: fungal-bacterial interactions	Lecture (2 hr)
	Forensic Microbiology project; enumeration of microorganisms	Practical (3 hr)
	Plants and microbes: fungal-bacterial interactions	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 07	Forensic Microbiology project; food microbiology	Practical (3 hr)
Week 08	Microbial biotechnology	Lecture (3 hr)
	Microbial biotechnology	Lecture (2 hr)
	Forensic Microbiology project; Growth of viruses	Practical (3 hr)
Week 09	Microbial interactions with animals; Microbial biotechnology	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 09	Microbial interactions with animals; Microbial biotechnology	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 10	Microbes in health and disease	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 11	Microbes in health and disease	Lecture (2 hr)
	Synthetic biology	Practical (3 hr)
	Microbes in health and disease	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 12	Microbes in health and disease	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 12	Synthetic biology	Practical (3 hr)
Week 13	Microbes in health and disease	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 13	Microbes in health and disease	Tutorial (1 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Unless otherwise stated, students are expected to attend at least 80% of timetabled activities as defined in the unit of study outline. A student may fail this unit of study because of inadequate attendance.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. use aseptic technique to isolate and grow microorganisms into pure culture
LO2. employ safe techniques for manipulating microbes in the laboratory, core skills of aseptic technique, and how to grow, enumerate and observe microbes macroscopically and microscopically
LO3. describe the special features of microbial biology that explain their ubiquity
LO4. identify and describe the principles of microbial identification, diversity, evolution and phylogeny
LO5. apply knowledge of the biology, diversity and ecology of microorganisms to evaluate real-world situations
LO6. apply rational, independent and critical thought to the diagnosis of microbial disease
LO7. appraise microbiology in natural resource management, food security and global change
LO8. critically evaluate the importance of microbes in our society and their roles in both harmful and helpful processes
LO9. gather, record, synthesise and interpret data from experimental microbiology
LO10. communicate your knowledge of microbiology using oral, visual and written formats.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

Pre-lab quizzes revised. Lab notes have been revised.

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Completion of the Canvas module “Zoonosis Awareness” is compulsory.

We are governed by the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 and Codes of Practice. Penalties for non-compliance have increased. Everyone has a responsibility for health and safety at work. The University’s Work Health and Safety policy explains the responsibilities and expectations of workers and others, and the procedures for managing WHS risks associated with University activities.

General Laboratory Safety Rules

No eating or drinking is allowed in any laboratory under any circumstances
A laboratory coat and closed-toe shoes are mandatory
Follow safety instructions in your manual and posted in laboratories
In case of fire, follow instructions posted outside the laboratory door
First aid kits, eye wash and fire extinguishers are located in or immediately outside each laboratory
As a precautionary measure, it is recommended that you have a current tetanus immunisation. This can be obtained from University Health Service: unihealth.usyd.edu.au/

Disclaimer

Important: the University of Sydney regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

MICR2931: Microbiology (Advanced)

Semester 1, 2026 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links