Overview
On successful completion of this unit, you will have a sound understanding of the fundamentals of microbiology. You will be able to explain the principles by which microbes are classified, the relationship between form and function, the mechanisms by which genetic change occurs and the dynamics of growth and multiplication. Mixed mode and Rockhampton students must attend a compulsory residential school or on-campus laboratory classes in order to achieve the learning outcomes.
Details
Pre-requisites or Co-requisites
Corequisite: BIOL11099 Living Systems or BIOL 11100 Functional Biology or SCIE11022 Introductory Science or BIOH11005 Introductory Anatomy and Physiology or BMSC11001 Human Body Systems 1 or BIOL11102 Life Science Laboratory or BMSC11007 Medical Anatomy and Physiology 1 or BMSC11010 Human Anatomy and Physiology 1.
Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).
Offerings For Term 1 - 2026
Attendance Requirements
All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes - in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).
Recommended Student Time Commitment
Each 6-credit Undergraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.
Class Timetable
Assessment Overview
Assessment Grading
This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of 'pass' in order to pass the unit. If any 'pass/fail' tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully ('pass' grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the 'assessment task' section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University's Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.
All University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
You may wish to view these policies:
- Grades and Results Policy
- Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework)
- Review of Grade Procedure
- Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - Domestic Students
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - International Students
- Student Refund and Credit Balance Policy and Procedure
- Student Feedback - Compliments and Complaints Policy and Procedure
- Information and Communications Technology Acceptable Use Policy and Procedure
This list is not an exhaustive list of all University policies. The full list of University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
Feedback, Recommendations and Responses
Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.
Feedback from Teaching staff
One group of students displayed very unprofessional behaviour during residential school and were disrespectful to staff.
The practical competencies will be amended to include professional behaviour criteria, and a statement will be added to the laboratory induction that students may be asked to leave if displaying unprofessional conduct.
Feedback from Student feedback
Students loved the residential school.
The residential schools will continue in their current format.
Feedback from Student feedback
Rockhampton students would prefer weekly labs to residential school.
At present internal labs are not possible due to the lack of suitable laboratory space. This will be re-evaluated once laboratory renovations are complete.
- Explain the principles by which microbes are classified, using traditional and molecular approaches
- Describe the relationship between form and function in the major groups of microbes
- Describe the mechanisms by which genetic exchange occurs in bacteria, fungi and viruses
- Explain the dynamics of growth and multiplication of the major types of microbes, and the methods by which these can be investigated in the laboratory
- Demonstrate basic practical microbiological procedures and professional behaviours in the laboratory in a safe and efficient manner
- Interpret the results of laboratory experiments in the context of the underlying microbiological principles.
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes
| Assessment Tasks | Learning Outcomes | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | |
| 1 - Written Assessment - 30% | ||||||
| 2 - In-class Test(s) - 20% | ||||||
| 3 - Laboratory/Practical - 0% | ||||||
| 4 - Online Test - 50% | ||||||
Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes
| Graduate Attributes | Learning Outcomes | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | |
| 1 - Communication | ||||||
| 2 - Problem Solving | ||||||
| 3 - Critical Thinking | ||||||
| 4 - Information Literacy | ||||||
| 5 - Team Work | ||||||
| 6 - Information Technology Competence | ||||||
| 7 - Cross Cultural Competence | ||||||
| 8 - Ethical practice | ||||||
| 9 - Social Innovation | ||||||
| 10 - First Nations Knowledges | ||||||
| 11 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures | ||||||
Textbooks
Microbiology: an introduction
Edition: 14th (2025)
Authors: Tortora, Funke, Case, Weber, Bair
Pearson
Upper Saddle River Upper Saddle River , New Jersey , USA
ISBN: 9781292737423
An eBook version can also be purchased from the publisher. Also, Mastering Microbiology can be purchased separately or in a bundle with the textbook. Mastering provides additional animations, tutorials and quizzes, and is useful for those who would like more support with their study. More information on this, including links, will be available on the Moodle site.
Paper copies, including a bundle which includes the eBook can be purchased at the CQUni Bookshop here:
http://bookshop.cqu.edu.au (search on the Unit code).Binding: Paperback
An eBook version can also be purchased from the publisher. Also, Mastering Microbiology can be purchased separately or in a bundle with the textbook. Mastering provides additional animations, tutorials and quizzes, and is useful for those who would like more support with their study. More information on this, including links, will be available on the Moodle site.
Paper copies, including a bundle which includes the eBook can be purchased at the CQUni Bookshop here:
http://bookshop.cqu.edu.au (search on the Unit code).
IT Resources
- CQUniversity Student Email
- Internet
- Unit Website (Moodle)
All submissions for this unit must use the referencing styles below:
For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.
s.makiela@cqu.edu.au
Module/Topic
Introduction, laboratory safety, laboratory techniques.
Chapter
Tortora, chapters 1 & 3.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Prokaryote structure and function.
Chapter
Tortora, chapters 4, 10, 11.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Eukaryote structure and function.
Chapter
Tortora, chapters 4, 10, 12.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Viruses.
Chapter
Tortora, chapter 13.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Microbial metabolism and culture.
Chapter
Tortora, chapters 2 & 6.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Online test 1 - opens 9am AEST 10th April (Friday), closes in 24h.
Module/Topic
Microbial growth and control of growth.
Chapter
Tortora, chapters 6 & 7.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Microbial ID and genetics.
Chapter
Tortora, chapters 8 & 10.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Residential school Rockhampton (1). If attending this residential school, pre-lab quizzes due on day 1.
Module/Topic
Human and microbial ecology.
Chapter
Tortora, chapter 14.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Module A or Module B or Module C.
(see Term Specific Information)
Chapter
Specific readings for each module will be provided on the Moodle site.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Online test 2 - opens 9am AEST 15th May (Friday), closes in 24h.
Residential school Rockhampton (2). If attending this residential school, pre-lab quizzes due on day 1.
Module/Topic
Module A or Module B or Module C.
(see Term Specific Information)
Chapter
Specific readings for each module will be provided on the Moodle site.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Residential school Bundaberg. If attending this residential school, pre-lab quizzes due on day 1.
Module/Topic
Module A or Module B or Module C.
(see Term Specific Information)
Chapter
Specific readings for each module will be provided on the Moodle site.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Module A or Module B or Module C.
(see Term Specific Information)
Chapter
Specific readings for each module will be provided on the Moodle site.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Online test 3 - opens 9am AEST 5th June (Friday), closes in 24h.
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
You will notice in the Schedule that there are different module choices in weeks 9-12. Each module has different topics; this is done to make the unit more relevant to your discipline area. Later in the term, you will need to choose which module you want to do using a choice activity on the Moodle site. You only need to complete one module and its associated online test.
1 Written Assessment
Task Overview
In this assessment, you will design a hypothetical microorganism that is optimally adapted to a specific environment. You will choose one of the scenarios below and construct a microorganism whose structural, physiological, and ecological features enable it to thrive in that niche. Your organism must be original and not identical to any known microbe.
Scenarios (you must choose one)
- A commensal microbe of the human small intestine that contributes to bile acid metabolism and allergy prevention.
- An opportunistic human skin pathogen that causes burning pain, skin sensitivity, and pimples.
- A blood‑borne human pathogen transmitted by ticks, causing itching and headaches.
Task Requirements
Your essay must:
- Identify the type of organism you are designing (bacterium, fungus, or protozoan; viruses are not permitted).
- Describe the key features of your microorganism, drawing on your knowledge of microbial form and function, physiology, and ecology. These features should clearly support its survival, transmission (if applicable), and success in the chosen environment. If you select a pathogenic scenario, you may also justify additional symptoms.
- Provide a scientific rationale for each design choice, supported by relevant primary literature.
- Propose a genus and species name for your organism, following appropriate naming conventions.
Suggested length: 2000 words.
Document type: pdf.
Design Notes (submitted as a separate document)
As part of this assessment, you must keep Design Notes documenting your creative and scientific decision‑making process. These notes could include:
- brainstorming and early concept sketches
- draft ideas and discarded options
- summaries of research findings including their references
- reasoning behind your design choices, both during the research process and final choices.
Design Notes will be submitted as a separate file and contribute to your overall grade.
More detailed guidance will be provided on the Moodle site.
Use of Generative AI
Level 2: You may use AI for planning, idea development, and research. Your final submission should show how you have developed and refined these ideas.
Students may use Generative AI for this assessment only in the following ways:
- developing literature search strategies
- compiling lists of potential literature sources and locating data
- receiving guidance on structuring the assignment
Please refer to the Generative AI instructions for this assessment on Moodle for full details of acceptable and unacceptable use.
Whether or not you use AI, you must submit an AI Use Declaration Form with your assessment (available on Moodle)
If you use Generative AI in any way, you must:
- cite the AI tool according to the CQU Academic Learning Centre guidelines
- fact‑check all information and cite the primary sources of any data, statistics, or scientific claims
Failure to cite both AI tools and primary sources appropriately may constitute a breach of academic integrity and be penalised accordingly.
Week 8 Monday (4 May 2026) 11:59 pm AEST
Week 10 Monday (18 May 2026)
The full marking rubric will be available on Moodle. This assessment will be evaluated according to the following criteria:
- Knowledge of theory (30 marks)
- Selected features and rationalisation (40 marks)
- Presentation (10 marks)
- Clarity of expression (10 marks)
- Referencing (10 marks)
Your Design Notes will also be assessed (20 marks). Marks will be awarded for:
- demonstrating clear development of ideas over time
- showing your reasoning, including discarded alternatives
- providing evidence of independent thought and decision‑making
Design Notes do not need to follow a specific format and are not assessed on presentation. Rough notes, mind maps, annotated articles, or other informal materials are acceptable.
- Explain the principles by which microbes are classified, using traditional and molecular approaches
- Describe the relationship between form and function in the major groups of microbes
2 In-class Test(s)
This assessment is in two parts: pre-lab quizzes and an in-class test.
Pre-lab Quizzes
Before attending the laboratory sessions, you must complete a series of online quizzes based on the laboratory manual and the provided instructional videos. There are five quizzes in total, all available from the beginning of term. You are required to complete all quizzes prior to your residential school.
Each quiz contains five multiple‑choice questions, is timed (15 minutes), and allows two attempts.
In-class Test
You will complete an in‑class test on the final day of the residential school. This test consists of short‑answer questions based on the results and activities from your practical sessions. It will be conducted under exam conditions.
The test includes five questions, is timed (45 minutes), and allows one attempt only. You may use your laboratory manual and your own notes, but internet‑based resources are not permitted.
Generative AI Use
Level 1: You must not use AI at any point during this assessment. You must demonstrate your core skills and knowledge.
Generative AI tools and similar applications are not permitted for any part of this assessment. These tasks rely on your understanding of the laboratory material and the results generated during the residential school. Responses produced by internet search engines or Generative AI are unlikely to reflect the specific content or context of your practical work.
Use of Generative AI in this assessment will be reported and may result in penalties.
The 72-hr grace period does not apply to this assessment.
The pre-lab quizzes are due at 8am AEST on the first day of your residential school. The in-class test will be done on the last day of your residential school.
Marks for the pre-lab quizzes will be returned immediately by Moodle. The results of the in-class test will be returned within 10 working days of the due date.
The pre‑lab quizzes contribute 5% to your final grade. Your score will be calculated from the total of all five quizzes, using your highest scoring attempt for each. Marks are awarded based on the accuracy of your responses.
The in‑class test contributes 15% to your final grade. Marks will be awarded according to the accuracy and completeness of your answers.
- Interpret the results of laboratory experiments in the context of the underlying microbiological principles.
3 Laboratory/Practical
Throughout the residential school you will be introduced to a range of foundational microbiological techniques, as outlined in the laboratory manual and demonstrated in the accompanying instructional videos. Your practical competency will be assessed across seven core techniques during the residential school. These techniques are:
- Aseptic technique
- Pipetting
- Four‑quadrant streak dilution plating
- Microscope set‑up and use
- Gram staining
- Fungal slide preparation
- Bacterial identification
Each technique has specific criteria that must be met to achieve a pass. These requirements are detailed on the Moodle site. Assessments will be conducted by academic staff with relevant disciplinary expertise.
In addition to technical competency, you will also be assessed on your professional and safe conduct in the laboratory. This includes (but is not limited to):
- Preparedness and punctuality
- Adherence to the CQUniversity Student Conduct Policy and Procedure https://delivery-cqucontenthub.stylelabs.cloud/api/public/content/student-conduct-policy-and-procedure-1144890.pdf
- Safe handling of reagents, cultures, and waste in accordance with laboratory guidelines
- Respectful behaviour toward staff and peers, including attentive listening during instructions
Assessment will occur during normal laboratory activities and is not conducted under exam conditions. Full task descriptions and marking requirements are available on the Moodle site.
Generative AI Use
Level 1: You must not use AI at any point during this assessment. You must demonstrate your core skills and knowledge.
The 72-hr grace period does not apply to this assessment.
This is marked during the residential school.
On the last day of your residential school.
Your practical techniques will be assessed on both your execution of the procedure and, where relevant, the quality of the results you obtain. Each technique has specific pass criteria, which are outlined in detail on the Moodle site. If you do not meet the required standard on your first attempt, you will be offered a second attempt; some techniques allow multiple attempts as specified in the task information.
Your professional behaviour will also be monitored and assessed throughout the residential school. The expectations for professional conduct are described in detail on the Moodle site. If you breach these expectations, you may receive up to two verbal warnings. Further breaches after these warnings will result in a fail grade for the professional behaviour component, and may result in expulsion from the laboratory.
To pass this assessment, you must achieve a pass in all seven practical techniques AND meet all professional behaviour requirements.
- Demonstrate basic practical microbiological procedures and professional behaviours in the laboratory in a safe and efficient manner
- Interpret the results of laboratory experiments in the context of the underlying microbiological principles.
4 Online Test
An understanding of fundamental microbiological concepts is essential in many science based professions. Your knowledge of the content and concepts will be examined by three online tests held at intervals throughout the term. All test topics will be covered during lectures and tutorials. The first online test will be in week 5, and will cover the content of weeks 1-4. The second will be in week 9, and cover the content of weeks 5-8. The third will be in week 12, and will cover the content of weeks 9-12. These online tests will be done as quizzes in Moodle, and will be a mixture of multiple choice and short answer questions. Each test will be open for 24h (unless otherwise stated), and will be timed. You may do your test at any time during this period. Details are as follows:
Online test 1 - Friday week 5 (10th April), opens at 9am AEST and closes in 24h.
Online test 2 - Friday week 9 (15th May), opens at 9am AEST and closes in 24h.
Online test 3 - Friday week 12 (5th June), opens at 9am AEST and closes in 24h.
These online tests will be done as quizzes in Moodle. You must undertake these tests as an indivitual and not with classmates or others. As with all other University assessments, colluding with other students on a non-group work task is considered academic misconduct and will be dealt with in accordance with the Student Academic Integrity Policy. For all short answer questions, you must cite your sources using the prescribed referencing styles (Harvard or APA). Failure to cite the source (or incorrectly citing your source) constitutes a breach of academic integrity and will be dealt with in accordance of the relevant policy. Further details on how to cite your answers will be available on the unit Moodle site.
Generative AI Use
Level 1: You must not use AI at any point during this assessment. You must demonstrate your core skills and knowledge.
The exception: using AI to understand/explore course concepts, topics, and terms.
The 72-hr grace period does not apply to this assessment.
Test 1 due in week 5 on Saturday, 9am AEST; Test 2 in week 9 on Saturday, 9am AEST; Test 3 in week 12 on Saturday, 9am AEST.
Marks for each online test will be finalised within 10 working days of the test closing date.
Marks will be awarded on correctness and completeness. Multiple choice questions in each online test will be marked automatically by Moodle. Short answer questions will be marked manually. Your total mark for this assessment will be the sum of all three online test marks.
- Explain the principles by which microbes are classified, using traditional and molecular approaches
- Describe the relationship between form and function in the major groups of microbes
- Describe the mechanisms by which genetic exchange occurs in bacteria, fungi and viruses
- Explain the dynamics of growth and multiplication of the major types of microbes, and the methods by which these can be investigated in the laboratory
As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.
Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.
When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.
Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.
As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.
What is a breach of academic integrity?
A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.
Why is academic integrity important?
A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.
Where can I get assistance?
For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.
What can you do to act with integrity?
