This unit focusses on the use of DNA based approaches to understand the ecology of microorganisms. Through the use of a case study approach and hands on laboratory experience students will be introduced to the current techniques used to measure how microorganisms respond to changes in the environment.
The unit is based on a compulsory two week intensive involving tutorials, discussions and laboratory activities, supported by independent study before and after the intensive. During the intensive students will be introduced to various equipment and resources available for experimental work. Using the local field context they will also be guided through sample collection, hypothesis formulation, and experimentation and data interpretation and application to environmental assessment. The laboratory work is a vehicle for experiencing and embracing other skills in the areas of teamwork, the scientific method, communication, and analysing the broader literature. A time management technique will be introduced, which we will use to improve work and study habits. This strategy will be particularly important in this intensive unit as students will be asked to produce reports during and at the end of the two weeks.
This intensive unit runs in January of the summer semester (dates in timetable). Students will be presented with a scenario and guided to consider possible project hypotheses and experiments to address these. Information provided about the equipment and resources available to guide the decisions about the types of experiments that might be possible. Activities are designed to showcase skills learnt throughout the unit, including during discussions, the smaller lead-in experiment and their oral presentation. Students will be encouraged to think about how these data have implications for environmental assessment.
