BI3AM2: Applied Microbiology

Module code: BI3AM2

Module provider: School of Biological Sciences

Credits: 20

Level: 6

When you’ll be taught: Semester 2

Module convenor: Dr Glyn Barrett , email: glyn.barrett@reading.ac.uk

Module co-convenor: Dr Geraldine Mulley, email: g.mulley@reading.ac.uk

Pre-requisite module(s): BEFORE TAKING THIS MODULE YOU MUST TAKE BI1FM1 OR ( TAKE BI1S1 (Compulsory)

Co-requisite module(s):

Pre-requisite or Co-requisite module(s):

Module(s) excluded:

Placement information: NA

Academic year: 2025/6

Available to visiting students: Yes

Talis reading list: Yes

Last updated: 29 May 2025

Overview

Module aims and purpose

This module aims to develop your understanding of the medical, agricultural, environmental, and industrial applications of microbes and microbial biotechnology and how advances in this field can help tackle global challenges including antimicrobial resistance, emerging infectious diseases, food security, pollution and climate change through the development of novel products, processes and science policies. You will develop the knowledge required to propose well-reasoned, innovative solutions to real-world problems, considering factors required for commercialisation and sustainability.   

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the module, it is expected that students will be able to:

1. Explain how knowledge of molecular microbiology can be applied to develop new products and technologies, from the initial experimental research through to real-world applications.
2. Provide examples of how microbiological research has facilitated advances in biotechnology and other areas of biological sciences, and explain how this knowledge has been used to change public policies and provide innovative solutions to real-world problems including antimicrobial resistance, emerging infectious diseases, food security, pollution, and climate change.
3. Use an evidence-based approach to propose innovative, creative solutions to specific biological problems using microbes and/or microbiological techniques, considering the practical and regulatory processes required for commercialisation or application.

Module content

Topics covered include the application of microbes and / or microbiological techniques in development of:

Medicine and healthcare:

• therapeutics and pharmaceuticals (e.g. antimicrobial agents, gene therapy, bacteriophage therapy)
• vaccines
• diagnostic tests for infectious diseases
• biocontrol agents for vectors of infectious diseases
• probiotics and prebiotics

​Food security and production:

• biocontrol agents for animal pests and plant pathogens
• biopesticides, biofertilisers and plant growth-promoting microbes
• methods to improve food production, safety and preservation
• microbial phytases

Environmental management:  

• biofuels
• sustainable materials including biopolymers
• strategies to decontaminate pollution and degrade plastics
• strategies to manage food waste and wastewater

Biotechnology and research tools 

• recombinant protein production systems
• genetic engineering including CRISPR genome editing tools
• viral vectors 
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Structure

Teaching and learning methods

The learning outcomes will be met through a mixture of lectures, student-led seminars, self-directed learning and directed independent study. A day trip to visit a nearby biotech facility exploiting microbes in a commercial setting is planned. This could include for example a visit to an anaerobic digestion facility, agritech or landfill site. Appropriate supplementary information and reading lists will be provided on Blackboard. 

Study hours

At least 40 hours of sch