Microbiology and Invertebrate Biology

Undergraduate | 2026

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Mode icon
Mode
Mode
Your studies will be on-campus, and may include some online delivery
On campus
area/catalogue icon
Area/Catalogue
AGRI 2013
Course ID icon
Course ID
205145
Campus icon
Campus
Waite Campus
Level of study
Level of study
Undergraduate
Unit value icon
Unit value
6
Course owner
Course owner
Biological Sciences
Course coordinator
Course coordinator
Karina Riggs
Course level icon
Course level
2
Work Integrated Learning course
Work Integrated Learning course
No
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Inbound study abroad and exchange
Inbound study abroad and exchange
The fee you pay will depend on the number and type of courses you study.
Yes
University-wide elective icon
University-wide elective course
Yes
Single course enrollment
Single course enrolment
Yes

Course overview

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.

Course learning outcomes

  • Describe the structure, nature and activities of microorganisms and invertebrates in agriculture, food, wine and natural ecosystems
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the growth, handling and identification of microorganisms
  • Apply an understanding of the processes involved in the recognition and handling of key groups of invertebrates
  • Demonstrate effective collection, analysis and interpretation of microbial- and invertebrate-related data and the effective communication of those experimental outcomes whether working as an individual or in a group

Availability

Census date Icon
Census date
Fri 27/03/2026
Enrol by date
Enrol by date
Fri 13/03/2026
Last day to W
Last day to W
Fri 10/04/2026
Last day to WF
Last day to WF
Fri 08/05/2026

Class details

Waite Campus

Class number
Class number 20932
Section
Section LE01
Size
Size 60
Available
Available 42
Dates Days Time Campus Location Instructor
26 Feb - 5 Mar Thursday 10:10am - 12pm Waite Campus Charles Hawker Building, 130
19 Mar - 9 Apr Thursday 10:10am - 12pm Waite Campus Charles Hawker Building, 130
7 May - 4 Jun Thursday 10:10am - 12pm Waite Campus Charles Hawker Building, 130
Class number
Class number 20933
Section
Section PR01
Size
Size 60
Available
Available 42
Dates Days Time Campus Location Instructor
26 Feb - 26 Feb Thursday 2:10pm - 5pm Waite Campus Charles Hawker Building, G18
26 Feb - 26 Feb Thursday 2:10pm - 5pm Waite Campus Charles Hawker Building, G9
5 Mar - 5 Mar Thursday 1:10pm - 4pm Waite Campus Charles Hawker Building, G18
5 Mar - 5 Mar Thursday 1:10pm - 4pm Waite Campus Charles Hawker Building, G9
19 Mar - 9 Apr Thursday 2:10pm - 5pm Waite Campus Charles Hawker Building, G18
19 Mar - 9 Apr Thursday 2:10pm - 5pm Waite Campus Charles Hawker Building, G9
7 May - 21 May Thursday 1:10pm - 4pm Waite Campus Charles Hawker Building, G18
7 May - 21 May Thursday 1:10pm - 4pm Waite Campus Charles Hawker Building, G9
Class number
Class number 20934
Section
Section TU01
Size
Size 60
Available
Available 42
Dates Days Time Campus Location Instructor
26 Feb - 26 Feb Thursday 1:10pm - 2pm Waite Campus Charles Hawker Building, 101
19 Mar - 9 Apr Thursday 1:10pm - 2pm Waite Campus Charles Hawker Building, 101
28 May - 28 May Thursday 1:10pm - 5pm Waite Campus Charles Hawker Building, G22
28 May - 28 May Thursday 1:10pm - 5pm Waite Campus Southern Barns Sensory Lab, G2

Prerequisite(s)

N/A

Corequisite(s)

N/A

Antirequisite(s)

N/A

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The Student Contribution amount displayed below is for students commencing a new program from 2021 onwards. If you are continuing in a program you commenced prior to 1 January 2021, or are commencing an Honours degree relating to an undergraduate degree you commenced prior to 1 January 2021, you may be charged a different Student Contribution amount from the amount displayed below. Please check the Student Contribution bands for continuing students here. If you are an international student, or a domestic student studying in a full fee paying place, and are continuing study that you commenced in 2025 or earlier, your fees will be available here before enrolments open for 2026.