Microbial Diversity & Biotechnology (MICR3004)
Information valid for Semester 2, 2025
Course level
Undergraduate
Faculty
School
Chemistry & Molec Biosciences
Units
2
Duration
One Semester
Attendance mode
In Person
Class hours
3 Lecture hours
3 Practical or Laboratory hours
Prerequisite
MICR2000
Recommended prerequisite
BIOC2000 or BIOL2202
Assessment methods
Practical writeups and mid & end of semester examinations
Course enquiries
Professor Phil Hugenholtz (Semester 2, Regular, St Lucia, In person)
Prof Philip Hugenholtz (p.hugenholtz@uq.edu.au)
Study Abroad
This course is pre-approved for Study Abroad and Exchange students.
Current course offerings
Course offerings | Location | Mode | Course Profile |
Semester 2, 2025 (28/07/2025 - 22/11/2025) | St Lucia | In Person | Profile unavailable |
Please Note: Course profiles marked as not available may still be in development.
Course description
Microbial diversity & its importance in biotechnology as a source of novel processes, enzymes & products. Molecular methods for estimating extent of microbial diversity of natural microbial communities (e.g. water, soil, hot springs, animal digestive tracts), including use of informational macromolecules such as 16S rRNA. Principles and applications of metagenomics. Microbial enzymes in biocatalysis, directed evolution and microbial aspects of nanotechnology. Environmental processes catalysed by microorganisms & their exploitation for pollution control e.g. wastewater biotechnology, and other principles and processes using microbiology to contribute to environmental health and ecosystem sustainability (e.g. biofuel production).