Microbial diversity and classification of microorganisms: diversity of bacteria, fungi, viruses and parasites and their habitats and modes of existence and taxonomy. Impact of microbes on human lives and the environment. Introduction to tools used to study the microbial world. Aseptic technique and sterilisation. Use of apparatus and equipment. Safety in a microbiological laboratory. Disinfection. Structure and morphology of bacteria. Bacterial growth and its environment. Cell culture techniques. Culture media. Preservation of cells in liquid nitrogen. Laminar flow safety hood - principle and use. General techniques in staining, quantification and identification of bacteria and fungi. Introduction to virology: virus structure and size. Replication of the RNA and DNA viruses. Retroviruses, e.g. HIV. Comparison between viruses and bacteria. Bacteriophage. Fundamentals of biotechnology
