Microbiology is the study of living things, including organisms, small animals and plants, bacteria, fungi, viruses, and algae, that cannot be seen by the human eye. Microbes are critical to life, influencing everything from plant growth to gut digestion and disease. This course is ideal for those aspiring to become a microbiologist or for anyone wanting to gain foundation knowledge, helpful across many fields.
The Certificate of Microbiology is an online professional development program that will help you to develop a broad-based understanding of the science of microbiology.
In this microbiology course, you will explore microbiology and its relationship to human, animal and plant disease; routine functions in biology; farming, horticulture and agriculture; food industries and environmental management.
You will also learn about the different types of bacteria and explore the many practical applications of microbiology to human life and society and discover the general classifications and anatomy of microbes.
On completion of this course, you will have developed a solid foundation of how microorganisms impact on human life and the world around us.
Course Structure
Unit - Microbiology
Unit 1 – Scope and Nature of Microbiology
- Why study microorganisms?
- A huge topic – where so you begin?
- Bacteria
- Actinomycetes
- Fungi
- Viruses
- Mites
Unit 2 – Microscopes
- Microscopes
- Light microscopes
- Electron microscopy
- Helium ion microscope
- Preparation of samples for light microscopy
- Case study: laboratory techniques for diagnosis of plant diseases
- Preparation of pathogens
Unit 3 – Cultures
- Types of culture
- Types of glassware
- Sterilisation
- The autoclave
- Disinfection
- Sterilisation
- Radiation
- Commonly used examples
- Preparation of agar plates
- Streak plate method protocol
- Pour plate method
- Maintaining cultures
- Aseptic techniques
- Preserved cultures
- Factors affecting microbial growth
- Stages in the development of a disease in plants
- Virus replication cycle
- The microbiology laboratory
Unit 4 – Microbial Taxonomy
- What is taxonomy?
- Morphology
- Bacteria
- Archaea
- Viruses
- Fungi
- Good and bad microorganisms
- Good things microorganisms do
Unit 5 – Bacteria
- Bacteria types
- Structure of a prokaryotic cell
- Bacterial cell wall structure
- Gram staining
- Gram positive and negative organisms
- Gram stain reaction protocol
- Acid-fast organisms
- Acid-fast protocol
- Bacterial diseases in plants
- Plant case studies (bacterial diseases)
- Bacterial diseases in animals
- Case study: tetanus
- Bacterial diseases in humans
Unit 6 – Viruses
- Virus structure
- Anatomy of the virion
- Virus reproduction
- Zika virus
- Virus taxonomy
- Animal viruses: Baltimore classification
- Viral diseases
- Transmission
- Viral diseases in humans
- Case study: human swine flu – influenza a H1N1 or Hini Influenza 09
- Viral diseases in plants
- Case studies: plant viruses
- Viral diseases in animals
- Case studies: animal viruses
Unit 7 – Other Microbes
- Fungus biology
- Case study: candida
- Protists
- Plant-like protists
- Fungus-like protists
- Animal-like protists (protozoa)
- Helminths
Unit 8 – Immunology
- Types of immunity
- Antitoxins
- Agglutinins
- Antibodies
- Immunisation
- General immune response
- Heterogeneity
- Herd immunity
- Immunological disorders
- Autoimmune diseases
Unit 9 – Applied Microbiology
- Microbiology in agriculture and horticulture
- Microbiology and horticultural practices
- Soil biological management
- The nitrogen cycle
- How to improve soil biology
- Rhizobium bacteria and soil fertility
- Microbiology and plant pathology
- How bacteria, fungi and other microorganisms infect plants
- Lifecycle of nematodes
- Fungus biology
- The role of insects in the spread of disease
- Microbiology in food technology and management
- Food microbiology
- Deterioration of food
- Reducing food spoilage by microorganisms
- Environmental microbiology
- Industrial microbiology
- Microbiology and pharmaceuticals
- Agar-diffusion method
- Microbes in humans
- Infection control
- Virotherapy/virology
- Diseases and animal/human interactions
- Microbiology and health management in animals
Study Hours
Estimated duration 50 hours
Course Delivery and Start
Start anytime, self-paced and 100% online
Assessment
Assessment will be comprised of written exercises, including short-answer questions, reflective tasks, short reports and/or projects. There are no examinations or due dates for assessment. As a result, you can complete training in your own time and at your own pace with the assistance of unlimited tutor support.
Testimonials
I loved everything and it was excellent!
S. Hawley, Abington Estate, QLD | Certificate of Microbiology
It was a good course for basic microbiology. I really enjoyed the bacteriology side as that’s my main area of interest.
M. Strauss, Dubai, The United Arab Emirates | Certificate of Microbiology
It was a very interesting course through which I have learned a lot
B. Cech, Cattai, NSW | Certificate of Microbiology
About Us
Graduation
A Certificate of Attainment and Statement of Results will be issued upon successful completion of this course.
How to Enrol
Enrol Online: Enrol Now
Enrol via Live Chat (Business Hours)
Enrol via Telephone 1300 76 2221 (Business Hours)
Enrol via Purchase Order/Tax Invoice
Enrolling Multiple Staff?
To enrol multiple staff, please complete the Employer Enrolment Form. We’ll be in touch within 60 minutes during business hours!
Payment Options
Visa, Mastercard, BPAY and EFT/Direct Deposit. Please allow 1-2 Business days for processing for EFT and BPAY.
Course FAQs
Why Choose Australian Online Courses?
- Professional development that is widely recognised and respected;
- Improve your employment opportunities;
- Study online, anywhere via our elearning system;
- High-quality professional development programs written by industry experts;
- All course materials provided online – no textbooks to buy;
- Unlimited tutor support via email;
- We offer twelve (12) months’ access, with extensions available upon application (fees apply);
- Course may be tax deductible; see your tax advisor.
Are there any entry requirements or pre-requisites?
There are no course or subject pre-requisites for entry into our programs. However, our professional development programs are generally intended for people over the age of 18. In some circumstances, enrolments from younger people may be considered. Please complete the AOC Parent Guardian Consent Form prior to enrolling and submit here.
Are there any computer requirements?
To study online with Australian Online Courses you will need a computer (desktop PC/laptop) running a current/updated operating system with reliable high-speed internet access. You will need to use the Google Chrome browser to access your course.
When can I start this course?
You can start within 60 minutes during business hours when you enrol and pay in full with a credit card!
Credit card: Within 60 mins during business hours.
BPAY: Within 1-2 working days.
Internet Banking: Within 1-2 working days.
Cheque/Money Order: Upon receipt of mailed cheque.
How is this course delivered?
This course is delivered online via our easy-to-navigate Learning Management System (LMS), where you will discover interactive online learning/written content, resources and assessment.
Do I need to attend classes or undertake any work placements?
No. All courses are delivered online via our LMS and there are no work placement requirements in this course.
What support can I expect from Australian Online Courses?
Unlimited tutor support is available throughout your studies via email only during business hours Monday to Friday. Our Administrative team are available Monday to Friday via email, live chat and telephone.
I am an international student. Can I enrol into this course?
Yes! We accept enrolments from individuals both within Australia and internationally; location is no barrier to entry into our programs.
Career Pathways
Future growth
Strong
Unemployment
Low
Professional Development for:
- Aspiring Microbiologists
- Farmers
- Food Process Workers
- Horticulturists
- Veterinarians
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