Module manager: Dr. Louise Fletcher
Email: l.a.fletcher@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
Entry requirements to the MSc programme
This module is not approved as an Elective
This module introduces the classification of microorganisms, their growth, metabolism and reproduction and provides an introduction to the importance of microorganisms in a range of environments and the impact they can have on the environment and human health. It introduces the legislative frameworks relevant to environmental protection and how the presence of chemical and microbiological contaminants can be assessed in indoor and outdoor environments.
The objectives of the module are to enable students to gain a deeper insight into the types of microorganisms that exist in a range of environments including how they are classified, how they grow and reproduce and how they can be identified and quantified. To allow them to develop a deeper understanding of the impact that microorganisms have on the environment and human health, how legislation is applied to protect the environment and health and the role of the environmental engineer.
On successful completion of the module students will be able to:
1. Apply a comprehensive understanding of the impact that microorganisms have on environmental quality and the importance of legislation in the context of a complex river catchment-based scenario and apply an integrated approach to understanding the problem (AHEP 4 Learning Outcomes M1, M6);
2. Apply engineering principles, mathematics and statistics to identify the impact of catchment characteristics and human activity on chemical and microbial water quality (AHEP 4 Learning Outcomes M1, M2);
3. To be able to analyse data using mathematics and statistics and draw conclusions from that analysis while also demonstrating an understanding of the impact of any uncertainty in the data and any limitations due to lack of data or information (AHEP 4 earning Outcomes M1, M2);
4. Demonstrate the ability to select and critically evaluate literature relevant to a range of environmental microbiology contexts (AHEP 4 earning Outcomes M4);
5. To use practical laboratory and field based analysis skills to investigate the impact of catchment characteristics and human activity on chemical and microbial river water quality (AHEP 4 Learning Outcomes M12);
6. Apply a comprehensive understanding of the impact that microorganisms have on human health, engineering principles and the wider context of engineering in the context of an infectious disease outbreak. (AHEP 4 Learning Outcomes M1);
7. Apply communications skills to effectively communicate with a technical and non-technical audience through a written report and oral presentation (AHEP 4 Learning Outcomes M17);
8. Demonstrate the ability to function effectively as part of a team in the field, the laboratory and the classroom (AHEP 4 Learning Outcomes M16);
This module contributes to the AHEP4 Learning Outcomes M1, M2, M4, M6, M12, M16 and M17.
On successful completion of the module students will be able to:
Academic Skills:
Critical Thinking - the ability to weigh up different arguments and perspectives, using supporting evidence to form opinions, arguments, theories and ideas;
Presentations Skills - The ability to deliver effective and engaging oral and visual presentations to a variety of audiences;
Academic writing - the ability to write in a clear, concise, focused and structured manner that is supported by relevant evidence;
Academic Language - the ability to use the oral, written, auditory, and visual language proficiency needed to be able to learn effectively and demonstrate understanding;
Time Management - The ability to plan time, prioritise tasks and organise academic and personal commitments effectively.
Work Ready Skills:
Communication - the ability to (both within verbal and written communication) be clear, concise and focused; being able to tailor your message for the audience and listening to the views of others;
Time management, planning & organising - the ability to prioritise, work efficiently and productively and to manage your time well in order to meet deadlines;
Teamwork/Collaboration - the ability to build positive relationships with other people which then enables successful projects or other collaborations;
Problem solving & analytical skills - The ability to take a logical approach to solving problems and the ability to understand, interpret, analyse and manipulate numerical data;
Critical thinking - The ability to gather information from a range of sources, analyse, and interpret data to aid understanding. To use reasoning and judgement to make decisions and solve problems;
Interpersonal skills - Ability to demonstrate awareness and understanding of self and others; to be able to build rapport, relationships and network with others;
Digital Skills:
Digital communication, collaboration and participation - The ability to communicate and collaborate constructively and professionally with peers through a variety of digital tools and networks in order to share ideas, to produce research, materials and resources, and to engage in online dialogue and debate.
Sustainability Skills:
Systems Thinking - Recognises and understands relationships; analyses complex systems (environmental, economic and social systems and interdependencies across these); considers how systems are embedded within different domains and scales; deals with uncertainty; uses analytical thinking;
Information Searching - the ability to search for, evaluate and use appropriate and relevant information sources to help strengthen the quality of academic work and independent research.
Theme 1 – The microorganisms
The module starts with an introduction to the key classes of microorganisms of environmental importance (bacteria, viruses, fungi, algae, protozoa) and how they are classified. It then explores in detail how different types of microorganisms grow, metabolise and reproduce. It also introduces the challenges of antimicrobial resistance and its implications.
Theme 2 - The role of microorganisms in environmental processes
An introduction to the different environments in which microorganisms live including soil, the aquatic environment, aerobiology and how microorganisms survive in extreme environments. It also introduces the role played by microorganisms in the carbon, nitrogen and sulphur cycles. It will also provide an overview of the legislation relating to environmental protection.
Theme 3 - Microbial sampling and enumeration
An introduction to how to sample microorganisms from liquids, air and surface and the range of methods used to enumerate them including culture-based methods, direct observation/microscopy and molecular biology techniques. The role of indicator microorganisms is also covered. Students get the opportunity to carry out environmental sampling of an indoor environment.
Theme 4 - Microbe/human interactions
This will cover public health engineering, the impact of different microorganisms on human health and clinical microbiology and human disease (microbial flora, disease transmission, immune response) and quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA). Students will undertake a practical exercise to investigate the transmission of infection in crowded indoor environment.
Theme 5 - Putting microbes to work
This will explore the ways in which we use microorganisms and the roles they play in water, wastewater and waste treatment, biofuel production, food production and bioremediation. It will also explore the role of genetic modification.
The module also provides an opportunity for practical experience including a full day field trip during which students will get hands on experience of a range of field analysis methods for assessing river water quality (chemical and physical analysis and kick sampling to assess the biotic index). This is followed by laboratory sessions including microbial analysis using the membrane filtration methods and identification of invertebrate samples collected on the field trip to determine the biotic index of the river.
Methods of assessment
The assessment details for this module will be provided at the start of the academic year
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lectures | 4 | 2 | 8 |
| Lectures | 6 | 1 | 6 |
| Lectures | 23 | 1 | 17 |
| Seminars | 2 | 3 | 6 |
| 2 | 1 | 2 | |
| 5 | 0.5 | 2.5 | |
| Practicals | 1 | 1.5 | 1.5 |
| Practicals | 3 | 3 | 9 |
| Fieldwork | 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Private study hours | 90 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 60 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 150 | ||
After each theme, students will be given a knowledge quiz to monitor their understanding of the material taught.
Students will get verbal feedback on their presentations, immediately after the presentations and formal written feedback.
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 03/06/2026
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team