NOTE: Up to Session 1 2010 this course was offered as MICR3021. From Session 2 2010 it has been changed to course code BABS3021.

This course provides a broad coverage of material describing the fundamentals of microbial genetics. The course differs from MICR3621 Microbial Genetics (Advanced) by requiring less contact time in terms of laboratory practicals and tutorials, and laboratory and lecture assessment. The course in intended for students interested in gaining a background in molecular biology/ genetics and those considering Molecular Biology, Microbiolgy, Medical Microbiology and Immunology and Genetics majors.Main topics include genetics of bacteriophage, bacteria, archaea and yeasts, mutation and repair, plasmids, gene transfer, transposable genetic elements, gene cloning (genetic engineering) and two component regulatory systems. The practical component includes a range of contemporary microbial genetics experiments that complement lecture material. They may include experiments involving bacteria, archaea, or yeast involving transpon mutagenesis, gene library construction, gene complementation using recombinant plasmids, gene expression and regulation studies, UV mutagenesis and DNA repair, restriction/modification systems, promoter rescue experiments, and a variety of gene exchange techniques. The socioeconomic impact of microbial genetics is also discussed.