This course introduces you to a basic understanding and in addition, the depth of knowledge required to situate your understanding of the importance of the microbial world in sustaining life. In addition, you will explore how humans respond to microbiological challenges, especially through an exploration of the human immune response that will include studying both innate and acquired immune responses. This course aims to provide you with the foundation practical and applied skills to enable you to progress to further studies in food microbiology, environmental microbiology, medical microbiology, and for advanced immunology courses. You will attend a comprehensive and compulsory on-campus practical component that will complement your exploration of the theory component.

Capabilities you will develop in this course include knowledge, technical expertise (including streak and serial dilution, aseptic technique, staining, microscopy and antigen-antibody tests), critical analysis, written and oral communication skills and professional awareness of the importance of microbes to humans and the environment. You will also learn to work safely in a laboratory setting and practice good hand hygiene.?