Case study topics BVB305 2018
A detailed case study of a maximum of approx. 3000 words (excluding references) that delivers an in-depth, focused analysis of a specific microbiological system or application and the fundamental scientific principles that underpin it. Case studies will assess your independent study and expected to go beyond the materials in lectures and workshops. Your text will meet the requirements of a professional research review document.
For details, see the folder under Learning Resources and lectorials.
You may select a topic from a list provided (week 2), or choose a topic that must be agreed with the unit coordinator before start of Mid Semester break. A full list of topics will be available in week 2. An outline and discussion may be submitted before the mid semester break (no later) for formative feedback.
A case study is not a formal review of peer reviewed literature but is a professional research review document.
For example, you might write this for an investor who wants to know about and understand concepts in a specific area of microbiology, and the potential for investment in research to deliver advances to real world issues.
In addition to scientific, peer reviewed material you can use sources from media, industry, books, commentary articles, or (if you wish) interviews with experts, manufacturers or practitioners. In the case of interviews, you should submit full, verifiable authentication of your sources (recordings, transcripts or statements) with your case study.
Although the due date is at the end of semester, we strongly advise that you plan your case study by mid semester, read the marking scheme, and seek advice during the lectorials or by appointment.
The case study should be submitted as an electronic document due 23:00 at end of week 13 (Sunday) through TurnItIn (but can be earlier).
Weight: 35%
Group or Individual: Individual
Due date: 23:00, Sunday 2nd June.
Submit as an electronic document via TurnItIn.
Biofilms and microbial mats
Microorganisms colonise extreme environments as microbial mats and biofilms. We can use the properties they have evolved to our benefit, or use an understanding of their biology to develop new approaches to manage problems they may cause.
Your case study should identify how the fundamental biological principles and mechanisms that microorganisms have evolved in microbial mats or biofilms can be applied or exploited for our use or benefit.
NB this must NOT deal directly with human health (such as surgical implants).
Introductory reading: http://www.nature.com/nrmicro/journal/v14/n9/abs/nrmicro.2016.94.html Microorganisms in plant biotechnology
The ‘CRISPR craze’ is capturing the imagination of plant and animal biology with the promise that genome editing can be used to address some of the great challenges that face society. This case study should explore the advantages and disadvantages of using microorganisms or systems derived from microorganisms in genetic modification and gene editing technology through an understanding of the fundamental biological principles and mechanisms that microorganisms have evolved.
A brief summary of the debate:
http://www.nature.com/news/crispr-tweak-may-help-gene-edited-crops-bypass-biosafetyregulation-1.18590 (doi:10.1038/nature.2015.18590)
The discovery and manipulation of environmental microbes for industrial biotechnology applications (biofuels, biochemicals, materials, industrial enzymes, livestock feed supplements) Industrial biotechnology represents an important and large-scale opportunity to change the way we make and use the products that society needs. This biobased economy
(https://www.bio.org/sites/default/files/BIO_Advancing_the_Biobased_Economy_2016.pdf) and associated biorefineries use microbiological processes to generate these important products. The discovery, characterisation and manipulation of environmental microbes is essential to deliver the next generation of industrial microbes, enzymes and chemicals.
This case study should explore opportuinties to improve or expand industrial biotechnology based on the use of fundamental biological principles and mechanisms that microorganisms have evolved.
Microbes and metals
Microbial transformation of metals is associated with both leaching of metal-bearing ores and sequestration-mediated bioremediation of metal-pollutant containing aqueous waste streams. This case study should examine the characteristics microorganisms that can be exploited to improve (a) leach and capture technology application(s), (b) general processes physical structures, (c) system setup, priming/initiation and steady-state operation, or (d) oxidation-reduction reactions, redox environments and associated microorganism metabolic classes through fundamental biology and ecology of microorganisms and the Introductory reading:
- http://bioprosp.com/sites/bioprosp.com/files/S1%20Gerardo%20Toledo_0.pdf
- Johnson, D.B. and K.B. Hallberg (2005) Acid mine drainage remediation options: a review. Total Environ. 338:3-14.
http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.595.4733&rep=rep1&type=pdf
Bioinoculants and biocontrols
Microbial technology is the subject of significant investment in research and development by major agrochemical companies for use across multiple applications as plant inoculants to protect against pests and diseases and to increase nutrient uptake, as biopesticides, and as sources of novel bioactive molecules (such as small peptides) for use in agriculture.
Your case study should explore how advances in our understanding of the fundamental biology of microorganisms and their interactions with plants and animals could be used to develop more effective applications of microorganisms and derived technology as tools in agriculture.
Introductory reading: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/microbes-added-to-seedscould-boost-crop-production/
The microbiome, adaptation and evolution
The microbial communities associated with every multicellular organism, have many important functions in the biology, ecology and evolution of their hosts.
This case study should explore how the fundamental biological processes of microbiota of plants and animals can be used to improve technology for use in agriculture, cities, or environmental protection.
NB this must NOT include human health, human gut or other aspects of human microbiomes.
Introductory reading: http://mbio.asm.org/content/7/2/e01395-15.full