appreciate the hazards associated with working with pathogenic microorganisms and develop the appropriate microbiological skills;

understand the need for the use of selective and differential media as an aid in the initial identification of bacteria;

understand the basis for and interpret biochemical reactions in the identification of pathogenic bacteria;

describe in detail, the distribution of pathogenic microorganisms in the environment and the normal flora of animal body systems and the diseases they cause;

develop competencies for diagnosis of major parasite groups and common parasites of humans and animals;

undertake a critical literature review;

undertake a research project proposal development.