BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma
in Applied Science
Learner Name Unit number and title
Unit 17: Microbiology and Microbiological
Techniques
Assessor Name Moderator Name
Theodros Mesfin
Date issued Hand in deadline Turn-It-In Score
Assignment title Classification of microorganisms
In this assessment you will have opportunities to provide evidence against the following criteria.
Criteria
To achieve the criteria the evidence must show that the learner is able to
reference
A. P1 Explain how the structures and characteristics of microorganisms are used to classify them.
Correctly set up and use a light microscope and oil immersion lens to observe structures of
B. P2
microorganisms under magnification.
Illustrate, with accuracy, the structures of microorganisms observed using a light microscope and an oil
B. P3
immersion lens.
A. M1 Compare the characteristics of microorganisms used for classification.
B. M2 Compare the use of different microscopy techniques to observe the structures of microorganisms.
AB. D1 Evaluate the use of microscopy techniques to observe structures and classify microorganisms.
Learner declaration
I certify that the work submitted for this assignment is my own. I have clearly referenced any sources used in the
work. I understand that false declaration is a form of malpractice.
Learner signature: Submitted Date:
Unit number and title Unit 17: Microbiology and Microbiological Techniques
BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma
in Applied Science
Assessor name Theodros Mesfin
Assignment title Classification of microorganisms
Learning Outcome:
A: Understand the importance of microbial classification to medicine and industry.
B: Undertake microscopy for specimen examination in laboratories
Scenario:
You have secured a work experience placement with a Scientific Research facility where you will gain an
insight into their work in the study of microbiota and pathogen biology. You will have the opportunity to
study the structural characteristics of microorganisms using a range of microscopy techniques. On
completion of your placement, you are expected to demonstrate the knowledge you have gained by
writing a project report.
Task 1
Produce a detailed report that evaluates, compares, explains and illustrates the structures and characteristics of at least
five different microorganisms and the types of microscopy used to observe the structures of these microorganisms.
Follow instructions to independently set up a light microscope and calibrate the eyepiece graticule. Use different
magnifications (including to view a variety of microorganisms).
Use your own observations and electron micrographs to produce accurate drawings / photos annotated to
describe the structures of four types of microorganism. Illustrations must be labelled to show the type of
microscope and magnification used and calculations of the actual size of the structures viewed.
Compare the similarities and differences, in the size, structure and reproduction, used in the classification of
microorganisms. Explain the reasons why each microorganism is classified as it is and the importance of
classification in medicine and industry.
Include a comparison of how using two different types of microscopes is important and helpful when viewing
the structure of microorganisms.
Give at least four examples explaining how and why four different microorganisms (from bacteria, fungi, viruses,
protozoans, prions and viroids) are placed into a specific classification and why the classification is important to
medicine and industry.
In your final report, you must demonstrate that you have studied a range of microorganisms using various
microscopy techniques including light microscopy (dissecting and compound), phase contrast microscopy and
micrographs generated from scanning and transmission electron microscopes (SEMs and TEMs).
Your report must evaluate the practical work and include the uses of different microscopes and lenses (including oil
immersion) and the importance of magnification and resolution in gaining an accurate view of specimens. Use your
observations to evaluate the advantages and limitations of these different microscopy techniques when used to observe
microscopic structures in medicine and industry. Give arguments/reasons and an evaluation for the placement of at least
four microorganisms and infectious agents in their respective groups.
Checklist of A project report that includes:
evidence
required An evaluation of different microscopy techniques used to observe the structures of
microorganisms in order to classify them.
A comparison of the characteristics used to classify microorganisms and the different
microscopy techniques used to observe microscopic structures.
An explanation of how the structures and characteristics of microorganisms are used to classify
them.
BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma
in Applied Science
Annotated illustrations of at least four microorganisms as viewed using light microscopy, oil
immersion and electron micrographs.
You must demonstrate the ability to follow the protocol provided by your tutor to set up and
use a light microscope accurately. The evidence you provide must include details of the
observations carried out.
Further evidence of your ability to set up and use a light microscope skilfully should be
provided through an observation record completed by your Assessor.
Assignment Guidelines
Upload your assignment report to Turn-It-In and hand-in to Lecturer by the deadline.
Include a copy of the assignment Coversheet at the start of your report.
Use as a guide: textbooks, the Internet, information on Moodle, and lesson worksheets.
Include pictures, diagrams, statistics, references, examples.
Define any scientific terms used.
You must provide a reference list of all internet sites, textbooks and other resources that you have used for
research following the Harvard style of referencing.
DO NOT copy and paste – Plagiarism will not be tolerated!
Sources of Information to support you with this Assignment
http://www.cleapss.org.uk/attachments/article/0/SSS01.pdf?Secondary/Science/Student%20Safety%20Sheets/
http://www.microbiologyonline.org.uk/teachers/observing-microbes
http://www.microbiologyonline.org.uk/teachers/microscopes
http://needtoknow.nas.edu/id/infection/microbe-types/
