Microbiology of Environments 1400-215MIKS
Course:
1. Microorganisms, their biodiversity and distribution in the biosphere. Micro-organisms (characteristics: small, numerous, evolutionary ancient, numerous species, the majority uncultivable; morphological, structural, genetic, behavioral, ecological differentiation; classification and phylogenesis. Number of species in an ecosystem or microbial community; species domination; succession; trophic chain; trophic types. Circulation of elements (carbon, nitrogen, sulphur, phosphorous, iron); rate of flow of biogenic elements; flow of energy; metabolic pathways (uses: energy sources, electron donors, electron acceptors, formation of metabolic products).
2. Abiotic and biotic factors of an ecosystem.
Physical factors and the growth of micro-organisms: temperature, pH, Eh, osmotic pressure, light, radiation, inorganic and organic compounds. Micro-organisms and extreme environments. Extremophiles. Other environments inhabited by micro-organisms. Interactions between micro-organisms and macro-organisms. The phenomenon of syntrophy, which is common in anaerobic environments. Rhizosphere. Micorrhiza. Quorum sensing. Biofilms and their ubiquity in the environment.
3. Waters as an environment for bacteria.
Classification of surface waters, layers and zones in an aquatic environment, mictic layers of lakes, productivity, trophic status of lakes, saprobic zones, types of bacteria in waters, microbiological loop and its role.
4. Microbiology of the atmosphere as a link between environments.
5. Micro-organisms in the protection of the natural environment and environmental biotechnology.
Purification of wastewaters, composting, bioremediation of contaminated soils and areas, leaching metals from ores, deodorization of gases, biosensors.
7. Research methods recommended in environmental microbiology.
Laboratory:
Microbiological characterization of natural aqueous and terrestrial environments. Potential activity of nitrifying, denitrifying, ammonifying, ureolytic, amylolytic, proteolytic and cellulolytic bacteria. Indicator micro-organisms. Enzymatic activity of selected groups of bacteria involved in the circulation of elements and degradation of organic matter. Determination of activity of soil dehydrogenases.
Type of course
Mode
Prerequisites (description)
Course coordinators
Term 2024Z: | Term 2023Z: |
Learning outcomes
Having completed the course and the lab the student:
Knowledge:
Knows and understands the biochemical, cellular and molecular bases of the functions of prokaryotic microorganisms and their cellular structures as well as presents the most important functional relationships both among cellular components and among cells (K_W05 BI1, K_W07 Bt1)
Understands the principles of hierarchic life organization, from molecules to the biosphere, and uses appropriate terms for their description and understanding (K_W07 BI1)
Understands basic terminology categories of: biochemistry, microbiology, microbial genetics and environmental biology of microorganisms. (K_W13 BI1, K_W03 Bt1, K_W08 Bt1)
Knows general environmental determinants of life and the influence of environmental factors on the function of prokaryotic microorganisms (K_W14 BI1)
Understands the importance of experimental work and knows basic laboratory techniques used in microbiological and genetic research(K_W15 BI1, K_W05 Bt1, K_W09 Bt1)
Is acquainted with basic applications of microbiology in social-economic life (K_W19 BI1, K_W11 Bt1)
Abilities:
Uses the basic techniques of microbiology and biotechnology as well as is able to explain the rules of their functioning (K_U01 BI1, K_U01 Bt1; K_U02 BI1; K_U01 BI2; K_U01 Bt2).
Is able to explain the results of the experiments and to discuss them on the basis of the accessible literature (K_U04 Bt1) (K_U04 BI1).
Under the supervision of a scientific tutor is able to design and to perform a simple experiment using the previously learned methods; is able to propose the methods of performing the measurements (K_U03 Bt1; K_U07 Bt2).
Is able to study on his/her own choosing the direction properly.
Is able to use the accessible sources of information including the electronic ones (K_U11 Bt1; K_U10 BI1)..
Social competences:
Shows the ability to work in a team and is open to new ideas (K_K04 BI1, K_K06 BI1, K_K06 BT1; K_K07 BI2; K_K01 BI2),.
Feels responsible for the safety of his/her work and for the used equipment; shows respect for his/her own and other people work(K_K07 Bt1; K_K03 Bt1 ),.
Is careful and critical about mass-media information concerning science and biotechnological achievements (K_K01Bt1, K_K01Bt2).
Feels the need of constant education and updating the knowledge concerning science (K_K02Bt1, K_K02Bt2).
Recognizes the importance of sharing the information on new achievements of microbiology and biotechnology and is able to pass this knowledge in a comprehensive way (K_K02Bt1, K_K02Bt2).
Assessment criteria
The criteria of evaluation of the lab: (1) attendance (2) one written test. To receive lab credit the student should (i) not have been absent more than twice;
The lecture will be assessed on the basis of a written examination. A student must receive lab credit before he/she can take the exam.
Practical placement
no
Bibliography
1. Madigan M.T. (ed.) Brock Biology of Microorganisms. 15th ed. Pearson Education, USA, 2017.
2. Bergey's Manual of Systematics of Archaea and Bacteria, John Wiley & Sons, 2015.
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: