Microbiology of Environments - W 1400-215MIKS-W
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.
Type of course
Prerequisites (description)
Course coordinators
Learning outcomes
Having completed the course and the lab the student:
Knowledge:
- Knows and understands the biochemical, cellular and molecular bases of functioning of prokaryotic microorganisms and of their cellular structures as well as presents the most important functional relationships between the cellular components and between cells.
- Understands the principles of hierarchic life organization, starting from the molecules to biosphere, and uses suitable terms for their description and understanding.
- Knows the bases of structure, genetics and functioning of viruses, their role in nature and mutual interactions between viruses and live organisms.
- Understands the basic categories of the terminology of: biochemistry, microbiology, microbial genetics and environmental biology of microorganisms.
- Knows the general environmental determinants of life and the influence of environmental factors on the functioning of prokaryotic microorganisms and viruses.
- Is acquainted with basic applications of microbiology in social-economic life.
Abilities:
- 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.
Social competences:
- Shows the ability to work in a team and is open to new ideas.
- s careful and critical about mass-media information concerning science and biotechnological achievements.
- Feels the need of constant education and updating the knowledge concerning science.
- 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.
Assessment criteria
The lecture will be assessed on the basis of a written examination (single-choice closed test).
Practical placement
no
Bibliography
1. Błaszczyk, M.K. Mikrobiologia środowisk. Warszawa, PWN, 2014.
2. Baj, J. Mikrobiologia. Warszawa, PWN, 2018.
3. Baj J., Markiewicz, Z. Biologia molekularna bakterii. Warszawa, PWN, 2015.
4. Błaszczyk, M.K., Mikroorganizmy w ochronie środowiska. Warszawa, PWN, 2007.
5. Klimiuk, E., Łebkowska, M. Biotechnologia w ochronie srodowiska. Warszawa, PWN, 2008.
6. Kunicki-Goldfinger, W. Życie bakterii. Warszawa, PWN, 2007.
7. Schlegel, H.G. Mikrobiologia ogólna. Warszawa, PWN, 2008.
8. Madigan, M.T., Bender, K.S., Buckley, D.H., Sattley, W.M., Stahl, D.A. Brock Biology of Microorganisms, Global Edition. Pearson Education Limited, 2018.
9. Whitman, W.B. Bergey's Manual of Systematic of Archaea and Bacteria. John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 2015.
10. White, D., Drummond, J., Fuqua, C.The Physiology and Biochemistry of Prokaryotes. Oxford University Press, 2011.
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: