Geomicrobiology 1400-226GM-w
Lecture: (1) Introduction to geomicrobiology –definition, history, aims and significance. (2) Earth as a natural habitat of microorganisms. (3) Microorganisms - catalysts of geochemical processes on Earth - a review of the metabolic strategies of microorganisms, so-called. geomikrobial factors; the role of microorganisms in the shaping of the lithosphere, hydrosphere and atmosphere. (4) Metabolism of mineral compounds – chemolitotrophy, phototrophy, assimilative and dissimilative reduction – enzymatic interactions of microroganisms with iron, sulfur, uranium, arsenium, manganium and selenium minerals. (4) Bioweathering and biomineralization; biologically induced and controlled mineralization; enzymatic and non-enzymatic bioweathering; secondary metabolites. (5-6) Geomicrobiology of carbon – dystrybution of carbon on Earth; geomicrobiology of inorganic carbon; autotrophy; carbonate mineral deposits; geomicrobiology of organic carbon (heterotrophy, methylotrophy, bioweathering of fossil organic matter, metanogenesis). (7-9) Geomicrobiology and iron, sulfur, manganese, arsenium, uranium, selenium – geochemistry and distribution of the aforementioned compounds on Earth; metabolism of minerals - chemolithotrophy, anoxygenic phototrophy, assimilative and dissimilative reduction; enzymatic and non-enzymatic interaction of microorganisms with minerals; bioweathering of sulfide minerals and arsenic minerals; biogenic sulphide minerals, carbonates, polymetallic nodules, oxides and hydroxides of iron. (10) Global metabolic pathways.
Type of course
Mode
Prerequisites (description)
Course coordinators
Learning outcomes
Having completed the course the student:
KNOWLEDGE
Has broad knowledge in the field of geomicrobiology and its applications in biotechnology.
Demonstrates knowledge of basic conceptual categories and terminology as well as is familiar with research methods, and is able to identify the most important scientific discoveries in the geomicrobiology.
Is familiar with the environmental aspects of biotechnology and sees the relationships and dependencies between the chemical, biological and physical processes occurring in nature.
Knows and understands the microbiological basis of geological processes.
Demonstrates knowledge of basic interdisciplinary techniques and tools in the study of geomicrobiological phenomena and understands the importance of experimental work in this subject.
Knows how to: (i) independently plan and perform experiments in the field of geomicrobiology, (ii) present the obtained results in a form appropriate for discussion, evaluation or publication (iii) the importance of experimental work in the geomicrobiology.
SKILLS
Uses broadly understood advanced molecular genetics techniques which make selection and targeted modification of microorganisms and mobile genetic elements possible.
Has knowledge of a modern language (Polish or English) sufficient for using electronic resources and scientific literature devoted to broadly defined bacterial genetics.
Is able to draw proper conclusions and interpret research results of molecular analyses based on the obtained data.
Is able to plan easy experiments with the usage of mobile genetic elements (cloning, mutagenesis etc.).
Is able to study on his/her own and focus on the study area.
SOCIAL AWARENESS
Appreciates the significance of statistical and bioinformatic tools for reporting the results of experiments as well as processes occurring in nature.
Is responsible for the research which has been assigned to him/her, for his/her own laboratory work and other people’s work.
Is careful and critical when acquiring and interpreting knowledge in microbial genetics and its practical applications.
Is responsible for the assessment of the risks associated with the research techniques used and for ensuring safe working conditions
Understands the need for informing the public about latest achievements in biology of microorganisms and mobile genetic elements and is able to pass this knowledge in an intelligible way.
Assessment criteria
Exam in a written form.
Practical placement
No.
Bibliography
Ehrlich HL, Newman DK. 2008. Geomicrobiology, 5th Edn. Boca Raton USA: Taylor and Francis Group.
Konhauser K. 2007. Introduction to Geomicrobiology. Blackwell Publishing
Riding R.E., Awramik S.M. 2000. Microbial Sediments. Springer.
Additional information
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