AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Provide basic knowledge on the composition and nature of the microbial world (viruses, bacteria, archea and eukaryotic microorganisms), highlighting the main structural, functional, ecological characteristics and the role of gene exchange in microorganisms. To provide the main notions on modern techniques and assays for the study of environmental microbial communities.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

Attendance and participation in the planned activities will enable the student to acquire general knowledge in the field of environmental Microbiology

Specifically, he will be able to:

                    • Know the basic biology of environmental microorganisms and their activities (microbial

                     metabolism) in natural ecosystems

                    • Understanding the ecological role of environmental microorganisms

     • Know the diagnostic techniques necessary for the characterization and recognition of  

         environmental microorganisms

     • Understanding the use of microorganisms in innovative approaches for environmental  

        bioremediation

TEACHING METHODS

The course consists exclusively of lectures. Attendance at lessons is strongly recommended.

Lectures in the classroom are delivered through multimedia presentations. 

"Students who have valid certification of physical or learning disabilities on file with the University and who wish to discuss possible accommodations or other circumstances regarding lectures, coursework and exams, should speak both with the instructor and with Professor Sara Ferrando (sara.ferrando@unige.it), the Department’s disability liaison.”

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

The composition of the microbial world. eukaryotes and prokaryotes. Structural and functional characteristics of the bacterial cell. The bacterial division. Nutritional classes of bacteria and energy reactions. The growth curve; effect of the environment on bacterial growth; survival strategies of bacteria at stress. The endospore. Main features of gene exchanges in bacteria and their study in the marine environment. Genetics of microorganisms, horizontal gene transfer (conjugation, transduction, transformation). Archea: classification, main characteristics and ecological role. Virus: main features (structure and replication cycle); lytic cycle and lysogenic cycle of bacteriophages. Viruses in the environment ecology and techniques for their detection. General characteristics of eukaryotic microorganisms. Sterilization techniques. Cultures and non-culture surveys for the study of presence, concentration and microbial activity in the environment. Ecological role of microorganisms. Interactions of microorganisms with animals, plants and other microorganisms. Microbial biofilms.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

All slides used during lessons and other teaching materials will be available on AulaWeb at the end of each lesson cycle. The book below is suggested as a supporting text, but students can still use other university level texts. The recommended text is available and can be consulted at the M.F.N. School of Science Library.

Micheal T Madigan et al 2016. Brock, Biology of microorganisms, General, environmental and industrial microbiology. Pearson Publisher (Milan), ISBN-10: 889190094X, 848 pp.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

Class schedule

ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The exam consists of a first written part followed by an oral part. The first part consists of a test consisting of multiple choice questions on basic, very general topics of Microbiology covered during the course. If the student passes the written exam, he / she will take an oral examination, which consists in answering questions asked by the teacher on topics covered during the course. The final grade is based on the oral exam only. The oral exam can be sustained in the same call of the written test or in the other calls of the same exam session, published on the UNIGE website. Three calls will be available in the winter session (January-February) and 3 calls in the summer session (June, July, September)

ASSESSMENT METHODS

Information on how to prepare for the exam and the level of detail required for each topic, for both the written and oral exams, will be provided during the lessons. Both the written and oral exams will focus on topics covered in class. The written exam, based on questions on very general and basic subjects of Microbiology, will have the purpose of assessing whether the student has reached a minimum level of knowledge. The oral examination will have the purpose to evaluate not only if the student has reached an adequate level of knowledge, but also if he/she has acquired the ability to recall the theoretical notions by applying them to simple concrete contexts. The ability to expose the arguments clearly and with correct terminology will also be evaluated

FURTHER INFORMATION

Regular attendance at lessons is strongly recommended.