Course for international guest/part time students

Faculty

Faculty of Science

Organization

TTK Department of Microbiology

Code

ktudmikokob17em

Title

Microbial ecology

Usual semester

Autumn

ECTS

2

Language

en

Learning outcomes

Competencies: Knowledge: Understands the basics of microbiology and the fundamental concepts of microbial ecology. Knows the metabolic types of microbes and their role in ecological processes. Knows the methods by which microbes can be studied. Understands the main relationships between the nutrient cycles occurring on Earth and the role of microorganisms in these cycles. Knows the natural microbial partners of water, soil, plants, animals, and humans, the potential risks, and the possibilities for eliminating them. Is familiar with the topic of bioremediation. Knows the basic principles of applied microbiology and the possibilities for using microorganisms. Ability: Able to connect knowledge from microbiology and related natural science fields. Able to use concepts of microbiology and microbial ecology professionally, able to interpret results. Able to consider an ecological problem from multiple perspectives, and able to interpret the role of microorganisms. Able to identify, both in writing and orally, the factors that may influence the reproduction of microorganisms under given circumstances. Attitude: Open to learning about new findings in microbial ecology and other related topics, and to professional collaboration. Strives to use the knowledge acquired in the field with an integrative approach to understand the functioning of ecological systems. It is committed to the continuous expansion of knowledge in the fields of microbiology, microbial ecology, and environmental science. It is committed to the protection of the Earth's wildlife and natural environment. Autonomy and Responsibility : Able to independently analyse the fundamental professional issues. Responsible for forming scientifically sound opinion concerning ecological problems, environmental science issues, and associated ethical questions. Feels responsible for continuously expanding their knowledge and maintaining high professional standards in their own research.

Course content

The course assumes basic microbiological knowledge. Its aim is to provide an advanced introduction to the most important topics in microbial ecology that are related in some way to human activity. Key topics covered in the course: The course covers the most important topics in microbial ecology. It summarizes the basics of microbial ecology, including the occurrence and diversity of microorganisms in natural and artificial environments, as well as the environmental factors that influence the growth of microorganisms. It includes lectures on methods for study microbes, as well as the microbiology of aquatic environments (natural and artificial water bodies) and soils, touching on environmental problems and the possibilities of bioremediation. The course also covers the main biogeochemical cycles (carbon, nitrogen, sulfur) and heavy metal cycles. The last part discusses interactions between different populations (microbe-microbe, plant-microbe, animal-microbe, and human-microbe). The issue of antibiotic resistance and the spread of resistance mechanisms in the environment are also addressed.

Assessment method

k5 = exam mark (5) (1 failed, 5 excellent) Evaluation is based on the students’ individual performance. The students prepare for the exam from lecture handouts and their notes during the lectures. The exam is a written test.

Bibliography

Lecture handouts (pdf)

Recommended bibliography

Madigan – Martinko – Bander – Buckley – Stahl: Brock Biology of Microorganisms (Pearson, 2019)

Programmes of the course