Course for international guest/part time students

Faculty

Faculty of Science

Organization

TTK Department of Microbiology

Code

ktudmikrobb17em

Title

Microbiology of environmental protection

Usual semester

Autumn

Published semester

2025/26/2

ECTS

2

Language

en

Learning outcomes

The aim of the course: Our aim is to present how live organisms have shaped and continue to shape the face of our planet, to introduce the biological methods of environmental analysis, and to draw attention to the potential benefits and dangers of the impact of live organisms on the state of our environment, even on a global scale. Competencies: Knowledge: Understands the deep holistic characteristics of the environment-shaping functions of live organisms. Knows the terminology necessary for the environmental application of the most important environment-shaping functions of live organisms (metabolism, cometabolism, (bio)accumulation, motility, communication) and how to use them. Understands the biological processes of environmental analysis (which species are present in a given environment, what are the potential characteristics and current activities of these species, and how these shape the environment, moreover how can these be used to change the environment), as well as the relationships between function and regulation. Understands the importance of an interdisciplinary approach. Is familiar with the connections among the areas of knowledge acquired in different subjects. Skills: Able to interpret the results of environmental status analysis in a coordinated and high-level manner. Able to use the concepts of procedures aimed at changing the environmental status in a professional manner. Able to recognize and integrate the connections among the knowledge and information of different scientific fields. Able to communicate results orally, and in writing at an elevated level. Able to apply acquired knowledge to the scientific explanation of phenomena and processes that result in changes in environmental conditions. Attitude: Strives to use the knowledge acquired in the field with an integrative approach to understand the functioning of environmental systems. Is open to learning about new research results in environmental science and other natural sciences. Complies with and enforces the rules of environmental ethics. Actively disseminates the results of environmental science. Is committed to and open to scientifically based knowledge and an integrative approach. Is committed to the continuous expansion of knowledge in the field of environmental science. Autonomy and responsibility: Able to independently consider fundamental professional issues. Responsibly expresses opinions on environmental science, research, and environmental ethics issues in professional and non-professional bodies. Feels responsible for acquiring higher-level knowledge in the field of environmental science (e.g., through PhD training). Is familiar with the world of work and helps partners perform tasks in an environmentally conscious and purposeful manner.

Course content

Key topics covered in the lecture: The role of live organisms in changing the state of the environment: metabolic processes (energy, reducing power, and building blocks), co-oxidation (changing the state of the environment without direct "gain"), bioaccumulation (direct and indirect), movement and communication (at all levels of the organization of life). Biological methods of environmental analysis, searching for answers to fundamental ecological questions: what live organisms (species) are present in an environment, why is it interesting to know about them; what are the potential and actual activities of species individually and at community level, and what are the environmental impacts of these activities, and how can we use them to change the state of the environment. How can we distinguish between mere presence and active presence, and how can we modulate the activities of organisms? Environmental pollutants as microbial substrates. The carrying capacity of the environment and the process of self-purification. Circular economy. Case studies in the field of environmental status analysis.

Assessment method

colloquium Oral exam on the three main topics of the course: the effects of live organisms on environmental conditions, biological methods of environmental status analysis, case study: an important environmental issue in the examinee's native country/place of residence and a comprehensive presentation of workable solutions.

Bibliography

Lecture materials (filled up to ELTE LMS) Konhauser, K. (2007) Introduction to geomicrobiology. Blackwell, Malden – Oxford – Carlton., pp. 444. Tóth, E.M.; Márialigeti, K. (2013) Practical Microbiology: based on the Hungarian practical notes entitled "Mikrobiológiai Laboratóriumi Gyakorlatok". Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, pp. 223.

Programmes of the course