Environmental Microbiology (MLJ520)

The main objectives are to introduce the general biology of microorganisms and general concept of microbial ecology. Furthermore, important microbial processes in natural and technical systems are studied.


Course description for study year 2022-2023

Facts

Course code

MLJ520

Version

1

Credits (ECTS)

5

Semester tution start

Autumn

Number of semesters

1

Exam semester

Autumn

Language of instruction

English

Content

The course consists of the following modules:

Unit 1. Cellular Biology:

What is microbiology, Biomolecules, Cell structure and function, Metabolism, Cellular growth,  Bacterial Genetics

Unit 2. Microbial Diversity

Evolution and systematics, The Bacteria, The Archaea, Microbial eucaryotes

Unit 3. Metabolic Diversity

Phototrophy, Autotrophy, Chemolitotrophy, Heterotrophy, Fermentation, Anaerobic respiration, Aerobic Chemoorganoheterotrophs.

Unit 4. Microbial Ecology

Ecological concepts, Interactions, Soil habitats, Aquatic habitats, Biofilms, Nutrient cycles.

Unit 5. Environmetal Microbiology

Wastewater microbiology, Drinking water microbiology, Biodegradation and Bioremediation.

Learning outcome

Students are expected to know fundamental terminology in biology, especially in microbiology; understand and describe structure and functions of microbial cells and the ecological function and microbial mechanisms in natural and technical systems.

Required prerequisite knowledge

None

Recommended prerequisites

30 ECTS of chemistry, and 10 ECTS of biology. 

Exam

Form of assessment Weight Duration Marks Aid
Written exam 1/1 3 Hours Letter grades English-Native language dictionary, Valid calculator,

The course has a final skole exam that is worth  100 % of the grade. In addition there are two obligatory activities; a lab with a report and an course assignment. Students must complete all obligatory activiaties before they will be allowed to write the exam. Lab assignments shall be completed at the times and in the groups that are assigned and published on Canvas. Absence due to illness or for other reasons must be communicated to the laboratory personnel as soon as possible. One cannot expect that provisions for completion of the lab assignments at other times can be made, unless prior arrangements with the laboratory personnel have been agreed.

Coursework requirements

Presentation, Laboratory report

Students are required to attend a laboratory section of this course relating to methods used in environmental microbiology and complete the obligatory microbe project. 

Mandatory lab assignments shall be completed at the times and in the groups that are assigned and published on Canvas. Valid absence due to illness or for other reasons must be communicated to the laboratory personnel as soon as possible.  In cases of valid absence, it may be possible to complete the lab assignments at other times, where agreed with the teaching staff. This is not an entitlement. 

Labs must be approved in order to access the course examinations. No resit is offered for the laboratory section. If a student wishes to redo the lab, this can be done next time the subject is taught. 

Course teacher(s)

Course coordinator:

Krista Michelle Kaster

Coordinator laboratory exercises:

Hong Lin

Head of Department:

Ingunn Westvik Jolma

Method of work

4 hours lectures per week. 1 week of lab.

The course is based primarily on a series of lectures.

Overlapping courses

Course Reduction (SP)
Environmental Microbiology (MET160_1) 5
Environmental Microbiology (MLJ522_1) 10

Open for

Biological Chemistry - Master of Science Degree Programme Environmental Engineering - Master of Science Degree Programme Exchange programme at Faculty of Science and Technology

Course assessment

Forms and/or discussion.

Literature

The syllabus can be found in Leganto