Environmental Biotechnology (MLJ640)
The course seeks to increase students' knowledge and understanding of environmental microbiology and its applications in addition to showing students how knowledge of microbial communities and their processes that can be of beneficial use, e.g. in the bioremediation of contaminated sites, and using our understanding of microorganisms in the environment to control their detrimental effects.
Course description for study year 2022-2023
Course code
MLJ640
Version
1
Credits (ECTS)
10
Semester tution start
Spring
Number of semesters
1
Exam semester
Spring
Language of instruction
English
Content
The course will be divided into the following 4 Modules:
Module 1: Environmental Microbiology.
In this module the course will cover advanced topics in environment microbiology related to microbial communities the relationships between microorganisms and microbial processes in different environments. In additions this section will also include methods used for the study of microbial communities such as metagenomics.
Module 2: Bioremediation
The bioremediation modules student will cover acclimation, detoxification, sorption, and bioavailability, effect of chemical structure on biodegradation, xenobiotics, cometabolism and application of bioremediation strategies.
Module 3: Oil Reservoir microbiology
This topic covers microbial communities in oil reservoirs, reservoir souring, biocorrosion and biofouling, microbial upgrading of oil and microbial influenced oil recovery.
Module 4: Methods in Environmental microbial biotechnology
This section will involve compulsory laboratory sessions relating to the other 3 modules. In addition the students will learn about the methods used in environmental biotechnology
Learning outcome
Knowledge Outcome
Students should gain understanding of the role of microorganisms in their environment and how this knowledge can be used to solve environmental and industrial problems.
Skills Outcome
Students should be able to utilize the knowledge gained on the role and importance of microorganisms in the environment and how the knowledge can be exploited. Students will be able to apply this knowledge in both real life and in a laboratory setting. In addition students will gain some basic environmental microbiology laboratory skills.
General Competency
To build on their prior knowledge of environmental microbiology giving students a deeper understanding of the impact of microorganisms on the environment and how to apply this knowledge in order to utilize microorganisms for bioremediation and in the oil industry.
Required prerequisite knowledge
MLJ520 Environmental Microbiology
BIO220 Microbiology
Recommended prerequisites
Exam
Form of assessment | Weight | Duration | Marks | Aid |
---|---|---|---|---|
Written exam | 1/1 | 4 Hours | Letter grades |
Coursework requirements
Students are required to attend a laboratory section of this course relating to methods used in environmental microbial biotechnology.
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 KasterCoordinator laboratory exercises:
Hong LinMethod of work
4 hours of lectures a week plus obligatory laboratory exercises
The course is based primarily on a based on lectures.