Agricultural Microbiology
A.Y. 2019/2020
Learning objectives
The course aims to provide fundamental knowledge about cytology and physiology of microorganisms, with emphasis to their role in nature and their use in agricultural biotechnology, in relation to soil fertility, organic matter degradation, and microbial interactions with plants and other biotic and abiotic components of soil ecosystem. Laboratory activity will allow the students to practice the basic techniques to grow and characterize soil and rhizosphere microorganisms.
Expected learning outcomes
Basic knowledge about general and ecological microbiology, in order to understand the role of microbial physiological groups associated with agricultural ecosystem. Knowledge of basic microbiological techniques.
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
Microbiology in Historical Context, Cell morphology and structure. Prokaryotic and eukaryotic microorganisms, Cell walls of Bacteria and Archaea, Citoplasmatic membrane and transport, Cell inclusions, Microbial locomotion, Endospores, Bacterial genomes, Methods for manipulating DNA, Fungi, Tecniche culturali, Microbial growth and control, Microscopy, Viruses, Gene transfer in Bacteria, Mutations, Microbial biofilms, Microbial symbioses, Plants as microbial habitat, Aerobic respiration, Chemolithotrophy Fermentations, Anaerobic respiration, Phototrophy, Bioremedation, Wastewater treatment and phytodepuration, Human microbiota, Rumen, Hydrogen production, Nutrient cycles.
Prerequisites for admission
Basic understanding of organic chemistry and biochemistry.
Teaching methods
The course includes 56 hours of teaching between lessons and exercises. In particular it is provided 40 hours of lectures and 16 hours of laboratory class.
Methods of instruction include: lecture format, class discussion, lab experiments and lab reports.
Methods of instruction include: lecture format, class discussion, lab experiments and lab reports.
Teaching Resources
The course materials will consist of PDF files of the lecture PowerPoint presentations, which will be provided for download at the ARIEL web site.
Suggested textbooks:
- B. Biavati, C. Sorlini, Microbiologia generale e agraria, editore CEA, 2007
- M. Madigan, C. Stahl, Brock Biologia dei microrganismi. Vol. 1 e Vol. 2
The textbooks are available at the library.
Reading the textbook may help you understand and be able to apply concepts presented in class but, unless specifically noted in class, you will not be tested on topics that are not discussed in the lecture or lab.
Suggested textbooks:
- B. Biavati, C. Sorlini, Microbiologia generale e agraria, editore CEA, 2007
- M. Madigan, C. Stahl, Brock Biologia dei microrganismi. Vol. 1 e Vol. 2
The textbooks are available at the library.
Reading the textbook may help you understand and be able to apply concepts presented in class but, unless specifically noted in class, you will not be tested on topics that are not discussed in the lecture or lab.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam consists of multiple choice questions based on the material presented in lecture and in the laboratory class.
There will be two tests, each will have 31 multiple-choice questions.
1) test #1 will cover topics introduced during the lessons 1-12 (1 hour).
2) test #2 will cover topics introduced during the lessons 13-20 (1 hour).
There will be two tests, each will have 31 multiple-choice questions.
1) test #1 will cover topics introduced during the lessons 1-12 (1 hour).
2) test #2 will cover topics introduced during the lessons 13-20 (1 hour).
AGR/16 - AGRICULTURAL MICROBIOLOGY - University credits: 6
Laboratories: 16 hours
Lessons: 40 hours
Lessons: 40 hours
Professor:
Villa Federica
Shifts:
-
Professor:
Villa FedericaProfessor(s)