Environmental Microbiology
A.Y. 2020/2021
Learning objectives
The goal is to provide students with a basic knowledge of general and environmental microbiology, focusing on the ecological role of microorganisms and addressing issues such as symbiosis, microbial evolution, the origin of life and the impact of microorganisms on the history of the Hearth.
Expected learning outcomes
Students will acquire a basic knowledge of microbiology and will understand the role of microorganisms in the ecosystems. The study of symbiosis will provide students with a further capacity to interpret a variety of biological phenomena. Finally, the study of microbial evolution will deepen the knowledge of basic evolutionary mechanisms and will contribute to the understanding of the history of Hearth.
Lesson period: First 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
First semester
HOW THE COURSE WILL BE DELIVERED
Part of the lessons will be delivered asynchronously, with lessons in ppt / pdf format accompanied by audio files. Approx. 50% of the lessons will be delivered synchronously through the Microsoft Teams platform.
TEACHING MATERIALS
The teaching material (lessons in pdf and links to videotaped lessons) will be made available on the ARIEL platform.
EXAMINATION METHOD
The exam is written. It will consist of multiple-choice and free questions. It will be done following all of the rules and recommendations by the government of the University.
Part of the lessons will be delivered asynchronously, with lessons in ppt / pdf format accompanied by audio files. Approx. 50% of the lessons will be delivered synchronously through the Microsoft Teams platform.
TEACHING MATERIALS
The teaching material (lessons in pdf and links to videotaped lessons) will be made available on the ARIEL platform.
EXAMINATION METHOD
The exam is written. It will consist of multiple-choice and free questions. It will be done following all of the rules and recommendations by the government of the University.
Course syllabus
Teaching unit: Introduction to microbiology; ecology and microbial evolution; application aspects
Introduction: microbiology and its history. Origin of life and early stages of microbial evolution. Morphology, classification, diversity of microorganisms. Structure and function of prokaryotic cells; elements of genetics and genomics of prokaryotes. Microorganisms in the environment-animal-human interface. Symbiosis and host-parasite relationship. Microbial ecosystems and elements of microbial ecology. Bioremediation. Symbiosis in mammals: microbiota and microbiome.
Teaching unit: General and environmental mycology
Morphology, biology and systematics of fungi. Taxonomic identification, with particular reference to macrofungi. Presentation of the main fungal groups: representative and interesting taxa. Entomopathogenic fungi. Pathogenicity of fungi in vertebrates, with examples of fungal diseases and their impact, including ecological ones.
Introduction: microbiology and its history. Origin of life and early stages of microbial evolution. Morphology, classification, diversity of microorganisms. Structure and function of prokaryotic cells; elements of genetics and genomics of prokaryotes. Microorganisms in the environment-animal-human interface. Symbiosis and host-parasite relationship. Microbial ecosystems and elements of microbial ecology. Bioremediation. Symbiosis in mammals: microbiota and microbiome.
Teaching unit: General and environmental mycology
Morphology, biology and systematics of fungi. Taxonomic identification, with particular reference to macrofungi. Presentation of the main fungal groups: representative and interesting taxa. Entomopathogenic fungi. Pathogenicity of fungi in vertebrates, with examples of fungal diseases and their impact, including ecological ones.
Prerequisites for admission
Basic knowledge in general and environmental biology and in plant science.
Teaching methods
The course is based on interactive classroom lessons supported by projected material. Student are invited to actively participate in the discussion. Course attendance is strongly recommended.
Teaching Resources
All presentations used during the lessons will be made available to students on the ARIEL platform. The topics covered will also be deepened with bibliographic material, such as scientific articles and "review" articles, videos and seminars.
Suggested book. Brock. Biologia dei microrganismi. Microbiologia generale, ambientale e industriale. Editore: Pearson (or the English edition of this book)
Suggested book. Brock. Biologia dei microrganismi. Microbiologia generale, ambientale e industriale. Editore: Pearson (or the English edition of this book)
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam will be written and will include a set of both multiple-choice and open-ended questions aimed at assessing the knowledge and skills acquired by the student on the topics presented during the course.
BIO/19 - MICROBIOLOGY - University credits: 6
Lessons: 48 hours
Professors:
Bandi Claudio, Epis Sara
Professor(s)