Environmental Microbiology

A.Y. 2023/2024
6
Max ECTS
48
Overall hours
SSD
BIO/19
Language
Italian
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.
Single course

This course can be attended as a single course.

Course syllabus and organization

Single session

Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
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. Symbiosis in mammals: immunity (basic knowledge) 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)
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
Educational website(s)