ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY
- Overview
- Assessment methods
- Learning objectives
- Contents
- Bibliography
- Teaching methods
- Contacts/Info
Knowledge of basic notions of biology, chemistry and ecology is suggested.
No formal propedeuticity is required.
Final written exam scored out of a maximum of 30 points.
The examination will aim to the evaluation of the level of knowledge and comprehension of the topics treated during the course (40%), ability to link the general microbiological notions with notions inherent role of microorganisms in the environment (30%), clarity of expression (20%) and the proper use of a scientific language related to the microbiology in the environmental field (10%).
The general aim of the course is to provide knowledge of general microbiology based on the structure of the bacterial cell, growth and factors influencing bacterial growth, different metabolic strategies and genetic recombination processes. In addition to the general topics, the aspects linked to the role and function of microorganisms in the environment and their potential application are briefly illustrated.
The student will learn how to apply the acquired general microbiological notions to deal with the study of microorganisms in their natural habitats and to comprehend their potentiality in the preservation and conservation of the environment.
The programme focuses on topics of general microbiology with a specific attention to the environmental microorganisms.
Introduction and history of microbiology. (2 hours)
Prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell structure. (2 hours)
Molecular systematic and microbial evolution. (2 hours)
Principles of microscopy. (2 hours)
Morphology and cytology of the bacterial cell. (6 hours)
Sterilisation techniques and work in sterile conditions. (2 hours)
Nutrition and cultivation of bacteria. (4 hours)
Bacterial growth and techniques to measure the growth and to determine the microbial counts. (6 hours)
Factors influencing the growth: temperature, pH, oxygen, osmotic pressure, hydrostatic pressure. (4 hours)
Metabolic diversity in prokaryotes: aerobic and anaerobic respiration, fermentation and photometabolism. (8 hours)
Principles of virology. (2 hours)
Genetic recombination in bacteria. (2 hours)
Brief description of role of microorganisms in different habitats and in the biogeochemical cycles and their potentiality in the preservation and conservation of the environment. (6 hours)
Biavati, Sorlini. Microbiologia Agroambientale, CEA. 2008.
Madigan, Martinko, Stahl, Brock. Biologia dei microrganismi, Pearson. 2012.
Wessner, Dupont, Charles. Microbiologia, CEA, 2015.
Pdf slides will be available on the e-learning platform.
Total course lecture hours: 48 (in teleconference Varese - Como).
Appointment via email Elisabetta.Zanardini@uninsubria.it
DiSAT, Via Valleggio 11, Como, floor -1