APPLIED ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY
Knowledge of principles of biology, chemistry and ecology are recommended (but not obligatory). No formal prerequisites are required.
Final written exam (6 questions in 1 hour) scored out of a maximum of 30 points (with the minimum of 18 points to pass the exam).
The examination will assess: i) adequate knowledge and comprehension of the covered topics showing a critical approach; ii) capability of linking the theoretical aspects covered during the lectures and the practical aspects carried out in the laboratory; iii) clarity of expression of the acquired notions; and iv) ability to use an appropriate scientific language related to the applied environmental microbiology field.
Consistently with the professional profiles and the specific objectives of the degree course, the aim is to briefly illustrate basic knowledge of the general microbiology and to provide an advanced knowledge in an interdisciplinary context:
1) microbial ecology and applied environmental microbiology topics linked to the environmental biodiversity and sustainability
2) the role of the microorganisms in the conservation, protection and remediation of the environment.
The laboratory activities (16 hours) aim to integrate the acquired theoretical knowledge and to provide a basic knowledge of the main cultural-dependent microbiological techniques.
By the conclusion of the course, the student will be able to:
- understand the importance of the microbial biodiversity and metabolic potentiality in the environment;
- apply the acquired knowledges in the aspects related to the role of the microorganism in their natural habitats and in the microbial technologies used for the conservation and remediation of the environment and for the environmental biodiversity and sustainability;
- comprehend the importance of the use of a multiple approach that combines different techniques for the study of the microbial communities in the environment;
- apply the acquired knowledge to the emerging issues covered in the degree course;
- use a scientific language and communication skills in the applied environmental microbiology field;
- analyze in depth topics, related to the use of microorganisms for the environment, based on the recent scientific international literature.
Diversity of prokaryotes, molecular taxonomy and microbial evolution. (2 hours)
Microbial growth in laboratory and techniques for the count and the measurement of the growth. (2 hours)
Metabolic diversity in prokaryotes. (3 hours)
Importance of the processes of genetic recombination for environmental bacteria. (2 hours)
Microbial ecology: microbial habitats and study of the environmental microbial communities. (4 hours)
Extremophile bacteria. (2 hours)
Positive and negative microbial interspecific interactions. (2 hours)
Beneficial microorganism-plan relationships (mycorrhizae, nitrogen fixing bacteria, Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria, biocontrol agents). (4 hours)
Role of microorganisms in the principal biogeochemical cycles. (2 hours)
Role of microorganisms in:
- wastewater treatment (2 hours)
- bioremediation of contaminated sites (4 hours)
- composting process (3 hours)
- bioleaching for metal recovery (2 hours)
- energy and biofuel production (2 hours)
- biodeterioration and biorestoration of artistic stoneworks (4 hours)
The various microbial technologies applied to the environment will be also illustrated by case studies and brief discussion of the recent scientific literature.
Laboratory activities (total 16 hours) will provide practical knowledge of the main microbiological techniques used for the determination of the microbial counts in environmental samples, on surfaces and indoor air environments.
Total course hours: 56 consisting of 40 hours lectures and 16 hours of laboratory activities. All the topics will be presented using slides available in e-learning.
On the request of students, explanations of specific topics covered in previous lectures will be provided. Additionally, clarifications will be possible at any time during a lecture. During the laboratory hours a protocol will be provided with the different activities that the students will follow under the supervision of the professor.
Students can email to the following address to schedule a meeting with the professor: Elisabetta.Zanardini@uninsubria.it
DiSAT, Via Valleggio 11, Como
Professors
Borrowers
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Degree course in: ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
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Degree course in: ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
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Degree course in: ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES