5 ECTS credits
150 h study time
Offer 1 with catalog number 1021626BNR for all students in the 2nd semester at a (B) Bachelor - advanced level.
This course will provide a basic introduction into the fascinating world of microorganisms from a variety of different viewpoints (molecular, cellular, biochemical and ecological). An emphasis will be placed: i) on microbial and viral diversity and how this is linked to an evolutionary context and ii) on the relationship between physiology and ecological context. After discussing cell morphology, we will unravel the molecular structure of the microbial cell envelope and of inclusion and surface structures, including structure of viruses. We will discuss microbial growth from an individual and population perspective and learn how growth is affected by environmental parameters (temperature, pH, oxygen). The origin of life and evolution of microorganisms will be discussed followed by an introduction to phylogenetics. This will be linked to systematic methods to identify and classify microorganisms. A large part of the course will focus on concepts of microbial metabolism by discussing energy generation (chemoorganotrophy, chemolithotrophy, (an-)aerobic respiration, fermentation, (an-)oxygenic photosynthesis), nitrogen and carbon fixation strategies as well as specialized microbial metabolisms (methanotrophy, methanogenesis, acetogenesis, annamox) and the underlying biochemical pathways. Examples that demonstrate the metabolic and physiological diversity of microorganisms will be discussed in the context of their habitats. Finally, we will learn about the ecological roles of microorganisms and discuss the carbon, nitrogen and sulfur nutrient cycles. Throughout the course, students will be familiarized with microbiological research techniques linked to the different course topics (e.g. microscopy, phylogenetic analysis) and their awareness will be raised regarding the importance of microorganisms from medical, agricultural and biotechnological perspectives. In a practical subcourse theoretical principles will be illustrated and practical skills will be learned for isolation, identification and manipulation of microorganisms.
Attendance is required for practical sessions.
Students can define microbiological concepts.
Students can describe molecular en cellular (sub-)structures of micro-organisms and give schematic diagrams thereoff.
Students can describe metabolic processes, indicate energetic and redox conversions and name differences and similarities between different metabolic pathways.
Students can explain how microbial physiology and metabolism is related to their environment and habitat and they can schematically draw nutrient cycles.
Students can propose the best suited research method for a microbiological research question and can justify this proposal.
Students can implement techniques inherent to microbial research experiments taking into account biosafety rules (a.o. aseptic manipulation and accurate pipetting).
Students can interpret results of microbial experiments and explain them in the context of microbial physiology.
The final grade is composed based on the following categories:
Oral Exam determines 60% of the final mark.
Written Exam determines 20% of the final mark.
PRAC Report determines 20% of the final mark.
Within the Oral Exam category, the following assignments need to be completed:
Within the Written Exam category, the following assignments need to be completed:
Within the PRAC Report category, the following assignments need to be completed:
Not applicable.
This offer is part of the following study plans:
Bachelor of Biology: Default track (only offered in Dutch)
Bachelor of Bioengineering Sciences: Profile Cell and Gene Biotechnology (only offered in Dutch)
Bachelor of Bioengineering Sciences: Profile Chemistry and Bioprocess Technology (only offered in Dutch)
Bachelor of Bioengineering Sciences: Initial track (only offered in Dutch)
Master of Linguistics and Literary Studies: Profile Profile Literary Studies
Master of Teaching in Science and Technology: geografie (120 ECTS, Etterbeek) (only offered in Dutch)
Master of Teaching in Science and Technology: chemie (120 ECTS, Etterbeek) (only offered in Dutch)
Master of Teaching in Science and Technology: fysica (120 ECTS, Etterbeek) (only offered in Dutch)
Master of Teaching in Science and Technology: wiskunde (120 ECTS, Etterbeek) (only offered in Dutch)
Master of Teaching in Science and Technology: ingenieurswetenschappen (120 ECTS, Etterbeek) (only offered in Dutch)
Master of Teaching in Physical Education: standaard traject (120 ECTS, Etterbeek) (only offered in Dutch)
Master of Movement and Sports Sciences: Afstudeerrichting sportbeleid en sportmanagement - profiel onderwijs (only offered in Dutch)
Master of Movement and Sports Sciences: Physical Activity, Fitness and Health Profile Profile Education (only offered in Dutch)
Master of Movement and Sports Sciences: Sports Training and Coaching Profile Profile Education (only offered in Dutch)
Bridging Programme Master of Science in Biology: Ecology (only offered in Dutch)
Bridging Programme Master of Science in Biology: Molecular&Cellular LifeScience (only offered in Dutch)