3 ECTS credits
90 h study time
Offer 1 with catalog number 1010795BNR for all students in the 1st 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 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. 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.
Not applicable.
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.
The final grade is composed based on the following categories:
Oral Exam determines 70% of the final mark.
Written Exam determines 30% 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:
Not applicable.
This course offer isn't part of a fixed set of graduation requirements. Hence, it is a free elective.