65932 - Environmental Microbiology

Learning outcomes

The main training goal of the course is focused on the fundamental concepts concerning the interactions between microorganisms and their environment. The main microbiological and molecular techniques used in applied and environmental microbiology will be studied in detail. Specific objectives of the theoretical module will take in account the phylogenetic characterization of microbial ecosystems, the analysis of the main biogeochemical cycles and the microbial biofilm development. The laboratory module will provide technical skills to study the microorganisms in the environment.

Course contents

Module 1

Microbial ecology and principles of microbial taxonomy and phylogenesis.

Methods to study microbial communities: culture dependent and culture independent methods (molecular techniques).

Laboratory

Bacterial Culture Media: classification, types and uses. Isolation of microorganisms from different environments (soil, water, food). Microscopy and Bacterial Growth Curve analysis: growth rate and generation time of bacteria.

Module 2

Microorganisms and their roles in fundamental biogeochemical cycles: carbon, nitrogen, sulphur, iron, calcium, phosphorus, mercury, manganese.

Plant microbe interaction (phyllosphere, rizosphere, mycorrhizal fungi, nitrogen fixation microorganisms, plant pathogenic bacteria). Bacteria as biological control agents for insects.

Microbial communities and their interactions  hwith the environment. Toxic organic compound degradation and heavy metal and antibiotic resistance.

Laboratory

Gram staining, methods for studying bacteria growth in vitro, Bacterial genomic DNA extraction, 16S rDNA analysis.

 

Readings/Bibliography

Slides of the lessons  and notes are necessary.

Suggested textbook:

Brock Biology Microorganisms 15th Edition MT. Madigan, JM. Martinko, DS. Stahl, KS. Bender, DH. Buckley 14/Ed. Pearson.

Teaching methods

The course topics will be explained to student by frontal lessons with the use of power point presentations.

To perform the laboratory experience, students will be divided in pairs.

Assessment methods

The exam will be carried out through a written exam with several open ended question and some multiple choice test.

For the laboratory course a multiple response test is provided.

Teaching tools

The teaching material illustrated during the lessons will be made available to students in electronic format.

Office hours

See the website of Stefano Fedi

See the website of Beatrice Vitali