12417 - Microbiological Techniques

Learning outcomes

The main educational objective of the course is the study of the interactions of microorganisms with the surrounding environment, with an in-depth study of microbiological and molecular techniques used in general microbiology and microbial ecology. Specific objectives concern the acquisition of theoretical knowledge (frontal modules) and practical (laboratory modules) for the characterization of microbial ecosystems, for the analysis of biogeochemical cycles and the study of microbial development in biofilms.

Course contents

Elements of taxonomy and phylogeny;

Methods of analysis of microbial communities:

- Study of culture-dependent methods of various microorganisms that are distinguished by the request for particular growth conditions

- microscopic techniques used to identify both the various organisms and their components (pili, capsule ...) 

-Analysis of the biochemical assays used to discriminate the various microorganisms

-Molecular assays

Interactions between microorganisms and plants (phyllosphere, rhizosphere, - mycorrhizae, - nitrogen fixation, - plant pathogens) and use of microorganisms in biological control (biological control).

Use of microorganisms in a number of applications: bioremediation, vaccine production etc.

Techniques for analyzing samples of various derivations: food, organic, etc.

 

Laboratory program

Preparation of culture media and growth of three different microorganisms

Growth curves of a bacterial culture and titration of a bacterial growth;

Tests to identify the various microorganisms: Gram stain and microscope observation; oxidase test; catalase test, fermentation test etc ...

Readings/Bibliography

The slides and notes taken in class are essential for the preparation of the exam.

As a reference, the student can deepen the topics on the following text:

Brock: Biology of Microorganisms (general, environmental and industrial microbiology) MT. Madigan, JM. Martinko, DS. Stahl, KS. Bender, DH. Buckley 14 / Ed. Pearson.

Teaching methods

Lectures on the topics of the course on the basis of online material, possible presentation to groups of papers of interest.

Laboratory experiences in pairs.

Assessment methods

Written exam with some open-ended questions and a series of multiple choice questions.

Any oral questions if further verification is required.

Teaching tools

The teaching material presented in class will be made available to the student in electronic format.

Office hours

See the website of Tatiana Gianni