28317 - Biogeochemical Processes and Transformation of Organic and Inorganic Matter in Marine Micro-Organisms

Academic Year 2008/2009

  • Docente: Roberto Borghese
  • Credits: 6
  • SSD: BIO/19
  • Language: Italian
  • Moduli: Roberto Borghese (Modulo 1) Enrico Dinelli (Modulo 2)
  • Teaching Mode: Traditional lectures (Modulo 1) Traditional lectures (Modulo 2)
  • Campus: Ravenna
  • Corso: Second cycle degree programme (LM) in Marine Biology (cod. 8024)

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course the student has gained knowledge on the main energy metabolisms of marine microorganisms and on the way they take part in the biogeochemical cycles. Furthermore, the student reaches a good knowledge on the role microrganisms play in the structuring of marine environments, particularly idrothermal vents and sediments. Finally, the student acquires knowledge on the structure and formation processes of marine sediments, partivularly on the lythogenic, biogenic and hydrogenic components.

Course contents

Introduction to marine microbiology. Microbial biodiversity: genetics, genomics, viruses. Biogeochemical cycles: carbon, nitrogen, sulfur, phosphorus and iron. Microorganisms and climate. Marine sediments: structure and formation processes. Marine hydrothermal environments.

Readings/Bibliography

Readings will be presented as part of the lectures.

Teaching methods

Lectures

Assessment methods

Written final exam

Teaching tools

PC and projector

Office hours

See the website of Roberto Borghese

See the website of Enrico Dinelli