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

Methods for analyzing microbial communities:

-in-depth study of culture-dependent methods for various microorganisms that are distinguished by their requirement for specific growth conditions

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

-analysis of biochemical assays used to discriminate between various microorganisms

-molecular assays

Interactions between microorganisms and plants (rhizosphere, mycorrhizae, nitrogen fixation, plant pathogens) and use of microorganisms in biological control (biological pest control);

Cell cultures, growth and maintenance

Virus growth and cultivation

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

Cell cultures, growth and maintenance

Virus growth and cultivation

 

Laboratory program

Bacterial transformation and inducible proteins

Tests to identify various microorganisms: selective and differential media, oxidase tests, catalase tests, fermentation tests, etc.

C-ELISA TEST

Immunoenzymatic staining for the identification of viral infection

 

 

Readings/Bibliography

The slides and notes taken during the lessons are essential for exam preparation. For further reference, students can study the topics in greater depth in the following textbook:

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 course topics based on online material, possible presentation to groups of papers of interest.

Individual laboratory experience

Assessment methods

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

Oral questions may be asked if further assessment is necessary.

 

Students with learning disorders and\or temporary or permanent disabilities: please, contact the office responsible (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students) as soon as possible so that they can propose acceptable adjustments. The request for adaptation must be submitted in advance (15 days before the exam date) to the lecturer, who will assess the appropriateness of the adjustments, taking into account the teaching objectives.

Teaching tools

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

Office hours

See the website of Tatiana Gianni