C8905 - SIMBIOSI E MICROBIOMI

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of the course, students will have acquired fundamental knowledge of the interactions between microorganisms and macroorganisms in plant and animal ecosystems. In particular, students will be able to:

• Describe the main types of symbiotic relationships between microorganisms and their hosts;
• Explain the phylogenetic and functional characteristics of the major plant and animal microbiomes;
• Apply the acquired knowledge to the analysis of case studies (examples of symbiosis) reported in the scientific literature.

Course contents

Microbial symbioses (mutualism, commensalism, amensalism, competition, and parasitism): ecological significance and the concept of the holobiont.

Microbiota and microbiome: ecological functions of microbial communities.

Animal microbiomes, with particular emphasis on the human microbiome: composition, relationships between the microbiome and host health, and dysbiosis.

Plant and soil microbiomes: the rhizosphere, nitrogen-fixing bacteria, and the role of microbiomes in plant growth and defense.

Microbiomes, environmental pollution, and sustainability.

Discussion of simplified scientific articles and case studies.

Readings/Bibliography

Brock. Biology of microorganisms. Pearson

Prescott's Microbiology. McGray-Hill

Teaching methods

Classroom lectures supported by multimedia presentations using a computer and projector. Guided reading and group discussion of selected scientific articles and case studies.

Assessment methods

Oral examination including the discussion of a scientific article covered during the course.

 

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 will be available to the students in electronic format.

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.

Office hours

See the website of Carola Eleonora Parolin