93967 - Microbial Biotechnology for Sustainable Processes

Learning outcomes

The course will provide students with knowledge on: technologies for the selection and use of microorganisms for the biocontrol and bio stimulation of the soil-plant system; microbial technologies for the transformation of agro-industrial residues and by-products for the production of matrixes of interest for the agricultural sector; microbial technologies for the production of molecules or products with high added value of interest for the agro-food sector. In particular, the student will be able to: set up microbiological processes for the valorization of wastes, residues and by-products; understand the role of microorganisms in the agro-food industry and agriculture in a circular economy context; use the acquired knowledge in the management of biotechnological processes in a context of sustainable agriculture.

Course contents

Introduction to the course: overview on the aims of the course, the main topics addressed, how teaching material is provided to students and how the final examination is carried out.

Main strategies and biotechnological processes for the valorisation of agri-food wastes, residues and by-products into added- value compounds and products for the agri-food sector

Criteria for microorganism selection and optimisation of the biotechnological processes in relation to the side streams/by products considered and the final target product to be obtained

Main strategies based on the use of selected microorganisms as biofertilizers, biostimulants, biocontrol agents for the soil-plant system

Readings/Bibliography

- Lecture slides provided during the course through the https://virtuale.unibo.it/ platform
- Papers on specific topics suggested by the teacher

Teaching methods

The course includes theoretical and practical class lectures, laboratory activities and seminars.

Assessment methods

The final examination will be based on an oral assessment aimed at evaluating knowledge and skills on general and practical aspects presented during the course on the role of microorganisms in the agricultural sector, their uses for the valorization of agro-industrial residues and by-products into value-added products and for the benefit of the environment in a circular economy context.

 

The final grade for the integrated course of Biotechnology for Sustainability will be calculated as weighted average of the scores obtained in the two modules of Microbial Biotechnology for Sustainable Processes (6 CFU) and Genetics and Biotechnology for Resilient Crops (6CFU).

Prof.ssa Lucia Vannini is in charge for recording the final grade in AlmaEsami.

 

Teaching tools

Video projector, PCs, laboratories equipped with the most modern instruments for microbiological analyses.

Slides of the lectures and training activities will be available for all the enrolled students as pdf files through the web-site: "Virtual Learning Environment".

Office hours

See the website of Lucia Vannini