65932 - Environmental Microbiology

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course the student will have the basic knowledge on the structure-function-biosynthesis of the typical components of the bacterial cell. He will be able to understand the relationship between microorganisms and the environment.

 

Course contents

General Microbiology:

Basic principles of microbiology, evolutionary history and microbial diversity.

Structure and functions of the prokaryotic cell: cytoplasmic membrane, cell wall, outer membrane, surface structures, endospores and flagella.

Microbial metabolism: catabolism and anabolism.

Microbial growth: growth curve, culture media, methods of assessing microbial growth, environmental factors that control microbial growth.

Principles of prokaryotic molecular biology.

Phototrophy: anoxygenic and oxygenic photosynthesis.

Chemolithotrophy: oxidation of hydrogen, sulfur, iron, nitrification, nitrogen fixation.

Catabolism of organic compounds: chemorganotrophy and fermentations.

Applied Microbiology:

Culture-dependent and molecular methods for the analysis of microbial communities

Principles of bioremediation

Biogeochemical cycles (C, N, S)

Microbial interactions: mechanisms of symbiosis.

Readings/Bibliography

Brock. Biologia dei microrganismi. Microbiologia generale, ambientale e industriale. 14/Ed. Pearson.

Biologia dei Microrganismi a cura di Gianni Dehò ed Enrica Galli. Casa Editrice Ambrosiana.

Teaching methods

Lectures (in italian)

Assessment methods

Oral examination or written test

Teaching tools

The teaching material will be available to the students in electronic format.

Office hours

See the website of Carola Eleonora Parolin