Microbial ecology
Summary
The course will focus on fundamental concepts of microbial ecology and environmental microbiology, with emphasis on bacteria and archaea, although fungi, algae, and protists will also be covered.
Content
The course will explore the ecological factors that shape microbiomes, the essential roles microorganisms play in maintaining ecosystem functions, and their applications in environmental management and biotechnology. The course will also explore the interactions between microorganisms and their environments, encompassing both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, as well as their associations with plants and animals.
Additionally, it will cover the microbial diversity and adaptation strategies in extreme environments characterized by extreme temperatures, acidity, radiation, salinity, and osmotic pressure.
Students will gain theoretical knowledge of microbial ecology and environmental microbiology, including the factors shaping microbiomes and the roles of microorganisms in ecosystem functioning. They will be able to apply practical skills in microbiome studies and molecular methods for investigating environmental microbiology and microbial ecology.
Keywords
microbiology, ecology, environmental microbiology
Learning Prerequisites
Required courses
For Master students: ENV-202 Microbiology for engineers or BIO-372 Microbiology. Or equitant backround if coming in from another university.
For PhD students: backround in microbiology, biology, or ecology.
Learning Outcomes
Transversal skills
- Make an oral presentation.
- Communicate effectively, being understood, including across different languages and cultures.
- Plan and carry out activities in a way which makes optimal use of available time and other resources.
Teaching methods
Lecture, wet lab, dry lab, fieldwork
Expected student activities
Expected activities will include practical exercises including field-work, laboratory molecular techniques, and data analysis commonly used in environmental microbiology research and analysis of microbiome data. Students will participate in discussions and collaborative activities that explore real-world applications of microbial ecology and environmental microbiology in fields such as biotechnology and environmental management. Students will examine and present case studies in applied microbial ecology.
Assessment methods
25% presentation
25% report
50% exam
Supervision
| Office hours | Yes |
| Assistants | Yes |
| Forum | Yes |
In the programs
- Semester: Fall
- Exam form: Written (winter session)
- Subject examined: Microbial ecology
- Courses: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Project: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Type: optional
- Semester: Fall
- Exam form: Written (winter session)
- Subject examined: Microbial ecology
- Courses: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Project: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Type: optional