Microbiology for engineers

ENV-202 / 5 credits

Teacher: Bernier-Latmani Rizlan

Language: English

Summary

"Microbiology for engineers" covers the main microbial processes that take place in the environment and in treatment systems. It presents elemental cycles that are catalyzed by microorganisms and that have a major impact on planet Earth.

Content

Microbial growth and enzymology: growth theory, influence of environmental parameters, batch and continuous culture, enzymes, enzyme kinetics.

Biogeochemical cycles: Topics covered include (among others): photosynthesis, carbon fixation, fermentation, methanogenesis and methanotrophy, nitrogen and sulfur cycles, degradation of organic pollutants, and biogeochemistry of metals. The degradation pathways and microbial diversity associated with these processes will be considered.

Molecular microbial ecology: characterization of microbial diversity and activity; tools and examples of their application.

Keywords

Enzymatic and bacterial growth kinetics, microbial ecology, microbial metabolism, microbial diversity, biogeochemical cycles.

Learning Prerequisites

Required courses

ENV-103 Biology

Introduction to chemistry

Important concepts to start the course

Chemistry concepts: acid-base and redox equilibrium; biochemical concepts: the citric acid cycle, glycolysis, respiration

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, the student must be able to:

  • Identify the type of chemical reaction a given enzyme catalyzes
  • Propose an approach to analyze microorganisms in an environmental sample
  • Analyze data from a batch or continuous reactor
  • Assess / Evaluate enzymatic reaction and microbial growth parameters
  • Deduce the role of microorganisms from general information about the system
  • Infer chemical processes based on the presence of specific microorganisms
  • Propose possible results in a natural or managed environment based on limited information about the microbial community

Transversal skills

  • Collect data.
  • Write a scientific or technical report.

Teaching methods

Lectures, homework and laboratory practicals.

Expected student activities

(i) prepare for lecture by reading the chapters indicated on Moodle

(ii) work on exercises before going to the homework session

(iii) prepare for laboratory practicals by reading the description and watching the movie

Assessment methods

During the semester:

- Midterm: 30%

- Lab report and poster presentation: 20%

Exam session:

- Written exam: 50%

Resources

Virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI)

No

Bibliography

e-book: https://slsp-epfl.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/permalink/41SLSP_EPF/6bhkks/cdi_askewsholts_vlebooks_9781292235196

e-book (global edition): https://slsp-epfl.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/permalink/41SLSP_EPF/6bhkks/cdi_proquest_ebookcentral_EBC5203166

The two books are equivalent and the reading material will be provided for both.

Ressources en bibliothèque

Notes/Handbook

PDF files with course slides available on Moodle

Moodle Link

Prerequisite for

ENV-304 Water and wastewater treatment

ENV-504 Soil and groundwater remediation

Specialization MS: Biological and chemical processes in environmental engineering

In the programs

  • Semester: Spring
  • Exam form: Written (summer session)
  • Subject examined: Microbiology for engineers
  • Lecture: 3 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Exercises: 1 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Project: 1 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Type: mandatory
  • Semester: Spring
  • Exam form: Written (summer session)
  • Subject examined: Microbiology for engineers
  • Lecture: 3 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Exercises: 1 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Project: 1 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Type: mandatory
  • Semester: Spring
  • Exam form: Written (summer session)
  • Subject examined: Microbiology for engineers
  • Lecture: 3 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Exercises: 1 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Project: 1 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Type: optional

Reference week

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