Microbiology for engineers
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
- Brock Biology of Microorganisms / Madigan
- Biology Essentials for Environmental Engineering / Bernier-Latmani
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
- Courses: 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
- Courses: 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
- Courses: 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