LBIK10180U Applied Microbiology
MSc Programme in Biology-Biotechnology
The aim of the course is to give the students broad theoretical
and practical skills in applied microbiology at an advanced level.
During the course, the students will obtain hands-on experience
with a number of classical as well as new cutting-edge techniques
for characterization of microorganisms and for studying
interactions between microorganisms. These include: plate
screening, PCR typing, fluorescent in situ hybridization,
fluorescent marker gene technology, and quantitative PCR.
The following experimental areas of applied microbiology will be
covered:
- Microbial bioprospecting and population analysis: Screening for
enzyme or metabolite producers; genotyping of microorganisms and
assessment of biodiversity of cultivated populations.
- Detection of specific microorganisms: Application of marker gene
tagging and molecular methods to detect and enumerate specific
microorganisms in complex environments.
- Demonstration of activity of specific microorganisms:
Methods to demonstrate metabolic activity or specific gene
expression by microorganisms in complex environments.
Furthermore, the students will achieve theoretical knowledge on
microorganisms related to environmental and biotechnological
issues.
The following theoretical areas of applied microbiology will be
covered:
- Extremophilic organisms: Strategies for life and metabolic
adaptations of cells to extreme conditions. Applications of
extremophilic microorganisms.
- Microbial interactions in agriculture: Plant-microbe and
microbe-microbe interactions such as microbiological control of
plant pathogens by microorganisms producing antifungal secondary
metabolites.
- Aquaculture microbiology: Biology of taste-and-odour producing
bacteria in fish ponds and their impact on fish
quality.
After completing the course the students should be able to:
Knowledge:
Classify microorganisms phylogenetically.
Display an overview of extremophilic bacteria and their enzymes as
well as the application potential of organisms and enzymes.
Describe methods for investigating interactions between bacteria
and fungi.
Disply an overview of methods used for detection of microorganisms
and their activity in complex environments.
Display an overview of the influence of microorganisms on the
quality of drinking water and aquaculture products.
Reflect over the properties of qualitative and quantitative methods
for detection of microorgansims in complex environments.
Skills:
Analyse the phylogenetic relationships of microorganisms and
evaluate their potential for production of enzymes or bioactive
molecules.
Evaluate methods for investigation of microorganisms in complex
environments and communicate knowledge in this area.
Competences:
Select and discuss basic and advanced methods for investigation of
microorganisms in complex environments.
Evaluate the mutual interactions between selected microorganisms
and their potential influence on the environment.
Evaluate the application potential of microorganisms within
biotechnology in relation to environmental
sciences.
Brock: Biology of Microorganisms, 13th edition. Pearson
Education Inc. 2012.
Review papers and original research papers as specified in the
course curriculum.
Manual of practical exercises.
- Category
- Hours
- Colloquia
- 20
- Exam
- 1
- Lectures
- 20
- Practical exercises
- 40
- Preparation
- 65
- Project work
- 60
- Total
- 206
As
an exchange, guest and credit student - click here!
Continuing Education - click here!
- Credit
- 7,5 ECTS
- Type of assessment
- Oral examination, 30 minA time period of 30 min is used for preparation for the exam.
Weight: Examination in practical reports: 20%. Examination in theoretical reports: 20%. Examination in textbook, reviews and original papers: 60% - Exam registration requirements
- 75% of the reports from the practical exercises must be
approved.
100% of the theoretical theme reports must be approved. - Aid
- All aids allowed
- Marking scale
- 7-point grading scale
- Censorship form
- No external censorship
Én intern bedømmer
Criteria for exam assesment
Please refer to the learning outcome.
Course information
- Language
- English
- Course code
- LBIK10180U
- Credit
- 7,5 ECTS
- Level
- Full Degree Master
- Duration
- 1 block
- Placement
- Block 2
- Schedule
- A (Tues 8-12 + Thurs 8-17)
- Course capacity
- 32 students
- Continuing and further education
- Study board
- Study Board of Natural Resources and Environment
Contracting department
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences
Course responsibles
- Ole Nybroe (3-7f7c7e50807c757e3e7b853e747b)
Lecturers
Peter Stougaard, Niels O.G. Jørgensen, Mette H. Nicolaisen