Course content

The course includes following subjects: Structure and characteristic properties of prokaryotic microorganisms, i.e. Bacteria and Archaea. Their growth, nutrition and tolerance for physical factors. The energy metabolism of bacteria, including fermentation, aerobic and anaerobic respiration, utilization of inorganic compounds and photosynthesis. Properties of bacterial viruses and their reproduction. Evolution and phylogeny. Description of chosen groups of bacteria. Antibiotics and mechanisms for antibiotic resistance. Microbe-host interactions. Exercises/Lab: Microscopy and microbiological techniques. Enrichment and isolation of Bacteria and Archaea from natural materials. Role of microbes in biogeochemical cycles Physiological experiments and quantitative microbial analysis.

Learning outcome

After finishing this course, the students can:

• Master basic microbiological techniques (e.g. sterile techniques, microscopy, traditional microbial tests).
• Microbial phylogeny and all major forms of microbial energy metabolisms.
• Describe the structure of an eukaryotic cell, and the central processes in cell division.
• Describe the basic principles for isolation and growing microorganisms in the laboratory, including the composition of culture media.
• Describe the classification of viruses, and the central characteristics of the viruses in their seven different groups. - Give an overview of eukaryotic microorganisms.
• Describe properties and specific characteristics of chosen Bacteria and Archaea, including their possible applications in industry.
• Describe basic mechanisms in microbe-host interactions.
• Communicate the role of microorganisms in biogeochemical cycles, and human impact on the carbon and nitrogen cycles.

Learning methods and activities

Lectures (45 h), laboratory exercises (25 h), lab reports (25 h). Self study 110 hours.

Compulsory assignments

• Exercises

Recommended previous knowledge

Basic knowledge in general biochemistry corresponding to TBT4102 Biochemistry 1. The course has limited attendance. Please register for attendance in accordance with general deadlines.

Course materials

Madigan, Martinko, Bender, Buckley and Stahl: Brock Biology of Microorganisms, 16th edition, Pearson Education inc. (2022). Preferably the version with access to internet resources.

Credit reductions