The objectives of the course are: 1. Providing the basics of microbiology; 2. Studying the presence of microorganisms in different environments; 3. Application of microorganisms in solving environmental problems such as wastewater treatment, bioremediation and production of biofuels.
Course Prerequisites
The understanding of some topics of the course assumes the knowledge of the basic concepts of general chemistry, which will be recalled during the lessons.
Teaching Methods
Lectures (hours/year): 45 Practical class (hours/year in lecture theatre): 0 Practicals / Workshops (hours/year in lecture theatre): 0
The course is divided into frontal lessons (ppt files available to students using the Kiro UniPV multimedia platform). Videos and questionnaires from the Jove platform will also be used. In the first lessons, the basic notions of biology will be provided, useful for understanding the topic of the course. Subsequently, the course will address the topics associated with general microbiology. Finally, the applications of microorganisms in bioremediation, wastewater treatment, etc.
Assessment Methods
The oral examination is divided into two parts: 1. Oral presentation of about 15 minutes by projection of slides on one of the topics of the course. 2. The second part of the oral exam will focus on the rest of the topics of the course, to assess the overall knowledge of the subject by the students.
Texts
Brock. 2022. Biologia dei microrganismi. Microbiologia generale, ambientale e industriale. Ediz. Mylab. Pearsons.
Fabio Fanti, 2020. Biologia, microbiologia e tecnologie di controllo ambientale. Zanichelli.
Barbieri P, Bestetti G, Galli E, Zannoni D. Microbiologia ambientale ed elementi di ecologia microbica. 1° edizione. Casa Editrice Ambrosiana.
ppt files available to students using the Kiro UniPV multimedia platform.
Contents
Microbiology as basic and applied science. Fields of modern microbiology. Prokaryotic cell: structure and function. Differences between Prokarya and Eukarya. Microbiological techniques. Factors affecting bacterial growth. Energy production by bacteria: fermentation, respiration, photosynthesis. The origin of life. Archaea. Main bacterial groups. Antibiotics and vaccins. Viruses. The microorganisms in different environments: atmosphere, hydrosphere, soil and extreme environments. Interactions between microorganisms and other organisms. Genetically modified microorganisms for environmental biotechnology. Environmental problems and applications: microbiological treatment of sewage, bioremediation of contaminated sites, biofiltration, dumps, production of biofuels and bioplastics.
Course Language
Italian
More information
To have further information, please contact the teacher by e-mail (mariarosalia.pasca@unipv.it) to make an appointment.
The students who fall into the categories identified by the Academic Senate at its meeting of 23 March 2023 will be supported with ad hoc inclusive teaching activities in order to foster their learning.
