The objectives of the course are: 1. Studying the presence of microorganisms in different environments; 2. To know the 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 chemistry and microbiology, which will be recalled during the first lessons.
Teaching Methods
The course is divided into lectures and laboratory activities.
Assessment Methods
The oral exam will be divided into two parts: 1. Oral presentation of about 10 minutes by projection of slides on a scientific publication in English (chosen by the student and validated by the teacher) concerning one of the topics addressed during the course. 2. The second part of the oral exam will focus on the rest of the topics covered during the course, to assess the student's overall knowledge of the subject.
Texts
Barbieri P, Bestetti G, Galli E, Zannoni D. 2008. Microbiologia ambientale ed elementi di ecologia microbica. Casa Editrice Ambrosiana.
Brock. 2022. Biologia dei microrganismi. Microbiologia generale, ambientale e industriale. Ediz. Mylab. Pearsons.
Fabio Fanti, 2020. Biologia, microbiologia e tecnologie di controllo ambientale. Zanichelli.
Contents
The world of microorganisms. The adaptation of microorganisms to natural environment. The microorganisms in different environments: atmosphere, hydrosphere, soil and extreme environments. Interactions between microorganisms and other organisms. Genetically modified microorganisms for the environmental biotechnology. Methods in Environmental Microbiology. Environmental problems and applications in environmental protection: biodeterioration of handworks, biological treatment of sewage, bioremediation of contaminated sites, air biofiltration, bio-restauration. Production of biofuels, bioplastics, bioinsecticides.
Some laboratories activities.
Course Language
Italian
More information
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.
