Search
Nederlands
  Prospectuses 2012-2013
Radboud universityProspectusesFaculty of Science > Bachelor Biologie

Ecological Microbiology 

Course ID
NWI-BB027B
Credits
6
Scheduled
third quarter
Teaching methods
  • 10 hrs computer course
  • 16 hrs lecture
  • 30 hrs personal study counseling
  • 73 hrs laboratory course
  • 8 hrs student presentation
  • 34 hrs individual study period
Pre-requisites

Geomicrobiology (propedeuse), Biology of Microorganisms (2de jaar) and (optional) Physiology of Microorganisms (3de jaar). Please contact one of the lecturers in advance is you do not meet this criteria.

Objectives
(1) Understanding the elemental cycles (C, N, S, Fe), the biogeochemical processes within these cycles and the microbes responsible. In addition, insight into the relevant physical/chemical processes (gradients, diffusion, chemical reactions). Understanding the impact of human activities on the natural cycles.
(2) Learning key types of energy metabolism of microorganisms (e.g. denitrification, photosynthesis, methanogenesis, fermentation, ammonium and methane oxidation, and many others).
(3) Overview of the biodiversity of prokaryotes and learning the evolutionary relations between ecological relevant species including the current theories and concepts concerning microbial evolution.
(4) Being able to quantitatively describe growth of microorganisms (using formulas)
(5) Profound understanding of molecular ecology in theory and practice. Key words:  PCR, fluorescence in situ hybridization, BLAST, phylogeny, genomics.
(6) Insight into the importance of isotopes in microbial ecology. Key words: delta13C, natural carbon fractionation, biomarkers and labeling.
(7) Learning the geochemical history of the planet earth ("the past is the key to the future").
(8) Experience in designing own experiments and writing scientific reports of the results.
(9) First insight into the history of this field of research and the current major questions. 
Contents
This course is a must for all biology students. The lectures and practicals show the importance of unicellular organisms for the biogeosphere and how humans are dependent on their activities: the air we breathe, the water we drink, the temperature of the earth and the occurrence of epidemics. The lectures present many key themes in microbial ecology and focus on the multidisciplinary approach of this field of research. Recent articles from the scientific literature will be discussed. The influence of human activity on the environment and human health (medical microbiology from an ecological point of view) will also receive attention.

 

Examination

Voor alle onderdelen moet minimaal een vijf (5.0) worden gescoord om het vak te halen. Voor de bepaling van het eindcijfer telt het tentamen voor 60% mee, de uitvoering en inzet tijdens het praktikum voor 20% en de verslaglegging ook voor 20%.

De cursus wordt in het Engels verzorgd.

Literature
  • Textbook (compulsory) ‘Brock – Biology of microorganisms, 12th edition or higher, Prentice Hall, (price ca. € 90,-)
  • White lab coat and safety glasses
  • Reader
Extra information

The course will be teached in the English language.

All parts need to be finished with a five (5.0), in order to pass. The final mark is composed of: exam (60%), performance and attitude during the practicum (20%) and report (20%).

The course will be given on thursday and friday durig the period indicated.