Ateneo - UPO

The aim of the course is provide to the student the knowledge of the biology and functioning of the bacterial cell, its genetic and the classification and implication of principal environment microorganisms

Dehò G., Galli E. Biologia dei microrganismi. 2015. CEA Madigan MT, Martinki JM, Stahl DA, Clark DP. Brock-Biologia dei microrganismi . 2012 Pearson Ed.- Microbiologia agro-ambientale Baciati et al. CEA Edizioni

The student will receive the basic knowledge of the biology and functioning of the bacterial cell, its genetic and the classification.The student will be able to understand how to apply the theory of the lesson in a practical way.

In order to ensure the best understanding of microbiology the student should have the basc knowledge of biology and chemistry

Power point slides will be used and provided to the students.

Students with physical disabilities, Learning Disabilities or Special Education Needs can request specific services and tools via the Staff Sviluppo e Coordinamento Carriere e Servizi alle Studentesse e agli Studenti, consulting the University webpage: https://www.uniupo.it/en/services/services-students-physical-or-learning-disabilities.
Students with disabilities, learning disabilities or special education needs, once they have contacted the University Staff, can refer to the tutor in charge of the course to define the examination modalities, concerning academic aspects.

A written examination will be performed at the end of the lectures. The capability of the student to apply the knowledge acquired will be avluated. The examination is composed of five open questions and ten quiz. The difficulty level of the question correspondsto the programme of the course and to the book suggested in the DIR platform. Each response to the open question is evaluated with 0-4 points, except for the question on bacterial taxonomy that is evaluated with 0-5 points. Each quiz will receive from 0 to 0.5 points. The exam will be positively evaluated if 18/30 will be reached. The student should demonstrate to have understood the more relevant concepts and be able to describe correctly these concepts.

Introduction to microbiology: concept and history of microbiology. Structural and functional characteristics of the prokaryotic cell: cell membranes, cytoplasmic matrix, cell wall. Cytoplasmic inclusions. Flagella, fimbriae and pili. The bacterial endospore. Bacterial nutrition. Bacterial growth: cell division, growth curve, influence of environmental factors on microbial growth. Microbial metabolism. Principles of microbial genetics: replication, transcription and translation. Mechanisms of horizontal gene transfer. transformation, translation and conjugation. Control of microorganisms by chemical, physical and chemotherapeutic agents. Elements of microbial taxonomy: the main environmental microorganisms. Microorganisms in their natural environment. Biogeochemical cycles: concept of cycle, carbon cycle, nitrogen cycle, phosphorus cycle and hydrogen cycle. Microbial communities and ecosystem. Microorganism-microorganism interaction: introduction and basic concepts. main positive and negative interactions. The soil as an environment. The rhizosphere and the phyllosphere. microorganism-plant interactions: symbiosis with legumes, nitrogen fixation. Compost and the microbiology of composting. Wastewater

Knowledge and understanding: Acquisition of in-depth knowledge on general microbiology and knowledge of the concepts and possible applications of microorganisms, acquisition of appropriate scientific language. "Applied knowledge and understanding": ability to interpret the information received during the course and to understand the possible application implications. "Making judgements": ability to critically analyze the information received during the course "Communication skills": improvement of scientific vocabulary, as well as to clearly and concisely describe phenomena and problems related to microbiology even for non-experts. At the end of the course it is assumed that the student knows the basics of microbiology which will allow him to understand the application aspects in the environmental field.