Ateneo - UPO

The course is focused on the application of microorganisms in environment, especially in soil

Environmental Microbiology (Maier and Pepper Set) by Ian L. Pepper and Charles P. Gerba

The main objective of the course is to provide the student a complete overview of the possible exploitation of microorganisms in environmental application, biotechnology and agronomy.

The student should have a good knowledge on general microbiology, ecology and biochemistry

Teaching activities are based on lectures supported by PowerPoint presentations, which will be made available to students through the online learning platform. Further study will be encouraged through the reading of review articles on selected topics and through lectures delivered by invited experts, either in person or online.The course will also adopt innovative teaching approaches, including the flipped classroom methodology, the preparation of scientific review articles on selected course topics, and e-tivities designed to promote active learning and student engagement.

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.

The examination will be oral and aim to assess the knowledges that the student acquired on the topics developed during the course, especially on environmental microbial ecology, on the beneficial microorganisms, on the biotechnological processes related to food production.The difficulty level of the question correspondsto the programme of the course and to the book suggested in the DIR platform. The exam will have a positive results when the student will reach at least 18/30. The student should demonstrate to have understood the more relevant concepts and be able to describe correctly these concepts. Honours (cum laude) will be awarded to students who demonstrate an outstanding level of achievement, comprehensive and in-depth knowledge of the course topics, the ability to critically integrate and discuss microbiological concepts, appropriate use of scientific terminology, and independent analytical skills.

The microbial world: the history of Earth and the world of Prokaryotes. Microbial ecology: the concepts of population, community, and ecosystem. Growth of microorganisms in natural environments: environmental factors affecting microbial growth. Dynamics of microbial communities: ecological succession and biodiversity. Interactions among microorganisms: neutralism, commensalism, synergism, competition, antagonism, parasitism, predation, and mutualistic symbiosis.Soil: chemical, physical, and biological properties. Methods for studying soil microbial communities: culture-dependent and culture-independent approaches. The rhizosphere: interactions among microorganisms, plants, and fungi. The phyllosphere. Plant growth-promoting microorganisms. The soil virome. Microorganisms in biological control. Disease-suppressive soils against Fusarium wilts and take-all disease of wheat.Viable but non-culturable (VBNC) bacteria: environmental significance and implications for human health. Composting of organic waste: physicochemical factors and microbiological processes underlying composting. Applications of compost as a biologically active substrate. Criteria for assessing compost quality.Bioremediation: characterization of contaminated sites. Concentration, bioavailability, and fate of soil contaminants. Ecological risk assessment and monitoring.Quorum sensing and intercellular communication in Prokaryotes: examples of quorum sensing-regulated phenomena and their implications for the environment and human health.The One Health paradigm.

Knowledge and understanding: Students will acquire in-depth knowledge of the concepts and potential applications of microorganisms in the environmental, biotechnological and agricultural sectors. They will also develop appropriate scientific terminology and communication skills.Applying knowledge and understanding: Students will be able to interpret the information presented during the course and understand its potential practical applications.Making judgements: Students will develop the ability to critically analyse and evaluate the information acquired during the course.Communication skills: Students will enhance their scientific vocabulary and develop the ability to communicate microbiological and food biotechnology concepts, phenomena, and related issues clearly and concisely, both to specialist and non-specialist audiences. They will also be able to present scientific topics effectively in both oral and written forms.Learning skills: Students will acquire the ability to independently expand and update their knowledge through the critical reading of textbooks and scientific literature. They will be able to use the teaching materials as a basis for critical and reasoned learning.At the end of the course, students are expected to understand the different applications of microorganisms in environmental management and sustainable agriculture.