Ateneo - UPO

The aim of the course is to provide students with basic knowledge of general microbiology, with particular reference to the structure, physiology, genetics, and functioning of the bacterial cell. The course is intended for the Degree Programme in Environmental Management and Sustainable Development, GASS, and aims to highlight the fundamental role of microorganisms in natural and human-influenced ecosystems, with particular attention to terrestrial, aquatic, and agri-food environments.
The course aims to promote understanding of the organization of the prokaryotic cell, the main differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, and the structure of the cell wall, cytoplasmic membrane, and main cellular components involved in bacterial survival, growth, and adaptation. The fundamental principles of microbial physiology will also be addressed, with reference to metabolism, bacterial growth, environmental factors influencing microbial development, and the strategies used by microorganisms to adapt to different ecological conditions.
Part of the course will be devoted to bacterial genetics, with the aim of providing the foundations needed to understand the organization of the prokaryotic genome, the main mechanisms of genetic variability, horizontal gene transfer, mutations, and the role of genetic plasticity in microbial adaptation to the environment. These topics will be related to the ability of bacteria to respond to environmental pressures, pollutants, antibiotics, and changes in ecosystem conditions.
The course also aims to provide knowledge of the main groups of environmental microorganisms and their role in biogeochemical cycles, soil fertility, organic matter degradation, natural and technological purification processes, pollutant transformation, and the maintenance of ecological balance. Particular attention will be devoted to the importance of microorganisms in environmental sustainability, bioremediation, natural resource management, ecosystem quality, and biotechnological applications relevant to ecological transition.
By the end of the course, students will be able to describe the structure and functioning of the bacterial cell, understand the main physiological and genetic processes of microorganisms, recognize the role of bacteria and other microorganisms in natural environments, and evaluate their importance in environmental, agricultural, food-related, and biotechnological processes connected to the sustainable management of ecosystems.

Baviati e Sorlini. - Microbiologia generale e agraria- Casa editrice Ambrosiana
Madigan MT, Martinki JM, Stahl DA, Clark DP. Brock-Biologia dei microrganismi. 2022 Pearson Ed.
Baviati et al. – Microbiologia ambientale ed elementi di ecologia microbica – Casa Editrice Ambrosiana

The course aims to provide students with basic knowledge of general microbiology, with particular reference to the biology, structure, functioning, and taxonomy of the bacterial cell. The course is intended to promote understanding of the organization of the prokaryotic cell, the main differences from the eukaryotic cell, and the structure of the bacterial cell wall, cytoplasmic membrane, and cellular components involved in microbial growth, survival, and adaptation.The course also aims to provide the foundations of microbial physiology, bacterial metabolism, microbial growth, and bacterial genetics, with attention to the mechanisms that enable microorganisms to adapt to different environmental conditions and respond to selective pressures, contaminants, and ecosystem changes.In line with the objectives of the Degree Programme in Environmental Management and Sustainable Development, the course aims to highlight the role of the main microorganisms in natural and human-influenced environments, with particular reference to soil, water, agricultural ecosystems, and systems affected by human activities. Interactions among microorganisms, the environment, plants, animals, and anthropogenic activities will be explored, emphasizing the contribution of microbial communities to biogeochemical cycles, organic matter degradation, soil fertility, water quality, purification processes, bioremediation, and pollutant transformation.Finally, the course aims to provide students with the conceptual tools needed to understand the role of microorganisms as indicators of environmental quality and as resources for monitoring, managing, and restoring ecosystems. Particular attention will be devoted to the contribution of microbiology to environmental sustainability, responsible management of natural resources, and ecological transition.

Students must have basic knowledge of general biology and general chemistry. In particular, it is useful to know the fundamental principles of the organization of living organisms, the general structure of the cell, the main biomolecules, and the concepts of metabolism, growth, and cellular reproduction.
Basic knowledge of chemistry is also required, with reference to the structure of matter, chemical bonds, pH, solutions, chemical reactions, and the main organic and inorganic compounds of biological interest.
Adequate ability to use basic scientific terminology is required in order to understand the course contents and follow the lectures effectively.

The course will be delivered through classroom lectures, integrated with practical activities and guided discussion sessions, with the aim of supporting the progressive acquisition of theoretical knowledge and basic applied skills in general microbiology.
Classroom lectures will be supported by slides, images, summary diagrams, multimedia materials, and applied examples, in order to facilitate understanding of the main topics covered, including the structure and functioning of the bacterial cell, microbial physiology, bacterial genetics, taxonomy, and the role of microorganisms in environmental ecosystems. Slides and any additional supporting materials will be made available to students through the University learning platform.
The theoretical component will be complemented by practical activities aimed at consolidating the knowledge acquired and introducing the main basic techniques used in microbiology. Practical sessions may include the observation of microorganisms, the analysis of images and experimental results, the discussion of microbiological procedures, the interpretation of data related to microbial growth, and the connection between microbial characteristics and their role in environmental, agricultural, food-related, and biotechnological systems.
The practical activities will aim to develop students’ ability to apply theoretical concepts to simple microbiological contexts, recognize the main characteristics of microorganisms, understand the meaning of the results obtained, and identify possible methodological critical issues. Particular attention will be devoted to the connection between general microbiology and environmental management, highlighting the role of microorganisms in biogeochemical cycles, organic matter degradation, soil and water quality, purification processes, and bioremediation.
During the course, collegial discussion sessions, applied exercises, and case-study analyses may be proposed, with the aim of stimulating critical reasoning, independent judgment, and the appropriate use of scientific terminology. The integration of lectures, practical activities, and discussion of results will be oriented toward fostering an understanding of the role of microorganisms in natural processes and in applications related to environmental sustainability.

During the course, ongoing monitoring and formative assessment activities may be carried out to support the progressive consolidation of the knowledge acquired. These activities may include short applied exercises, guided discussion of case studies, analysis of examples concerning the role of microorganisms in environmental, agricultural, and food-related ecosystems, and collegial discussion of the main topics covered during the lectures.
These activities do not replace the final assessment of learning, but represent a tool to support individual study and exam preparation. In particular, they will be aimed at stimulating students’ ability to connect theoretical knowledge of general microbiology with applications in environmental management and sustainable development, with attention to biogeochemical cycles, soil and water quality, purification processes, bioremediation, and ecosystem sustainability.
Teaching materials, such as slides, summary diagrams, possible scientific articles, additional study materials, and bibliographic indications, will be made available through the University learning platform. These materials are intended to support individual study, consolidation of the topics covered during lectures, and preparation for the final assessment.
Students are invited to regularly consult the learning platform and institutional communications related to the course, through which any information on additional materials, organizational changes, further study activities, or useful indications for exam preparation will be provided.
Students with disabilities, Specific Learning Disorders, SLD, or Special Educational Needs, SEN, may request dedicated services and specific support tools by contacting the Student Career Development and Coordination Services Office and by consulting the dedicated page on the University website:
https://uniupo.it/it/servizi/servizi-studenti-disabili-e-dsa
Students with disabilities, SLD, or SEN, after contacting the University Office, may contact the course instructor to agree, in compliance with the indications received and current regulations, on any teaching support measures and adaptations to the assessment methods, in line with the course educational objectives and expected learning outcomes.

The assessment of learning is aimed at verifying the achievement of the educational objectives and expected learning outcomes of the course, with particular reference to knowledge of the theoretical contents of general microbiology, understanding of the structure and functioning of the bacterial cell, the ability to connect microbial processes to environmental systems, and the ability to use scientific and microbiological terminology appropriately.The final examination consists of two components:Written assignment/report on practical or applied activities, worth up to a maximum of 2 points of the overall grade.Oral examination, worth up to a maximum of 28 points.The final grade is expressed out of thirty. The minimum passing grade is 18/30.The written assignment or report concerns the practical, applied, or in-depth activities carried out during the course. It must clearly describe the activities performed, the observations or data analyzed, the results obtained, and their interpretation. The assessment will take into account the completeness and accuracy of the description, the appropriate use of microbiological terminology, the ability to connect the results or examples analyzed with the theoretical contents of the course, and the ability to recognize any methodological or interpretative critical issues.The oral examination is divided into two parts. The first part consists of a discussion of the written assignment or of the practical and applied activities carried out during the course. During this phase, the student’s ability to describe the activities performed, interpret the results or examples analyzed, relate them to microbial biology, and discuss their significance in relation to environmental, agricultural, food-related, or biotechnological systems will be assessed.The second part consists of questions on the main topics covered during the course, with reference to general microbiology, the structure and physiology of the bacterial cell, microbial growth, bacterial genetics, taxonomy, microbial biodiversity, and the role of microorganisms in natural and human-influenced ecosystems. Particular attention will be devoted to biogeochemical cycles, organic matter degradation, soil fertility, water quality, purification processes, bioremediation, and the applications of microbiology in environmental management and sustainable development.To achieve a passing grade, the student must demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the fundamental concepts of general microbiology, be able to describe the structure and functioning of the bacterial cell, know the basics of microbial physiology and genetics, and understand the role of the main microorganisms in environmental processes. The student must also be able to present the topics clearly, using appropriate scientific terminology.A grade above the minimum passing level will be awarded when the student demonstrates more complete and integrated knowledge of the topics, the ability to connect theoretical aspects of microbiology with environmental applications, and the ability to critically interpret the role of microorganisms in natural and human-influenced systems.To achieve a high grade, the student must demonstrate full mastery of the course contents, independent judgment, critical thinking, the ability to connect microbiology, environmental management, and sustainability, and the ability to present their conclusions in a clear, logical, and scientifically appropriate manner.

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 understandingBy the end of the course, students will have acquired solid and structured basic knowledge in the field of general microbiology. In particular, they will know the structure, physiology, growth, metabolism, genetics, and taxonomy of the bacterial cell, as well as the main microbial groups of environmental interest. They will also understand the role of microorganisms in natural and human-influenced ecosystems, with reference to biogeochemical cycles, organic matter degradation, soil fertility, water quality, purification processes, bioremediation, and environmental sustainability. The course also aims to promote the acquisition of appropriate scientific language and basic microbiological terminology.Applied knowledge and understandingStudents will be able to use the knowledge acquired to interpret information, examples, and case studies presented during the course, connecting the theoretical concepts of general microbiology with possible applications in the environmental field. In particular, they will be able to recognize the contribution of microorganisms to natural processes and to applications related to environmental management, ecosystem protection, environmental quality monitoring, and sustainable development. They will also be able to understand the meaning of basic microbiological data, observations, or results and relate them to ecosystem functioning.Independent judgmentStudents will develop the ability to critically analyze the information received during the course, evaluating the role of microorganisms in different environmental and applied contexts. They will be able to recognize the importance of microbiology in understanding ecological processes and in the sustainable management of natural resources, identifying the potential and limitations of microbiological applications in the environmental field. Independent judgment will be stimulated through the discussion of examples, case studies, and issues related to the interaction between microorganisms, the environment, and human activities.Communication skillsStudents will acquire and correctly use basic scientific and microbiological terminology, demonstrating the ability to present the main topics covered during the course clearly, coherently, and in an organized manner. They will also be able to describe phenomena, processes, and issues related to general and environmental microbiology to non-specialist audiences, highlighting the role of microorganisms in natural processes, ecosystem quality, and sustainability strategies.Learning skillsStudents will develop the ability to integrate the knowledge acquired during the course with information from teaching materials, reference textbooks, and basic scientific resources. By the end of the course, they will have the foundations needed to undertake further study in the field of environmental and applied microbiology, understanding how knowledge of the biology and functioning of microorganisms can be used to interpret environmental processes and support sustainable management strategies.