Course Details

Microbiology of agro-environmental systems

MF0892

Course
Microbiology of agro-environmental systems
Code
MF0892
Academic Year
2026/2027
Curriculum Year
2026/2027
Degree Programme
BIOLOGY
Curriculum
A15 - Agro-Ambientale
Course coordinator
Elisa GAMALERO
Lecturers
Elisa GAMALERO
Credits
6
Lecture Hours
48
Scientific Disciplinary Sector (SSD)
BIOS-15/A - Microbiology
Course Type
Single-subject learning activity
Course Delivery
OBB - Obbligatoria
Year
1
Teaching period
Primo Semestre
Campus
ALESSANDRIA
Teaching language
Italian
Course Contents

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

Reference Texts

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

Learning Outcomes

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.

Prerequisites

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

Teaching Methods
All teaching activities will be conducted entirely in person, alternating between instructor-led teaching (lectures covering theoretical content) and interactive learning activities (in-depth exploration of specific topics by students, who will present their work to their peers), with the aim of fostering active participation and critical thinking.
Lectures will be supported by slides presented in class, which will subsequently be made available on the online platform. Further opportunities for in-depth study will be provided through the reading of review articles on specific topics and through contributions from experts, either in person or online.
The instructor also intends to adopt innovative teaching methods, including the flipped classroom approach and the writing of scientific review articles on topics covered in the course.
Additional Information

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.

Assessment Methods
The assessment consists of an oral examination designed to verify that students have acquired adequate knowledge and understanding of the topics covered during the course, with particular emphasis on environmental microbial ecology, beneficial microorganisms, biotechnological processes, and food production.

The level of difficulty of the questions and tasks will be consistent with the course content and the reference materials indicated on the DIR platform.

The examination is considered passed if the overall grade is at least 18/30. To pass the examination, students must demonstrate knowledge and understanding of at least the fundamental concepts and the most significant findings related to the topics covered in the course. They must also be able to present and discuss these topics clearly and comprehensibly.

To achieve a high grade, students must demonstrate independent judgement and critical thinking in relation to the topics covered, and must be able to formulate and present their conclusions in a clear, logical, and scientifically sound manner.

Grades are awarded on a scale of 30, with 18/30 being the minimum passing grade. Honours (30/30 cum laude) will be awarded to students who demonstrate outstanding preparation, comprehensive and in-depth knowledge of the course topics, the ability to critically integrate the knowledge acquired, appropriate and accurate use of scientific terminology, and a high degree of independent judgement in the analysis and discussion of microbiological issues.

30–30 cum laude – Excellent
Excellent and detailed knowledge of the topics covered. Outstanding ability to establish interdisciplinary connections, combined with scientific rigour and impeccable use of specialist terminology. The student demonstrates strong critical-thinking skills and independent judgement.

27–29 – Very Good
Thorough knowledge of the subject matter. Good analytical and synthesis skills. The presentation is clear, logically structured, and supported by appropriate scientific terminology.

24–26 – Good
Good knowledge of the fundamental topics, with some limitations regarding specific details or more complex connections between concepts. The presentation is accurate, with generally appropriate use of scientific terminology.

21–23 – Satisfactory
Satisfactory knowledge of the subject matter, although predominantly based on memorisation or descriptive understanding of biological concepts. Limited ability to apply acquired knowledge to problems or case studies. The language used is simple but correct.

19–20 – Pass
Minimal and fragmented knowledge of the course content. The student shows some difficulty in understanding the implications of the biological processes covered. The use of scientific terminology is uncertain or limited.

18 – Sufficient
The student demonstrates only a basic, fragmented, and predominantly descriptive knowledge of the essential biological concepts included in the course syllabus. Critical-thinking skills are absent or markedly limited, and the student shows clear difficulty in establishing connections among biological mechanisms or applying them to complex contexts. The presentation is comprehensible but includes uncertainties, terminological inaccuracies, and limited use of the specialist scientific vocabulary expected at Master’s degree level.
Detailed Syllabus

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.

Expected Learning Outcomes

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.

Last update:21-10-2026 00:13:19