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| BIOL0212-1 | Introduction to environmental microbiology
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| Duration : | 30h Th |
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| Holder(s) : | Monique Carnol |
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| Language : | Langue française |
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| Course contents : | Microorganisms are invisible to the naked eye, yet they are essential components of all ecosystem. They can be found in the atmosphere, as well as in deep subsurface environments, where they are responsible for key functions. They intervene in the production and consumption of O2 and CO2, they are responsible for the transformation of numerous substances and their activity can be exploited for applied issues, such as bioremediation. This course has been designed for students with little knowledge in (micro-)biology. Students will discover the major roles played by microorganismes, the consequences of their activities and some practical applications. Particular importance is given to the application of microbiology concepts in the field of engineering. The understanding of theoretical concepts is favoured by the integration of theoretical sessions and case studies.
The course comprises three modules:
- Module 1: Diversity, nutrition and growth of microorganisms
- Module 2: Soil microbiology and biogeochemical cycles
- Module 3: Microbiology of biodegradation and biological treatment of soils (bioremediation)
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| Course objective : | I. Acquiring basic knowledge on:
- The diversity, metabolism and growth of microorganisms
- The physico-chemical environment of the soil
- The role of microorganisms in carbon, nitrogen and sulphur cycling, the environmental consequences of their activities and the influence of human activities.
- The application of microbial activites in the biological treatment of soils.
II. Application of theory to real situations:
- Understanding and use of the vocabulary specific to environmental microbiology
- Understanding the influence of soil physico-chemical characteristics on the availability of water and nutrients and on the presence and activity of microorganisms
- Understanding the use and criteria for applying microbial activities in the processes of bioremediation
- Application of course theory and techniques of analyses of case studies for approaching problems in environmental microbiology
- Evaluation of the pertinence of a technique using microorganisms in environmental management
III. Developing attitudes:
- Discovery of literature resources useful in environmental microbiology
- Realise the complexity, variability, diversity and importance of microbial processes in the environment
- Developing skills in group activities, analysis and synthesis
- Practice communication techniques such as poster presentation, oral presentation and debate
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| Prerequisites : | Basic/detailed notions in microbiology, chemistry, biochemistry and ecology are useful, but not essential. |
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| Organization : | Lectures are given in the second 'quadrimestre', 2 hours a week, Tuesday from 10h30 to 12h30. In 2008, the course will therefore start on 12th February. Lectures (power point presentations) are integrated with case studies treating real situations. Following the case study, a task has to be performed as group work or individually. |
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| Written notes : | Lecture notes and power point illustrations are available (pdf files) during the year (WebCT). The understanding of concepts is based on the explanations given during the lectures. Additional information can be obtained from reference books available in the laboratory of Plant and Microbial Ecology. |
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| Assessment : | Oral and written examination; student's assignments. |
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| Contacts : | Prof. Monique CARNOL
WebCT: discussion groups
Office: by appointment only: Laboratoire d'Ecologie Végétale et Microbienne, Institut de Botanique B22, Boulevard du Rectorat 27, 4000 Liège, Belgique (Parking P70, 3rd floor)
Tel. 04 3663845 (office)
Tel./Fax. 04/3663817 (laboratory)
e-mail: m.carnol@ulg.ac.be |
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| Items online : |
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| Introduction to environmental biology, 30h TH(BIO0212-1) |
| Support to the course is provided via WebCT. |
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