Study Programmes 2016-2017
WARNING : 2015-2016 version of the course specifications
OCEA0064-1  
Functional and Molecular Marine Microbiology
  • Marine bacteriology
  • Molecular approaches to the diversity of marine microorganisms
Duration :
Marine bacteriology : 15h Th, 30h Pr
Molecular approaches to the diversity of marine microorganisms : 15h Th, 15h Pr
Number of credits :
Master in oceanography (120 ECTS) (MER)6
Lecturer :
Marine bacteriology : Mathieu Poulicek
Molecular approaches to the diversity of marine microorganisms : Annick Wilmotte
Coordinator :
N...
Language(s) of instruction :
English language
Organisation and examination :
Teaching in the first semester, review in January
Units courses prerequisite and corequisite :
Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program
Learning unit contents :
Marine bacteriology
After a short review of basic "general" microbiology, I describe, according to the most recent data, the biodiversity of marine microorganisms and the methods used to access information about marine bacteria (techniques, marine environment specificity, biomass, internal and external control of bacteria metabolism, metabolic potentials, N, C, P and S cycles ...). The course also reviews some very special microbiocenoses mainly focussed on symbiosis (hydrothermal vents microbiocenoses and bacterial symbiosis in coral reefs).
Molecular approaches to the diversity of marine microorganisms
About 20 years ago, it became apparent that the study of the diversity of marine microorganisms cannot be conducted without a molecular approach, given that only a fraction of them can be isolated and cultured. In addition, as for the microorganisms that can be observed through a microscope, genetic diversity is larger than that which is determined on the basis of phenotypical characteristics (morphology....). The determination of diversity at the genetic level also allows us to understand ecological characteristics (geographical distribution, endemism, etc.).
Learning outcomes of the learning unit :
Marine bacteriology
To give an integrated scheme of bacterial impact in the ocean functioning
Molecular approaches to the diversity of marine microorganisms
To give to the students the knowledge that will allow them, on one hand, to understand and read in a critical manner the literature concerning the diversity of marine microorganisms, and on the other hand, to use molecular techniques in order to solve problems concerning the molecular diversity and ecology on which they may be working (master thesis, PhD, etc).
Prerequisite knowledge and skills :
Marine bacteriology
Bases of microbiology are quickly reviewed at the begin of the course.
Molecular approaches to the diversity of marine microorganisms
Having basic knowledge of genetic material: DNA, RNA, proteins. If this prerequisite is not met, part of the course may be devoted to a review.
Planned learning activities and teaching methods :
Marine bacteriology
Biomass estimations by several approaches, metabolic activities characterization, use of specific simulation softwares.
Molecular approaches to the diversity of marine microorganisms
Practical work in a laboratory on a small problem involving diversity of marine microorganisms (often cyanobacteria) or oral presentation of a paper.
Mode of delivery (face-to-face ; distance-learning) :
Marine bacteriology
5 times 3 hours (theory), 5 days practicals
Molecular approaches to the diversity of marine microorganisms
Face-to-face teaching, in 2nd semester 1) Definitions 2) Why? 3) Molecular markers of diversity 4) Molecular techniques 5) Phylogenetic analyses 6) How the genetic diversity is generated? 7) Examples of applications in molecular microbial ecology 8) Presentation of an article by students
Recommended or required readings :
Marine bacteriology
French written syllabus.
Reference book : "Microbial Ecology of the oceans", D.L. Kirchman, Ed. Wiley-Liss Inc.
Molecular approaches to the diversity of marine microorganisms
Copies of transparencies used in class
Assessment methods and criteria :
Marine bacteriology
Oral exam with notes (2 questions).
Molecular approaches to the diversity of marine microorganisms
1) Presentation of an article or report of laboratory work (if the student carries out a study in molecular diversity) 2) Exam on the theory
Work placement(s) :
Organizational remarks :
Contacts :
Marine bacteriology
Mathieu Poulicek - Tél 04 366 50 67 - Email: mpoulicek@ulg.ac.be
Molecular approaches to the diversity of marine microorganisms
A. Wilmotte, CIP, Chimie B6,
Phone : 04/366.38.56,
e-mail : awilmotte@ulg.ac.be
Items online :
Molecular approaches to the diversity of marine microorganisms
Phylogenetic analysis
phylogenetic analysis
Generation of genetic diversity
Mechanisms to generate and limit genetic diversity
Molecular diversity of communities
Molecular diversity of natural microbial communities
Systematics of microorganisms and taxonomic tools
Systematics of microorganisms