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 - Erasmus mundus) | 6 crédits |
Lecturer
Marine bacteriology : Mathieu Poulicek
Molecular approaches to the diversity of marine microorganisms : Annick Wilmotte
Coordinator
Language(s) of instruction
English language
Organisation and examination
Teaching in the first semester, review in January
Schedule
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).
Mode of delivery (face to face, distance learning, hybrid learning)
Marine bacteriology
5 times 3 hours (theory), 5 days practicals
Molecular approaches to the diversity of marine microorganisms
Face-to-face teaching, in 1st quadrisemester in parallel with recorded lessons for the students who cannot be present
1) Definitions
2) Why?
3) Molecular markers of diversity
4) Molecular techniques
5) Phylogenetic analyses and tree reconstructions
6) How the genetic diversity is generated?
7) Examples of applications in molecular microbial ecology
8) Practical training in extraction of genomic DNA from cyanobacterial strains, PCR, electrophoresis, sequencing, phylogenetic analysis of the generated sequences (only possible face-to-face for the experimental part)
Organisational adjustments related to the current health context
Molecular approaches to the diversity of marine microorganisms
Both in presence and online courses, if face-to-face still possible
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
Below you will find information on the evaluation methods planned for in-person and remote exams as well as those planned for hybrid sessions. Depending on how the health crisis evolves, the chosen method will be communicated to you no later than one month before the start of the exam session.
Marine bacteriology
Oral exam with notes (2 questions).
Molecular approaches to the diversity of marine microorganisms
Presentation online of a scientific paper and questions to evaluate the mastering of theoretical knowledges necessary to understand the paper.
> Online oral examination (update 10/12/2020)
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 : 04/366.33.87/38.56, e-mail : awilmotte@uliege.be