Duration
15h Th, 15h Pr
Number of credits
| Master in oceanography (120 ECTS) (MER - Erasmus mundus) | 6 crédits |
Lecturer
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
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
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
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
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)
Face-to-face course
Additional information:
Face-to-face teaching, in 1st quadrisemester
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)
Recommended or required readings
Copies of transparencies used in class
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
A. Wilmotte, InBios, Chimie B6,
Phone : 04/366.33.87/38.56,
e-mail : awilmotte@uliege.be