Functional and Molecular Marine Microbiology, Molecular approaches to the diversity of marine microorganisms

Duration

25h Th, 25h Pr

Number of credits

Lecturer

Annick Wilmotte

Language(s) of instruction

English language

Organisation and examination

Teaching in the first semester, review in January

Schedule

Schedule online

Units courses prerequisite and corequisite

Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program

Learning unit contents

About 30 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.). More recently, the whole-genome sequencing has brought new information on all the evolutionary processes and the metabolic pathways present in the microorganisms.

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 problem of caracterisation of the molecular diversity of marine microorganisms (often cyanobacterial strains of the BCCM/ULC collection). The steps are the DNA extraction, PCR of a section of the rRNA operon and bioinformatic sequences analyses.

Mode of delivery (face to face, distance learning, hybrid learning)

Face-to-face course


Additional information:

Course given in presence

Further explanations:

 

Face-to-face teaching, in the 1st quadrisemester

 

1) Definitions and why?

2) Systematics, the notion of bacterial species and molecular markers of diversity

3) How is generated the genetic diversity at the basis of evolution?

4) Phylogenetic analyses and the construction of phylogenetic trees

5) Molecular microbial ecology

6) Practical work with extraction of genomic DNA from strains, PCR, electrophoresis, sequencing, analysis of sequences obtained during practical work

7) Genomic approaches (Dr. Luc Cornet course)

- Reminder of the basics on genomic diversity and the contribution of genomes for taxonomy and evolution (with example of cyanobacteria)

 - Phylogenomics

- How to study metabolism with bioinformatics?

 - Reproducibility in bioinformatics

- A concrete example

Course materials and recommended or required readings

Copies of transparencies used in class

Exam(s) in session

Any session

- In-person

oral exam


Further information:

A) 3 questions taken at random, preparation of the answers during 20 mins and oral presentation

B) 10 mins of oral presentation and 10 mins of questions on a research article selected by the student with the agreement of the professor.
 

Work placement(s)

Organisational remarks and main changes to the course

Contacts

A. Wilmotte, InBios-Molecular Diversity and Ecology of cyanobacteria, Botany B22,
Phone : 04/366.33.87/38.56,
e-mail : awilmotte@uliege.be

Association of one or more MOOCs

Items online