Lecturer: Maria Rosalia Pasca  

Course name: General microbiology
Course code: 504874
Degree course: Ingegneria per l'Ambiente e il Territorio
Disciplinary field of science: BIO/19
University credits: ECTS 6
Course website: n.d.

Specific course objectives

The objectives of the course are: 1. Providing the basics of microbiology; 2. Studying the presence of microorganisms in different environments; 3. Application of microorganisms in solving environmental problems as wastewater treatment and bioremediation.

Course programme

Microbiology as basic and applied science. Milestones of Microbiology. Fields of modern microbiology. Prokaryotic cell: structure and function. Differences between Prokarya and Eukarya. Microbiological techniques. Factors affecting bacterial growth. Energy production by bacteria: fermentation, respiration, photosynthesis. The origin of life. Taxonomy and classification. Archaea. Main bacterial groups. Antibiotics. Viruses. The microorganisms in different environments: atmosphere, hydrosphere, soil and extreme environments. Interactions between microorganisms and other organisms. Genetically modified microorganisms for the environmental biotechnology. Methods in Environmental Microbiology. Environmental problems and applications in environmental protection: biological treatment of sewage, bioremediation of contaminated sites, biofiltration.

Course entry requirements

Basic Concepts of Chemistry.

Course structure and teaching

Lectures (hours/year in lecture theatre): 45
Practical class (hours/year in lecture theatre): 0
Practicals / Workshops (hours/year in lecture theatre): 0

Suggested reading materials

Prescott LM, Harley JP, Klein DA. Microbiologia. 6a edizione. Casa editrice: McGraw-Hill Barbieri P, Bestetti G, Galli E, Zannoni D. Microbiologia ambientale ed elementi di ecologia microbica. 1° edizione. Casa Editrice Ambrosiana. Lecture notes.

Testing and exams

Oral examination