Environmental Microbiology

Scholar Year: 2018/2019 - 2S

Courses

Head Teacher Responsability Carla Maria de Almeida Amorim Carneiro Head

Weekly workload Hours/week T TP P PL L TC THE EL OT OT/PL TPL S Type of classes 2 3 Lectures Type Teacher Classes Hours Theorethical and Practical classes Totals 1 2,00 Laboratories Totals 1 3,00

Teaching language

Portuguese

Intended learning outcomes (Knowledges, skills and competencies to be developed by the students)

Lectures
Assess and recognize the contribution of microbiology and other sciences in their applications
Identify the different classes of microorganisms and their characteristics-
Recognize the key techniques of inoculation, growth and preservation of microorganisms in the

laboratory
as well as growth control
Explain the diversity of habitats vs nutritional needs and physical needs as well as the different ways of obtaining and storing energy
Recognize the intervention of microorganisms in recycling of matter and its relevance to environmental Laboratory
Able to work under aseptic conditions
Acquire ability in handling bacterial cultures for the identification and isolation (from soil, water, air or other source)
Determine microbial concentration in an unknown sample by making use of the appropriate method
according to their provenance
Evaluate the microbiological quality of a water sample (residual and consumption) and air framing with the legislation

Syllabus

1. Introduction
field of study, history, applications
2. Biosafety
introduction to laboratories, security levels, the EST lab
3. Microscopy techniques
optical vs. electron microscopy, optical microscopy/coloration techniques
4. Evolution and microbial diversity
common ancestor and evolutionary scale, classification systems, microbial diversity
5. Ultrastructure
6. Fungi and Viruses
7. Farming Microbiology
aseptic technique, culture media, handling cultures, microbial determination
8. Growth and control of microbial growth
growth cycle, direct and indirect measures of growth, physical agents and chemical agents
9. Environmental Microbiology
microbial ecosystems, biogeociclos, plant -microorganism interactions
10. Nutrition and microbial metabolism
universal concepts of chemical thermodynamics, macromolecules, energy and metabolic processes
Laboratory
Experimental work under items 3. to 10.

Demonstration of the syllabus coherence with the UC intended learning outcomes

Scope of study, history, applications; Evolution and microbial diversity; Microscopy techniques;
Ultrastructure Bacteria, Fungi and Viruses can ensure the learning outcomes 1-2. Farming Microbiology; Aseptic technique, culture media, handling cultures, determination of [microbial];Growth and control of microbial growth; growth cycle, direct and indirect measures of growth; Physical agents and chemical agents; Nutrition and microbial metabolismo can ensure the learning outcomes 3-4. Microbial ecosystems, biocycling, plant-microorganism interactions can ensure the learning outcomes 5. Biosafety Laboratory iniciation, security levels,EST laboratory; Sterilization and media preparation /aseptic conditions Technique in microbiology/ Physical and chemical factors on growth; PCA/bacterial population in soil; Evaluation of water quality (consumption, waste water) can ensure the learning outcomes I-IV.

Teaching methodologies

Lectures: exposure of several issues to be addressed with aid of acetates; Laboratory: experimental work of various items covered in theoretical.

Demonstration of the teaching methodologies coherence with the curricular unit's intended learning outcomes

The concepts are taught in the lectures in order to achieve the objectives set for the UC. All laboratory work aim to achieve a particular goal (theoretical or practical) through practice (hands-on). Complexity is sequentially introduced in the laboratory work. The basic techniques are taught initially allowing to perform, a posteriori, more complex jobs implemented under the theme Environmental Microbiology, with special care to water and soil analysis preparing students for what is done in real work environment (including new techniques and methodologies). The results of each study are analyzed and discussed so that students can more easily achieve the proposed objectives. The students are encouraged to autonomy by direct assessment in the classroom regarding the preparation and execution of the experimental work.
Periodic assessments are also carried out to prepare to the final individual assessment. Seminars intend to integrate the subjects taught. The selected subjects fall within Environmental Microbiology and a selection of scientific papers, where microorganisms are used in solving environmental cases (critical), are presented. The oral presentation intends, first, the familiarization with the foreign language and puts the student in contact with a scientific article, the techniques used, how it is structured and how conclusions are drawn. Also explores the ability of speaking before an audience.

Assessment methodologies and evidences

Examination (minimum 9,5); Oral seminar-theme chosen from provided topics; Laboratory; Mini reportsdefined in each laboratory class delivery times; Self-assessment in class-autonomy, group coordination, results; Practical test-last laboratory class; Working students that can’t perform the experimental work, obtained laboratories frequency through a comprehensive practical test that includes a written componente and a practical component (practical test). Final grade = 0,8 *examination +0,2*(oral seminar+lab); Lab = [(mini reports+assessment in class) + practical test (individual)]/2; Improving classification only in times of resource Professor reserves the right to convene an oral whenever necessary Students rated values ≥ 16 are subject to an oral

Bibliography

1. Acetatos da UC, Carneiro, C., 2012
2. Wanda, F., Ferreira, C., De Sousa, J.C.F., 1998, Microbiologia, 1ª Edição, Volume I, LIDEL, Edições
Técnicas (Library)
2. Atlas, R.M., 1997, Principles of Microbiology 2nd Ed., WBC, Wm. C. Brown Publishers (Mediateca)
3. McKane, L., Kandel, J., 1996, Microbiology – essentials and applications, 2nd Ed., Mc-Grall Hill (Ask to the professor)
4. Madigan, M.T., Martinko, J.M., Parker, J., 10th Ed., Biology of microorganisms, Prentice Hall (Library)