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- 25 February 2013
(5 days)
Introduction to Environmental Microbiology
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The course provides a basic introduction to microbiology and microorganisms and explores their role in shaping the geochemistry of the earth. A survey of modern microorganisms and their activities of environmental and geochemical importance is an important foundation for the module, as is the way that metabolic processes catalyzed by microorganisms are related to major elemental cycles, biogeochemical processes and organic contaminant degradation. The most up to date molecular methods used to study the diversity and activity of microorganisms in their natural habitats are detailed, along with their benefits and limitations.
The aims of this course are to:
- introduce microorganisms and methods for their study,
- introduce microbial processes of environmental and geochemical significance,
- provide detailed information on the most up to date methods for the study of microbial communities, and
- introduce concepts of experimental design to answer specific scientific questions and the analysis and interpretation of data sets related to the microbial degradation of organic pollutants.
Course Objectives
On completion of course, delegates will know the three major lines of living organisms (Archaea, Bacteria, Eukarya) and understand the differences and similarities between the three groups. In addition they will know what bacteria, fungi, protozoa, algae and viruses are and what roles they play in the geochemical cycling of elements. They will be aware of the geochemically and environmentally significant processes that are contributed to by the activities of microorgansims and the environmental factors that control and limit microbial activities. Delegates will know what types of microorganisms are found in the air, terrestrial and aquatic environments, and understand in broad terms the mechanisms microorganisms use to obtain energy for growth and reproduction and how these biochemical processes are linked with geochemical cycling of the elements. They will be able to explain what is meant by an electron donor and terminal electron acceptor. The geochemical roles and importance of heterotrophs and autotrophs will be understood.
Delegates will know several methods that are used to identify and enumerate bacteria in natural environments and also how specific microbial activities in the environment can be measured, and will be able to interpret geochemistry data sets to identify the impact of microbial degradation of organic contaminants.
Course Outline
- Classification of microorganisms
- Microorganisms in nature
- Microbial processes of environmental significance
- Metabolic diversity of microorganisms
- Methods to study microorganisms
This course is delivered as a Module to postgraduate students under the title of Introduction to Microbiology and Microbial Transformation of Pollutants.
Who is the course aimed at?
Earth Scientists, Chemists and Engineers with little or no previous experience in microbiology who wish to learn more about fundamental microbiology and microbial ecology and how this relates to geochemical processes in natural and managed environments. The course is ideal for Earth Scientists wishing to move into the exciting fields of geobiology and biogeochemistry.
Presenters
School of Civil Engineering and Geosciences
- Prof Ian Head (Course Leader)
Fees
- Introduction to Environmental Microbiology
- £975.00 (duration 5 days)
Formal assessment may be available for this Course. Assessment attracts an additional fee of £260.00, and delegates will be issued with a transcript and Certificate of Credit Achieved.
Owing to visa restrictions the assessment option is not available to international students.
Academic Module Outline
This course is also delivered as a Module on at least one of the School's Masters programmes; delegates will attend with full and part time registered students. The Academic Module Outline is available via the University's Module Catalogue.