Newcastle University

Pre Requisite Comment

None, but a basic level of biology/microbiology is useful.

Co Requisite Comment

-

Aims

The aims of this unit are to -
Introduce microorganisms and their study,
Introduce microbial processes of environmental and geochemical significance and
Provide detailed information on the most up to date methods for the study of microbial communities.
Introduce the analysis of microbial data sets.

The module includes 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 contamination. 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 course is examined by unseen examination and a data analysis assessment.

Outline Of Syllabus

Classification of microorganisms
Microorganisms in nature
Microbial processes of environmental significance
Metabolic diversity of microorganisms
Methods to study microorganisms

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

On completion of this unit students should know the three major lines of living organisms (Archaea, Bacteria, Eukarya) and understand the differences and similarities between the three groups. In addition you should know what bacteria, fungi, protozoa, algae and viruses are and what roles they play in the geochemical cycling of elements. Students should 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. Students should know what types of microorganisms are found in the air, terrestrial and aquatic environments. Students should 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. Students should be able to explain what is meant by an electron donor and terminal electron acceptor. The geochemical roles and importance of heterotrophs and autotrophs should be understood.

Intended Skill Outcomes

On completion of the module students should 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. Students will be able to interpret geochemistry data sets to identify the impact of microbial degradation of organic contaminants.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Students will be taught through lectures where they will acquire an understanding of the evolutionary and metabolic diversity of the microbial world and how it relates to biogeochemical processes including microbial degradation of contaminants. They will also gain detailed knowledge of how biological processes and microorganisms are measured and characterized in the environment They will demonstrate that they can analyse extensive data sets through a virtual practical class component of the course where they will be provided a range of datasets that they must evaluate, synthesise and present in a coherent form.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

Students will be assessed by written examination to test their knowledge and understanding of the evolutionary and metabolic diversity of the microbial world and how it relates to biogeochemical processes including microbial degradation of contaminants and approaches used to measure biological processes and microorganisms in the environment. The ability to analyse extensive data sets will be tested through the virtual practical class component of the course and associated coursework where they will prepare a report on the results of the virtual practical class. This will provide them the opportunity to demonstrate their ability to work with several related datasets to help answer specific scientific questions.

General Notes

N/A