Microbiology

Recommended Prerequisites

The lineages Bacteria, Archaea and Eukarya. The virus. Cellular biology of microorganisms. Species concept. Nutrition and metabolism; nutritional categories and basic bioenergetics. Microbial growth; measuring growth, mathematics of exponential growth,batch and continuous cultures. Environmental factors affecting growth and growth control. Metabolic diversity: fermentative processes, respirations, photosynthesis and chemolithotrophy. Carbon and nitrogen fixation. Biogeochemical cycles. Extreme environments. Genetic organization and expression in bacteria, the operon concept. General properties of viruses.

The microbiology lab: safety and correct practices to manipulate bacteria. Methods to study microbes from the environment: classic and molecular methods. Bioinformatics and web database resources and phylogenetic reconstruction.

Teaching Methods

Lectures, with all students, are based on presentations with simple texts and diagrams, graphs, etc., with the media support.

Practical classes, in the laboratory with small groups of students.

Brainstorming sessions, with small groups of students, about selected themes.

Presentation and discussion of suggested topics investigated by the students.

Learning Outcomes

This course aims to provide essential knowledge and basic skills in Microbiology. We also aim to help students in the development of their individual and transversal competences. Key issues related with cellular and metabolic diversity, influence and functional role of the microorganisms in the environmental, growth and control of microbial populations are addressed. Moreover, students learn basic methods and develop skills generally used to study microorganisms.  

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

The lineages Bacteria, Archaea and Eukarya. The virus. Cellular biology of microorganisms. Species concept. Nutrition and metabolism; nutritional categories and basic bioenergetics. Microbial growth; measuring growth, mathematics of exponential growth,batch and continuous cultures. Environmental factors affecting growth and growth control. Metabolic diversity: fermentative processes, respirations, photosynthesis and chemolithotrophy. Carbon and nitrogen fixation. Biogeochemical cycles. Extreme environments. Genetic organization and expression in bacteria, the operon concept. General properties of viruses.

The microbiology lab: safety and correct practices to manipulate bacteria. Methods to study microbes from the environment: classic and molecular methods. Bioinformatics and web database resources and phylogenetic reconstruction.

Head Lecturer(s)

António Manuel Veríssimo Pires

Assessment Methods

Assessement
Laboratory work or Field work: 10.0%
Research work: 15.0%
Exam: 75.0%

Bibliography

- Madigan, MT.,  Martinko, JM., Stahl, D., Clark, DP. Brock Biology of Microorganisms.  Benjamin Cummings, Pearson Education, Inc.,

- Willey, J., Sherwood L., Woolverton C., Prescott's Microbiology, McG-Hill Pub