mar500 Physiology and diversity of microorganisms (Complete module description)

Module title

Physiology and diversity of microorganisms

Module code

mar500

Credit points

12.0 KP

Responsible institute

Institut für Chemie und Biologie des Meeres (ICBM)

Responsible persons

Module responsibility:

Martin Könneke

Module counselling:

Bert Engelen, Marion Pohlner, Anja Reckhardt, Julius Degenhardt, Michael Seidel, Helmut Hillebrand, Jessika Füßel, Sarahi Lorena Garcia, Astrid Behrends, Ivonne Vetter

Prerequisites

Language of instruction

English

Learning outcomes/competencies

The students know the cells of pro- und eukaryotes and understand the basic mechanisms of microbial metabolism. Furthermore, students learn about the physiological and phylogenetic groups of prokaryotes, eukaryotic microorganisms and viruses and get an overview on applied aspects of microbiology.

Module contents

The module consists of 5 parts:

1) Physiology and life modes of prokaryotes (lecture + exercises)

Topics are cellular and subcellular organisation, assimilation and dissimilation, energy metabolism, transport, microbial growth, chemiosmotic theory, fermentation, anaerobic respiration, lithotrophy, photosynthesis, metabolism of different Archaea, Bacteria pathogenic prokaryotes, microbiological techniques.

2) Microbial diversity (lecture + exercises)

Topics are the eukaryotic cell, diversity, systematics and taxonomy of prokaryotes and eukaryotic microorganisms, algae, protozoa, molds, phagocytosis, symbioses, pathogenic eukaryotes, diversity of eukaryotic microbes, components of viruses, virus reproduction, bacteriophages, diversity of viruses, virus diseases.

3) Broadening lectures, one out of the following

- Sediment Microbiology:
Lecturer: Engelen; Form of study: 3 weeks block; 3 CP; summer term;
This lecture presents state of the art knowledge about occurrence, life and activities of microorganisms in these environments. Physiological issues are addressed as well as evolutionary and applied aspects.

Topics are: formation, diagenesis and special features of sediments; physico-chemical conditions and geological records; interpretation of gradients; microbes and biological processes in sediments; methods for cultivation of sediment organisms; molecular methods; biogeochemical methods; quantification of prokaryotes and viruses

- Scientific writing and presentation:
Lecturer: Engelen; Form of study: weekly seminar; 3 CP;
The students know the importance and structure of scientific publications. They learn to read papers critically and which require important for the different parts. Furthermore, students will train to give oral presentations as well as scientific reports and poste how to use the library and how to find relevant literature and how to use citation programs.

Topics are: types and relevance of scientific publications; parts of scientific publications step by step: Abstract, Introduction, Results, Discussion; university facilities for literature search; oral presentation; how to prepare posters; tips for using Excel, PowerPoint, Word and Endnote

- Alternative lectures of the MSc “Marine environmental sciences” or “Biology” (see current online schedule)

4) Excursions into the field, to companies and scientific institutions

5) ICBM Marine Science Seminar

Recommended reading

Mardigan “Brock - Biology of microorganisms“

Required assesment

Method of assesment

Two written tests about the contents of the lectures “Physiology and life modes of prokaryotes” and “Microbial diversity”.

At least 50% of the reachable points in written tests about the two lectures mentioned above.

Active participation: Active and documented participation in practical courses (labs, exercises, seminars, field trips) and courses. These include e.g. the delivery of exercises, writing a lab report or seminar presentations according to the advice of the course supervisor.

Exam dates

At the end of the lecture period.

The exact date will be announced during the course.

Duration (semesters)

2 Semester

Module frequency

annual

Workload

Total workload	Contact hours
360 h

Course type

Type	SWS	Module frequency	Contact hours
Lecture	6	SoSe oder WiSe	84 h
Exercises	2	WiSe	28 h
Study trip	1	SoSe oder WiSe	14 h
Seminar		SoSe oder WiSe	0 h

Further information

Aufnahmekapazität:
unbegrenzt

EX max. 11

Lehr-/Lernform:
Lecture + Exercises: Physiology and life modes of prokaryotes (3 CP)
Lecture + Exercises: Microbial diversity (3 CP)
1x broadening lecture or seminar (3 CP)
ICBM Marine Science Seminar (2 CP)
Excursions (1 CP)

Applicability of the module

Master Microbiology > Mastermodule