mar500 - Physiology and diversity of microorganisms

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.

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

- Biological significance of suspended matter:
Lecturer: Simon; Form of study: 1 lecture a week, partially blocked for 2 lectures a week; 3 CP; summer term;

- 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 and microbiological colloquium (alternating weekly)

Mardigan “Brock - Biology of microorganisms“

At the end of the lecture period.

The exact date will be announced during the course.

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.