Entry requirements

120 credits including alternative 1) 40 credit points/60 credits biology and 20 credit points/30 credits chemistry or 20 credit points/30 credits earth sciences; alternative 2) 60 credit points/90 credits biology.

Learning outcomes

Microorganisms show an incredible diversity and are at the same time of crucial importance for processes in our environment where they have a key role both for cycling of nutrients and biomass, for decomposition of pollutants and production of greenhouse gases. The overall aims with the course are to provide a deeper knowledge of the genetic and functional diversity of bacteria, archaea and viruse in different ecosystems, and a basic understanding of the methods that are used in the area.

On completion of the course, the student should:

• Be able to describe common groups of bacteria and archaea in different ecosystems, and their role in biogeochemical key processes in these environments.
• Be able to understand and describe for cultivation-independent methods for studies of the composition of microbial communities and for the function and occurrence of individual groups.
• Be able to understand and describe genomic-based methods to study microbial diversity in nature and for the mechanisms behind it.
• Be able to generally describe important interactions within microbial communities and between microorganisms and plants and animals.
• Be able to evaluate, synthesise and present scientific studies of genetic and functional microbial diversity in different ecosystems.
• Have received practical experience in the bioinformatic tools and databases that are used to study microbial diversity.

Content

The course consists of lectures about microbial diversity in aquatic and terrestrial systems, and in different types of extreme environments and other model systems. The emphasis lies both on the molecular methods that are used within the field and on the importance of diversity for the function of microbial communities in different ecosystems, and on the mechanisms that create and regulate diversity within microbial communities. The latest techniques and the findings within the metagenomics, i.e. direct DNA-sequencing of whole microbial communities from different ecosystems, are discussed thoroughly. Practical elements occur also in the course in form of exercises with computer-based tools (software and databases) that is used within the research field. Study visits at research laboratories within the area will show how microbial diversity is explored and utilised for a persistent social progress. Under the later part of the course, the students carry out a literature compilation within a subject area that is decided in consultations with the course leader. This literature survey is presented both in writing and orally in seminar form.

Theory: 6 credits

Exercises/Laboratory sessions: 1 credit

Own in-depth assignment: 3 credits

Instruction

The teaching consists of lectures and laboratory sessions.

Assessment

Passing grade requires passed grade on written examination (6 credits), passed laboratory (1 credit), and accepted in-depth assignment (3 credits).

If there are special reasons for doing so, an examiner may make an exception from the method of assessment indicated and allow a student to be assessed by another method. An example of special reasons might be a certificate regarding special pedagogical support from the disability coordinator of the university.