Entry requirements

60 credits within the Master's Programme in Molecular Biotechnology Engineering including Cell Biology and 20 credits in chemistry whereof at least 5 credits in organic chemistry.

Learning outcomes

During the course, the student should achieve knowledge about microorganisms and their metabolism and physiology, and get training in problem-solving, critical and ethical analysis of scientific work in the field. Students will also gain knowledge of the Sustainable Development Goals and practise critical and ethical analysis of scientific work in the field. 

On completion of the course, the student should be able to:

• describe the morphology, metabolism, physiology and evolution of microorganisms, and their life processes at the molecular level,
• describe different methods of cultivating microorganisms and how these can be applied in an industrial context,
• explain how microorganisms interact with other microorganisms and humans,
• explain how signalling processes work at the molecular level and control complex processes in microorganisms,
• work with microorganisms in the laboratory and characterise both physiological and molecular properties,
• analyse microbiological experimental data, draw conclusions and construct testable hypotheses from them,
• use their knowledge to solve problems in the microbiological/biotechnological field,
• critically analyse scientific work in the subject area with an ethical approach,
• discuss and critically analyse the global sustainability goals from a microbiological, infection biological and biotechnological perspective.

Content

The course covers basic microbiology with a biotechnological-industrial perspective. The structure and function of cells and molecular mechanisms behind cell function are central themes. Some emphasis is also placed on foodborne and other infections as well as microbial evolution.

Groups of bacteria, archaea and unicellular eukaryotes.

Metabolism and physiology: aerobic and anaerobic energy production, uptake and excretion mechanisms.

Growth from a cellular perspective, cell culture and culture methods.

Interactions between organisms: signalling, attack and defence; biofilm, differentiation.

Virulence factors, secondary metabolism, antibiotic production and resistance.

Laboratory work: Microbial work techniques, identification of bacteria by physiological and bioinformatic methods, bacterial interactions and flow cytometry.

Seminars: Critical analysis of a research article with scientific data with an ethical approach.

Both theoretical and practical content prepares for advanced studies in the subject as well as for professional activities e.g. in biotechnological production, food handling and infectious disease control.

Instruction

Teaching is given in the form of lectures, problem solving, seminars and laboratory sessions. Participation in seminars, laboratory sessions and related lectures is compulsory.

Assessment

The examination includes Exercises (laboratory sessions and seminars) 2 credits, and a Written examination 3 credits.To pass the final grade, the student must have participated in Exercises including lab reports and presentations as instructed and have passed the Written examination. 

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.