Prerequisite/Recommended prerequisite for participation in the module

Content, progress and pedagogy of the module

The aim is to provide a fundamental understanding of how to identify prokaryotes using molecular techniques, how prokaryotes form biofilms, how to combat pathogenic and unwanted biofilms, the use of mixed microbial communities for solving environmental problems and use of microorganisms (bacteria, yeast and fungi) in the biotechnological industry

Identification of microorganisms using molecular and bioinformatic approaches

• Use of advanced microscopy for quantification of microorganisms in mixed cultures
• Methods to determine activity of microorganisms directly in biofilm
• Biofilm formation, composition, microbial communication and microbial communities
• Pathogenic bacteria in biofilms – e.g. on implants and in wounds
• Control of unwanted prokaryotes, biofouling and biocorrosion
• Transformation of micropollutants
• Transformation of C, N and P in mixed communities
• Use of mixed communities to purify soil, water and air
• Use of mixed communities and recombinant pure bacterial cultures in biotech productions
• Use of recombinant yeast and fungi in the biotech industry

Learning objectives

Knowledge

Student who have passed the module

• Can account for the formation, composition, growth and activity of mixed microbial communities 
• Can describe growth of pathogenic bacteria in medical biofilms
• Can give details for methods to control unwanted biofilms
• Can explain the use of mixed communities to clean soil, water and air for C, N and P
• Can explain the use of recombinant microorganisms (bacteria, yeast, fungi) in the biotechnological industry

Skills

• Can apply bioinformatic databases and account for molecular techniques used for identification of microorganisms

Extent and expected workload

150 hours

Exam

Exams