Content, progress and pedagogy of the module

The aim is to provide a fundamental understanding on how prokaryotes form consortia and biofilms, and how mixed microbial communities can be used to solve environmental challenges, such as production of bioenergy, reuse of resources, and production of clean water

Learning objectives

Knowledge

Students who have passed the module should be able to

• describe microbial communities and biofilm formation and composition
• account for the formation, composition, growth and activity of mixed microbial communities
• account for transformations of C, N and P in mixed microbial communities
• describe the transformation of micropollutants
• demonstrate understanding of how mixed communities can be used to purify soil, water and air
• describe methodologies used to characterize microbial communities
• account for modern methods to determine activity of microorganisms directly in mixed communities. Hereunder the use of advanced microscopy for characterization of microorganisms in mixed cultures
• account for pathogenic bacteria in biofilms
• describe growth of human-related and pathogenic bacteria in biofilms
• demonstrate knowledge on principles for controlling wanted or unwanted prokaryotes in environmental biotechnology
• explain the use of mixed communities to clean soil, water and air for C, N and P
• explain the use of mixed communities for nutrient recovery and bioenergy production

Skills

• account for the role of prokaryotes in environmental biotechnology, and how to control them.
• account for molecular techniques to identify microorganisms and their activity in complex microbial ecosystems.
• describe different types of advanced microscopy for identification of microorganisms and their activities.

Type of instruction

• Lectures, theoretical exercises and hands-on laboratory exercises.

Extent and expected workload

150 hours

Exam

Exams