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
Name of exam | Environmental Biotechnology |
Type of exam | Written or oral exam |
ECTS | 5 |
Assessment | 7-point grading scale |
Type of grading | Internal examination |
Criteria of assessment | The criteria of assessment are stated in the Examination
Policies and Procedures |