Environmental Biotechnology

2024/2025

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 examEnvironmental Biotechnology
Type of exam
Written or oral exam
ECTS5
Assessment7-point grading scale
Type of gradingInternal examination
Criteria of assessmentThe criteria of assessment are stated in the Examination Policies and Procedures

Facts about the module

Danish titleMiljøbioteknologi
Module codeK-BT-K1-59
Module typeCourse
Duration1 semester
SemesterAutumn
ECTS5
Language of instructionEnglish
Empty-place SchemeYes
Location of the lectureCampus Aalborg
Responsible for the module

Organisation

Education ownerMaster of Science (MSc) in Engineering (Biotechnology)
Study BoardStudy Board of Chemistry and Bioscience
DepartmentDepartment of Chemistry and Bioscience
FacultyThe Faculty of Engineering and Science