B029624 - ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY

Italian

Knowledge:
Modus vivendi of microorganisms in nature.
Interactions between microbial populations and abiotic and biotic environmental factors.
Microbial metabolism and ecological role of microorganisms in different habitats.
Methods of analysis of composition and activities of microbial communities.
Exploitation of metabolic capabilities of microorganisms in environmental applications.
Competence and skills acquired:
To be able to recognize the ecological role of microorganisms in specific habitats.
To be able to identify suitable methods of analysis of a microbial habitat. To be able to identify microorganisms and/or their metabolic properties useful for biotechnological applications

Modus vivendi of microorganisms, populations and communities, biofilm. Microbial habitats Metabolic and ecological role of microorganisms in the biogeochemical cycling of the elements. Methods of analysis of diversity and activities of microbial communities. Environmental applications of microorganisms: bioremediation, production of energy.

Courses to be used as requirements: General Microbiology

Lectures
Seminars
Private study
Reading and discussion of scientific literature
Teaching tools:
Textbooks
Lessons supported by electronic slides available to students on Moodle Suggested websites for deepening of specific topics

Oral exam to test the knowledge acquired. Written exam at the request of the student. During the exam, the student will also have to present a specific topic of environmental microbiology studied on the scientific literature, as agreed with the teachers.

Modus vivendi of microorganisms in the environment. Microbial habitats. Biofilms. Role of microorganisms in the biogeochemical cycling of the main elements. Strategies of sampling. Cultivability of microorganisms. Analysis of the presence and activity of specific microbial components in the environment.
Environmental applications of microorganisms. Bioremediation. Energy production. Biodeterioration and biorestoration of cultural Heritage by microorganisms.

Madigan, M.T., J. M. Martinko, K.S. Bender, D.H. Buckley, D.A. Stahl - Brock Biologia dei microrganismi. Microbiologia generale, ambientale e industriale- Pearson Italia, Milano-Torino. 2016.
P. Barbieri, G. Bestetti, E. Galli, D. Zannoni - Microbiologia ambientale ed elementi di ecologia microbica. Casa Editrice Ambrosiana, Milano. 2008