Molecular microbiology

Objectives:

The course aims to give a thorough introduction to molecular microbiology.

Content:

The course is divided into 4 modules focusing on the following topics:

1. Molecular adaptations to extreme environments,

2. Metabolic and functional diversity,

3. Ecosystem and biogeochemical cycles and

4. Biotechnology and synthetic biology.

Students will complete project work related to the modules, consisting of:

a. Planning and carrying out laboratory work,

b. Analysis of -omics data,

c. Analysis of recent scientific literature and

d. Reporting and discussion of experiment.

The results of the project work shall be presented orally and in writing.

The course is primarily for students in the master's program in biology, specialization in Microbiology.

On completion of the course the student should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

The student can

• explain main principles of molecular adaptions of microorganisms to extreme environmental conditions
• describe the characteristics of various physiological groups of microorganisms
• identify metabolic interactions among microorganisms (in diffrent ecosystems)
• explain molecular tools for taxonomic and phylogenetic placement of microorganisms
• describe applications of microorganisms

Skills

The student is able to

• cultivate different physiological groups of microorganisms
• identify metabolic pathways in microorganisms based on omics data
• perform phylogenetic analyzes of microorganisms
• characterize enzymes from extremophiles
• plan, conduct, and report (oral and written) microbiological experiments
• evaluate and discuss possible biotechnological applications of micororganisms

General competence

The student can

• communicate subject matter in writing and orally
• find, compile and evaluate microbiological literature
• understand and discuss the relevance of microorganisms in society

Spring.

This course has a limited capacity, enrolment is based on application. The application deadline is Wednesday in week 2 for the spring semester. Please see this page for more information. You will receive confirmation of whether you received a seat in Studentweb no later than Monday the week after the deadline.

It is compulsory to attend the first lecture/orientation meeting, or you risk losing your seat. If you are unable to attend the first lecture, you must contact the Study Section (studie.bio@uib.no). The time of the first lecture/orientation meeting can be found in the schedule on the course website or on Mitt UiB.