Microbial Ecology

Postgraduate course

Course description

Objectives and Content

The subject of this course is the ecological interactions between microorganisms. Special attention is given to the relationships between the microbial food web, biodiversity, the physical/chemical environment (CO2, light, micro/macro-nutrients), and biogeochemical element cycles in the ocean. An introduction is given to the use of simple mathematical models in the analysis of such relationships. The relationship between bacterial physiology and the structure of anaerobic marine ecosystems, and the role of microbial evolution in global biogeochemical cycles are treated. Basic methods in marine microbial ecology are used in an experimentally oriented semester exercise.

Learning Outcomes

The aim of this course is to introduce the students to marine microbial ecology at the system level using a combination of theoretical analysis and experimental work, increase their knowledge and practise in the use of methods central to studying diversity, composition, and function of microbial communities, as well as train students in academic writing.

ECTS Credits

10 ECTS

Level of Study

Master

Semester of Instruction

Autumn.

This course has a limited capacity, enrolment is based on application. The application deadline is Wednesday in week 33 for the autumn 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. Students who have the course as a mandatory course in their degree are guaranteed a place if they apply before the application deadline. If there are more applicants than available places, students will be given priority as follows:

  1. Students enrolled in the Master’s programme in Biology
  2. Students enrolled in the Master’s programme in Molecular Biology
  3. Students enrolled in the last year of the Bachelor’s programme in Biology
  4. Students enrolled in the last year of the Bachelor’s programme in Molecular Biology
  5. Students enrolled in other bachelor's and master's programme at the Faculty of Science and Technology
  6. Students with postgraduate study rights

For some courses, there is a separate quota of places for exchange students. Exchange students who have preapproved a place on the course are guaranteed a place on the course. Additional exchange students can apply for admission to the course, but are not guaranteed a place.

Required Previous Knowledge
The course can normally be taken in the 5th or 6th semester at the bachelor level, in the 1st or 2nd semester at the master’s level, and according to the study plan for integrated master’s programmes.
Credit Reduction due to Course Overlap
MIK202 (10 ECTS) (discontinued course).
Access to the Course
In order to be admitted to the course, yuu must be admitted to a study programme at the Faculty of Science and Technology.
Teaching and learning methods
Lectures and laboratory
Compulsory Assignments and Attendance
Attending the labcourse, including the writing of a lab-report is compulsory. Students can take the exam only if the lab-report is approved.
Forms of Assessment
Lab-report and written exam. An apprived laboratory report is required for taking the exam. Grading is based exclusively on the exam (4 hours).
Grading Scale
The grading scale used is A to F. Grade A is the highest passing grade, grade F is a fail.
Assessment Semester
There will be a written exam every semester.
Reading List
The reading list will be available within July 1st.
Course Evaluation
Students will evaluate the course in accordance with the quality assurance system at UiB and the Department. You can find course evaluations in the https://quality.app.uib.no/?year=2017&faknr=12&;instnr=60">Quality Assurance Reports.
Examination Support Material
No support materials allowed
Programme Committee

The Programme Committee is responsible for the content, structure and quality of the study programme

and courses.

Course Administrator

The Faculty of Science and Technology by Department of Biological Sciences has the administrative

responsibility for the course and program.