Geobiology and evolution of life on Earth

The course gives an overview of main groups of microorganisms that are important in biogeochemical element cycles, and how they influence on the dissolution and degradation of minerals and rocks, and on the precipitation and formation of new mineral deposits. Analytical methods and techniques for identification of microorganisms in geological materials will be introduced and demonstrated. Emphasis will be on the coherence between metabolic processes and geochemical processes. Microbial life in extreme environments, and in early time, and the implications of this to astrobiology is also included.