Learning objectives
The goal of this course is to provide a framework for understanding the role of microorganisms in the biogeochemical cycling of elements.
Prerequisites
General microbiology and environmental microbiology
Course unit content
Microbial biodiversity. Metabolic biodiversity. Role of microrganisms in the biogeochemical cycling of nitrogen, sulfur, carbon and phosphorus.<br />
The carbon cycle: hydrolysis of organic polymers (lignin, cellulose, starch) in aerobiosis and anaerobiosis. Methanogensis, acetogenesis, methanotrophy in aerobiosis and anaerobiosis. Chemioautotrophy and photosynthesis.<br />
The nitrogen cycle: nitrification, denitrification, nitrogen fixation. Anaerobic ammonium oxidation (ANAMMOX), applications, eco-physiology and biodiversity of ammonium oxidizing bacteria.<br />
The phosphorus cycle : Enhanced Biological Phosphorus Removal by Poli-P bacteria<br />
Sociomicrobiology: quorum sensing (biofilm etc)
Full programme
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Bibliography
MICROBIOLOGIA AMBIENTALE ED ELEMENTI DI ECOLOGIA MICROBICA (2008) Barbieri, P., Bestetti G., Galli E. , Zannoni D. CEA Milano (http://www.ceaedizioni.it/ita/index.asp)<br />
Bacterial Biogeochemistry- The ecophysiology of mineral cycling Fenchel T, King G.M. Blackburn T.H. 2° edizione Academic Press (1998)
Teaching methods
Students will be involved in seminars and discussions concerning the most recent scientific papers on the topics developed during the course
Assessment methods and criteria
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Other information
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