Course content

The course will be given every other year, next time Autumn 2011. The course will have a general part covering microbial ecological interactions, a descriptive part treating key types of ecosystems, and a methodological part covering quantitative and qualitative methods and modelling. The course consist of the following five parts:
1.General basis: The general principals of microbial behaviour in ecosystems. Microbial interactions related to resource competition and predation/parasitism. Microbial populations, communities and ecosystems.
2.Natural ecosystems: Microbes in natural habitats; air, water, soil and symbionts. Pelagic food webs and eutrophication.
3.”Unnatural” ecosystems: Selected systems and biological water purification. Anaerobic fermentation and xenobiotika.
4.Quantitative and qualitative methods: Fluorescent microscopy and molecular techniques (PCR- and probe based). Matlab.
5.Modelling: Mathematical basis and model types. Examples and modelling tools.

Learning outcome

The goal of the course is to give basic knowledge for analysing microbial ecosystems; both natural and human created/controlled ecosystems like intensive plants for treatment of water and waste.

Learning methods and activities

The form of instruction includes lectures/seminars, student presentations, labdemos and computer exercises. The course will be given in English if necessary.

Compulsory assignments

• Exercises

Recommended previous knowledge

The course is given every second year if a sufficient number of students register.
The course is based on knowledge in microbiology comparable to TBT4110 Microbiology. Courses like TBT4145 Molecular Genetics, TBT4130 Environmental Biotechnology, and courses in basic ecology are also a useful background.

Course materials

Original literature. A list will be distributed at the start of the course.

Credit reductions