Course content

The course is divided in three major parts: Part I presents basic questions and concepts, microbial life and behaviour, microbial metabolism and growth, microbial ecology, evolution and selection, xenobiotics and a toolbox of essential methods. Part II is focussed on biological water treatment, including wastewater treatment, activated sludge, biofilm systems, anaerobic systems, nutrient removal, toxic and recalcitrant compounds, as well as process design. Part III may, depending on the priorities of the students, present other applications such as biological flue gas treatment, organic waste treatment by biogas production or composting, sulfur and heavy metal removal, oil spill treatment, bioremediation of soil, treatment of hazardous waste, topics related to aquaculture, agriculture or industrial products and processes, ecorestoration and terraforming, use of gene modified organisms, or other relevant topics upon request.

Learning outcome

Goal: To give a unified and basic introduction to biotechnological principles and methods applied to solve environmental problems.

Learning methods and activities

Study forms: Lectures are combined with obligatory student projects and presentations, a lab project, calculatory and computer simulation exercises, and excursions. Exam: Written. If there is a re-sit examination, the examination form may change from written to oral.

Compulsory assignments

• Exercises

Recommended previous knowledge

The course has limited attendance, a maximum of 24 students may attend. Please register for attendance in accordance with general deadlines. Students should have at least some prior knowledge in biochemistry and microbiology.

Course materials

Course material: K. Østgaard: Miljøbioteknologi Del I-III, available in Norwegian only.

Credit reductions