Course content

The course will normally be offered every alternate year, next time Autumn 2020. 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 equally large 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. Quantitative and qualitative methods: Fluorescent microscopy and molecular techniques (PCR- and probe based).

3. Natural ecosystems: Microbes in natural habitats; air, water, soil and symbionts. Pelagic food webs and eutrophication.

4. ”Unnatural” ecosystems: Selected systems and biological water purification. Anaerobic fermentation and xenobiotika.

5. Modelling: Mathematical basis and model types. Examples and modelling tools (Matlab, ASM Nos. 1-3, Aquasim m.m.).

Learning outcome

After completion of the course the students have a good understanding of interactions determining the development of microbial communities and they have a basic knowledge for analyzing 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 teaching/learning includes lectures/seminars, student presentations, exercises, labdemos and computer exercises. The course will be given in English if necessary. If too few students sign up for the course, it might be cancelled.
The organized teaching is in total 80 hours, and preparations for student activities during the organized teaching/training is 20 hours. The rest of the student workload is own activity and preparations for exam.

Compulsory assignments

• Exercises

Recommended previous knowledge

The course is based on knowledge in microbiology comparable to TBT4110 Microbiology. Courses like TBT4170 Biotechnology, TBT4145/TBT4146 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