course-details-portlet

BTA2002 - Microbial ecology

About

Examination arrangement

Examination arrangement: Oral examination
Grade: Letter grades

Evaluation Weighting Duration Grade deviation Examination aids
Oral examination 100/100 60 minutes A

Course content

In the course microbial ecology, we build on knowledge from microbiology, general chemistry, and biochemistry, when we take a closer look at microorganisms in industrial ecosystems, and natural habitats such as air, water, and soil. The course focuses on topics such as the phylogenetic placement of bacteria with microbial metabolism and substance cycles for nitrogen, iron, sulfur, and carbon. Furthermore, the course addresses topics such as microbial symbiosis and microbial communication, and looks at how biofilm is formed, both in natural and industrial environments. In the course we look at biological water purification systems, biofilters and RAS systems, as well as microalgae and growing conditions. The course also includes a project assignment where students are challenged to look at the role of microorganisms in a sustainability perspective and apply the knowledge to come up with proposals for innovative solutions for utilization of microorganisms for useful purposes or prevent loss of species diversity.

The course also includes a laboratory course with three major projects, where students are introduced to planning, experiment design, sampling, analysis, and assessment of results as well as experience with both written and oral dissemination of professional knowledge.

Learning outcome

Knowledge - the students:

  • have knowledge of microbial populations, societies and ecosystems
  • have knowledge of the causes and effects of pollution, microbial interactions with emphasis on limited resources and critical processes
  • have knowledge of different food chains and interactions between inorganic and organic substances

Skills - the students:

  • have acquired basic laboratory technical skills pipetting, microscopy, autoclaving, sterile technique and preparation of medium
  • have practical skills in complex laboratory exercises such as cultivation algae, biofilm formation and field investigations
  • has gained experience with experimental design and analysis and interpretation of analysis results
  • have carried out independent laboratory and field work

General competence - the students:

  • can discuss topics on physical and chemical processes in the environment and about the interaction between environment and organisms
  • contribute with a view of the diversity of life forms that represent different solutions to life's challenges
  • can plan and carry out experiments over longer periods of time.
  • can document and disseminate knowledge from field experiments and laboratory experiments
  • can discuss how microorganisms can contribute to sustainable development

Learning methods and activities

Educational methods: Lectures up to 30 hours, Field work 1 x 6 hours, group assignment and compulsory laboratory course up to 12 x 4 hours. Self study and exam: up to 130 hours. Compulsory work requirements: Approved field work. Approved completion of laboratory course and submission of journal. Compulsory work requirements are valid for three semesters (or after application). Group assignment with oral presentation.

Compulsory assignments

  • Lab assignment

Further on evaluation

The course has 2 mandatory laboratory exercises spanning 3-5 weeks, as well as 1 field exercise and 1 group assignment. Journals are submitted and an oral presentation is given as a mandatory prerequisite. Mandatory work requirements that include both completion of laboratory work, oral presentation and submission of reports / journals must be approved in order to take the exam. The oral exam is conducted at the end of the semester.

Specific conditions

Admission to a programme of study is required:
Biotechnology (427BT)

Credit reductions

Course code Reduction From To
MB102319 5.0 AUTUMN 2020
More on the course

Facts

Version: 1
Credits:  7.5 SP
Study level: Intermediate course, level II

Coursework

Term no.: 1
Teaching semester:  AUTUMN 2023

Language of instruction: Norwegian

Location: Ålesund

Subject area(s)
Contact information
Course coordinator: Lecturer(s):

Department with academic responsibility
Department of Biological Sciences Ålesund

Timetable

List view
Calendar view

Examination

Examination arrangement: Oral examination

Term Status code Evaluation Weighting Examination aids Date Time Examination system Room *
Autumn ORD Oral examination 100/100 A

2023-11-22 - 2023-11-23

Room Building Number of candidates
Spring UTS Oral examination 100/100 A
Room Building Number of candidates
  • * The location (room) for a written examination is published 3 days before examination date. If more than one room is listed, you will find your room at Studentweb.
Examination

For more information regarding registration for examination and examination procedures, see "Innsida - Exams"

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