Print Syllabus

Syllabus

BI1438 Molecular and microbial ecology, 15.0 Credits

Molekylär och mikrobiell ekologi

Subjects

Biology

Education cycle

Bachelor’s level

Modules

Title	Credits	Code
Written final examination of theoretical course content based on lectures and literature	5.0	0004
Participation in laboratory exercises and written report	5.0	0005
Participation in literature discussions and study visits	2.0	0006
Participation in project work including oral and written presentatio	3.0	0007

Advanced study in the main field

First cycle, has at least 60 credits in first-cycle course/s as entry requirements
Bachelor’s level (G2F)

Grading scale

Language

English

Prior knowledge

- 60 HEC in Biology,
- 5 HEC in Microbiology
- 5 HEC in Ecology
- 10 HEC in Chemistry
- 5 HEC in Statistics
- a level of English equivalent to upper-secondary-school English (Engelska 6)

Objectives

The aim of this course is to provide knowledge of molecular and microbial ecology and the use use of molecular methods, approaches and applications in basic ecological and environmental science questions, as well as how molecular methods can be used to solve current issues and problems related to sustainable food production, quality, environmental monitoring and biodiversity conservation.

After completion of the course students should be able to:

• Account for and discuss key concepts in molecular and microbial ecology
• Describe and explain molecular-level interactions between microorganisms and their biotic and abiotic environment
• Explain the role of microorganisms for the functioning of ecosystems and discuss possible environmental applications
• Give examples of molecular methods used to identify, quantify and functionally characterize organisms and communities, and discuss possible applications
• Apply selected relevant molecular laboratory techniques commonly used in molecular and microbial ecology
• Draw conclusions from graphical and statistical representations of molecular data used in ecological studies

Content

The course covers

• Introduction to molecular ecology and evolution
• Molecular methods in ecology, with emphasis on study design, laboratory techniques, bioinformatics and biostatistics
• Molecular approaches to unravel key ecological concepts, for example: links between biodiversity and ecosystem functioning, ecological niches, resistance and resilience to environmental disturbances
• Analyses of biotic interactions in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems using molecular methods: microbial interactions with plants, animals and other microorganisms, as well as trophic interactions within food webs and metabolic networks
• Anthropogenic impacts on terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, monitored by molecular methods
• Applications of methods in molecular and microbial ecology, for example: agriculture, environmental monitoring, food webs, climate mitigation, regenerative agriculture, animal health and probiotics, conservation biology, waste and water treatment

The course uses a variety of teaching forms lectures, exercises, literature studies, laboratory sessions, study visits and project work. The general competenses critical thinking, scientific methodollogy and oral and written presentations are trained with in the course.

Grading form

The grade requirements within the course grading system are set out in specific criteria. These criteria must be available by the course start at the latest.

Formats and requirements for examination

• Oral and written presentation of project work

• Approved participation in compulsory components

• Written laboratory report

• Written examination

• If a student has failed an examination, the examiner has the right to issue supplementary assignments. This applies if it is possible and there are grounds to do so.

• The examiner can provide an adapted assessment to students entitled to study support for students with disabilities following a decision by the university. Examiners may also issue an adapted examination or provide an alternative way for the students to take the exam.

• If this syllabus is withdrawn, SLU may introduce transitional provisions for examining students admitted based on this syllabus and who have not yet passed the course.

• For the assessment of an independent project (degree project), the examiner may also allow a student to add supplemental information after the deadline for submission. Read more in the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.

Other information

• The right to participate in teaching and/or supervision only applies for the course instance the student was admitted to and registered on.

• If there are special reasons, students are entitled to participate in components with compulsory attendance when the course is given again. Read more in the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.

Additional information

Recommended courses for Växtodlingsprogrammet students: Grundläggande statistik och matematik för biologer (ST0059), Genetik, cellbiologi och mikrobiologi (BI1278), Ekologi (BI1252) och Grundläggande kemi I och II (KE0062 and KE0063)

Responsible department

Department of Forest Mycology and Plant Pathology