BI1376, Microbiomes - an introduction to the fascinating world of microorganisms, 7.5 Hp
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Syllabus

Finalized by: PN-NJ, 2025-04-23
Valid from : Autumn semester 2026 (2026-08-31)

Level

First cycle (G1N)

Main field of study

Biology

Biology Area

Microbiology

Grading Scale

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.

Course language

Swedish

Entry Requirements

Objectives

The course " Microbiomes – an introduction to the fascinating world of microorganism " is an orientation course in microbiology that aims to give the student an understanding of microbiomes, including the diversity and dynamics of microorganisms in various environments and ecosystem, as well as applications using microorganisms for a sustainable use of natural resources. After completing the course the student will be able to:

• Describe and discuss general principles of microbial life strategies
• Show familiarity with the use of microscopy to study microorganisms and how molecular methods can be used to study microbiomes.
• Describe species diversity and functions of microorganisms and explain the occurrences of microorganisms in different environments, their adaptations and dynamics, based on theory and a basic understanding of the relative importance of environmental and biotic factors.
• Give examples of toxic substances produced by microorganisms, their effects and reason why they are produced (eg antibiotics / antibiotic resistance)
• Exemplify, and reason about, how microorganisms can be used, for example in the biotech industry, for food production and in environmental engineering.
• Exemplify, and reason about, how we can make use of microorganisms to achieve sustainable use of natural resources

Content

The course covers bacteria, archaea and fungi, and to some extent also viruses, protists and microscopic algae. The topics in the course range from the structure and functions of microorganisms; their importance for human, animal and plant health and disease, their roles in ecosystems, biotechnological applications for the production of e.g. pharmaceuticals and food using microorganisms, to how microorganisms can be used to treat contaminated water or soil, manage waste, produce energy and their importance for sustainable use of natural resources. The course is given as a distance course. The teaching is conducted in the form of lectures, laboratory work, group and project work.

Examination Formats and Requirements for Passing the Course

The examination can be conducted through oral and written tests, assignments and project work. This can be done either at the end of the course or during the course. Submitted project work is reported in writing and in seminar form. Laboratory, group and project work as well as seminars are compulsory.

Responsible Department/Equivalent

Department of Forest Mycology and Plant Pathology

Supplementary information

Module set

Title	Credits	Code
The microbial world	3.0	0102
Microorganisms in our lives	2.5	0103
Final exam	2.0	0104

Other Information

The teaching language of the course is Swedish, but individual lectures or laboratory sessions may be given in English. The course is a distance course that is given at 25% speed . The course includes compulsory meetings in Uppsala.