BI1438, Molecular and microbial ecology, 15.0 Hp
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Syllabus

Valid from : Spring semester 2027 (2027-01-18)

Level

First cycle (G2F)

Main field of study

Biology

Biology Area

Ecology

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

English

Entry Requirements

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.

Examination Formats and Requirements for Passing the Course

• Oral and written presentation of project work • Approved participation in compulsory components • Written laboratory report • Written examination

Responsible Department/Equivalent

Department of Forest Mycology and Plant Pathology

Supplementary information

Included in program

• Crop Production (BSc)
• Agriculture Programme - Soil/Plant

Module set

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

Other 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)