2024

Environmental Microbiology

Name: Environmental Microbiology
Code: BIO12366L
6 ECTS
Duration: 15 weeks/156 hours
Scientific Area: Biological Sciences

Teaching languages: Portuguese
Languages of tutoring support: Portuguese

Presentation

The Environmental Microbiology course provides a comprehensive view of the importance of microbes in the environment from an applied perspective, in which the central question is how to use this knowledge for the benefit of society.

Sustainable Development Goals

Learning Goals

To study the diversity and microbial activity in the various systems (soil, water and air).
Understanding the processes mediated by microbes and their possible impacts on the environment and
humans (health and welfare).
Ability to evaluate the use of microbes to minimizing the effects of human activities on the ecosystem
(including pollution and remediation).

Contents

Microbial diversity and physiological diversity. Biogeochemical cycles and anthropogenic action.
The soil as a matrix for microbial growth. The microbial diversity and interactions in the soil.
Water as a growth medium and vehicle for transport and microbial spread. Treatments of drinking water
and waste water.
Aerosolization of biological particles and agents and their dispersion. Sampling methods and equipments
for the study of microbes in the air. The microbes and organic pollutants and metals: Bioremediation and
key factors involved in the efficiency of microbial removal processes of pollutants.
Presentation of case studies.
Practice:
Practical experiments: Effect of herbicides on soil microbial population. Water analyze before and after
discharge of waste water treatment plant. The Winogradsky column. Sampling and assessment of indoor
environments.
Review the oral presentation of scientific papers in the area of environmental microbiology.

Teaching Methods

Structured presentation of program contents. Lectures by experts in different areas of Environmental Microbioloy. Practical work, execution and
presentation of posters. Reading, analysis and display of scientific articles. Study visits.

Continuous evaluation
Theoretical component (T): 25% - Test; 25% Seminar summary (500 words)
Theoretical-practical component (TP): 25% Practical work + poster; 25% Presentation and discussion of a scientific paper.
In the TP component the work is performed in groups of 3 students.

Final evaluation - Written exam