2024
Microbial Biochemistry
Name: Microbial Biochemistry
Code: QUI00350L
6 ECTS
Duration: 15 weeks/156 hours
Scientific Area:
Biochemistry
Teaching languages: Portuguese
Languages of tutoring support: Portuguese
Sustainable Development Goals
Learning Goals
The aim of this program course is to provide the students with knowledge on biomass conversion. To apply microbiology and biochemistry concepts and understand their application of bioconversion processes. Students will be able to know and understanding the main biotechnological and microbiological concepts applied to the substrate conversion technologies and to execute laboratorial projects, tends in view the possibility of obtaining compounds with industrial application by biomass conversion technologies.
This curricular unit also intends to develop a set of skills to collect, select and interpret relevant scientific information, and communicate ideas and scientific knowledge, orally and written, organized in a coherent and logical form, about matters within the scope of the unit.
This curricular unit also intends to develop a set of skills to collect, select and interpret relevant scientific information, and communicate ideas and scientific knowledge, orally and written, organized in a coherent and logical form, about matters within the scope of the unit.
Contents
Introduction to the Microbial Biochemistry. General aspects of microorganisms. Value-added compounds, obtained from microbial cultures. Importance of microorganisms metabolic diversity. Microorganisms with biotechnological applications. Biochemistry, morphologic and genetic variations.
Nutrition, metabolism and biosynthesis of microorganisms. Principles of microbial metabolism. Cellular transport of nutrients. Metabolic strategies. Respiration and fermentation.
Physiology of cell growth. Batch, continuous and semi-continuous culture. Comparison of different types of culture. Primary and secondary metabolites.
Applications of biomass conversion. Development of new products- Fermentation Biotechnology.
Practical applications: Microbial growth in batch culture: experimental determination of specific growth rates and substrate utilization rates. Study of physiological effects. Product recovery: separation and rupture of cells.
Nutrition, metabolism and biosynthesis of microorganisms. Principles of microbial metabolism. Cellular transport of nutrients. Metabolic strategies. Respiration and fermentation.
Physiology of cell growth. Batch, continuous and semi-continuous culture. Comparison of different types of culture. Primary and secondary metabolites.
Applications of biomass conversion. Development of new products- Fermentation Biotechnology.
Practical applications: Microbial growth in batch culture: experimental determination of specific growth rates and substrate utilization rates. Study of physiological effects. Product recovery: separation and rupture of cells.
Teaching Methods
The teaching is based on theoretical, practical and tutorials classes. The laboratory classes are coordinated and complementary to the theoretical, applying the subjects in concrete practical situations. The tutorial guidelines will serve to support scientific-pedagogical monitoring of students, particularly in implementing a complementary and integrator work.
The evaluation process will be based on the individual work and on the progress in the theoretical and practical components of this curricular unit. Practical component will be continuously evaluated by the student assiduity, previous preparation and planning of experimental work and laboratorial work team performance. The individual final evaluation will be calculated by: a) Realization of 2 tests or an exam (60%); b) Practical evaluation (40%)
The evaluation process will be based on the individual work and on the progress in the theoretical and practical components of this curricular unit. Practical component will be continuously evaluated by the student assiduity, previous preparation and planning of experimental work and laboratorial work team performance. The individual final evaluation will be calculated by: a) Realization of 2 tests or an exam (60%); b) Practical evaluation (40%)
Teaching Staff (2023/2024 )
