SK.Bio.7006: Microbiology of marine and terrestrial habitats (6 C, 6 SWS)

Learning outcome, core skills:
The students will experience microbial life in extreme environments. Destinations for this excursion will be deep biosphere habitants, hydrothermal springs and marine environments, influenced by rapidly changing salinity (Northern Apennines, Tuscany, Giglio Island). Environmental parameters will be recorded on site, microbial diversity will be estimated and samples for analysis of environmental DNA will be taken and prepared in the field. The aim is the evaluation of microbial diversity and correlation with environmental parameters in a specific site.

Students will learn methods for field studies and basic techniques in environmental microbiology. They will gain knowledge in microbial diversity in a specific habitat and in adaptations of microbes in extreme environments.

Courses:
1. Preparatory seminar 1 WLH
2. Microbiology of marine and terrestrial habitats (Excursion) 5 WHL
Course frequency: block (2 weeks) each summer semester

Examination:
written report (max. 20 pages) 6 C

Examination prerequisites:
seminar talk, reviewing a focused topic in environmental microbiology related to the
excursion, 20 minutes

Examination requirements:
Knowledge on

  • field work and data processing related to environmental microbiology (sampling,
    assessment of environmental parameters, sample preparation for diversity
    analysis)
  • biotic and abiotic factors shaping a specific habitat
  • key microbial communities in various environments


Admission requirements:
B.Bio.118, SK.Bio.7004
no requirements needed for students of the MSc MB
programme

Recommended previous knowledge:
None.

Language
English

Course frequency:
each summer semester

Number of repeat examinations permitted:
twice

Maximum number of students:
6

Recommended semester:
6

Duration:
1 semester

Person responsible for module:
Prof. Dr. Rolf Daniel
PD. Dr. Michael Hoppert