Environmental Microbiology

Opterećenje: 30(P) + 0(L) + 15(A) + 0(PK) + 0(S) + 0(TJ) + 0(SJ) + 0(T)

Sadržaj predmeta: OBJECTIVE OF THE COURSE: Through theoretical and professional practice, to acquaint students with the types of microorganisms, their specific way of life in different ecosystems through their catalytic activity in the transformation of organic compounds and the circulation of substances in the biosphere, and to point out their importance in economic and social development. TYPES OF TEACHING: Students actively participate in all forms of teaching, lectures, exercises (field and laboratory), mixed e-learning, independent assignments, multimedia and network TEACHING CONTENT: The teaching material includes scientific knowledge about the types and general properties of microorganisms, principles of microbial ecology (taxonomy, metabolic activities, interaction with other organisms) in water, soil and air, as well as the role of microorganisms in the living world, their ecological significance and application. Through practicum classes, the student masters the basic laboratory procedures used in the collection, cultivation and identification of microorganisms (bacteria, protists), investigates the sensitivity of microorganisms to antimicrobial agents and sterilization techniques, expands professional knowledge about the role of microorganisms in the environment and the consequences of their presence in the biosphere. Lectures (2 hours): 1. INTRODUCTORY LECTURE 2. GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS OF MICROORGANISMS 3. PRINCIPLES OF MICROBIAL ECOLOGY 4. PHYSICAL-CHEMICAL FACTORS and MICROORGANISMS 5. CIRCULATION OF ELEMENTS IN NATURE 6. FORMS, TYPES AND LOCATION OF MICROORGANISMS IN THE NATURE 7. ENVIRONMENTAL GROWTH FACTORS OF MICROORGANISMS 8. METABOLIC ACTIVITY OF MICROORGANISMS 9. FOOD TYPES OF MICROORGANISMS 10. BIOCHEMICAL CYCLES AND CIRCULATION OF ELEMENTS IN NATURE 11. MICROORGANISMS IN WATER 12. MICROORGANISMS IN THE SOIL 13. MICROORGANISMS IN THE AIR 14. MICROBIAL CIRCLE 15. APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY Exercises: 1. Preparation of the field, collection of samples in the Botanical Garden: familiarization with field and laboratory equipment and measuring instruments, methods of sampling, field forms, storage and preparation of samples for analysis (4 hours) 2. Bacteriology - types of nutrient media, sample inoculation, dilutions, isolation and identification, quantitative methods in sample analysis (2 hours) 3. Plankton - microscopy, species determination, quantitative methods, influence of physical and chemical factors (2 hours) 4. Benthos - microscopy, species determination, quantitative methods, influence of physical and chemical factors (2 hours) 5. Application of the index in the assessment of trophicity, abundance, ecological condition (2 hours) 6. Nitrogen cycle - isolation of nitrogen fixers from the soil, ammonification, nitrification, denitrification (2 hours) 5. Analysis of the Winogradsky column - observation of representatives of different types of metabolism of living organisms with regard to the source of carbon, energy and electrons and their mutual connection (1 hour) LEARNING OUTCOMES: Through active preparation and participation in classes, students will acquire the basics for studying ecological processes in nature and experimental work. They will master basic knowledge of anatomy, morphology and taxonomic affiliation of microorganisms. They will develop the ability to recognize and determine the most common types of microorganisms, they will master their role in the living world, and through practical work they will gain knowledge on how to design a practical approach in research. They will also develop the skills of analytical and critical reflection and use of the acquired information, they will increase communication skills, the ability to appreciate and develop acceptance of diversity, while reflecting on their own value framework. After the acquired material, the student will be able to: 1. classify and determine, to the appropriate level, the taxa of microorganisms with the appropriate literature 2. connect the anatomy and morphology of microorganisms with their way of life so that, based on characteristic species, they state and explain their adaptations and importance in ecosystems 3. apply appropriate field and laboratory methods for the determination of microorganisms 4. distinguish between autotrophic, heterotrophic and amphitrophic taxa and understand their role in the circulation of substances in nature 5. critically analyze and discuss the impact of microorganisms on humans and indicate the use of certain species in certain branches of science and industry 6. use highly specialized theoretical and practical knowledge to plan solutions to problems in ecosystems, using standard and new research methods and an interdisciplinary approach 7. interpret biogeochemical processes at all trophic levels in different ecosystems 8. apply acquired knowledge in the restoration of individual ecosystems 9. analyze the effect of physical, chemical and biological processes on the origin and development of the pedosphere and its influence on the biology of living beings 10. justify the need for interdisciplinary cooperation in the research of different ecological systems