6 семестр (весна 2025)

Aim of the discipline

This course is designed to develop students' knowledge and skills in the scientific fields of microbiology, microbial ecology, and biotechnology. The main goal of the course is to recognize the modern diversity of microorganisms, their ecological role in natural biocenoses, and the potential for their application in biotechnology, bioremediation of natural environments, and maintaining human health.

Short description of the discipline

Completion of this course will enable future biologists to assess correctly the role of microorganisms in natural ecosystems, acquire the skill to respond to modern challenges and threats to the health of natural ecosystems, and use microbial technologies to assess ecosystem health, preserve them, and perform bioremediation after environmental disasters. Furthermore, modern specialists in biology should be familiar with the impact of various microorganisms on the health of animals, plants, and humans, as well as the potential of modern microbiological methods for monitoring, maintaining, and restoring ecosystems.

Topics of classes (lectures, seminars, projects)

Topics of classes

Topic 1. Microbial ecology. General terms. History of development. Microbial diversity. (Lecture 2 hours, Seminar 2 hours)

Topic 2. Microbial physiology and metabolism. Interactions of microorganisms with each other and with other organisms. (Lecture 2 hours, Seminar 2 hours)

Topic 3. Functioning of microbial communities. Biogeochemical cycles. The ecological role of microorganisms. (Lecture 2 hours, Seminar 4 hours)

Topic 4. Biotechnology. Modern microbial biotechnologies, Their application in industry, bioindication, and bioremediation of ecosystems. (Lecture 2 hours, Seminar 4 hours)

Topic 5. The role of microorganisms in disease and maintaining human health. Methods for controlling pathogenic microorganisms. (Lecture 2 hours)

Topic 6. Hypotheses of the life origin. The evolution of microorganisms as the basis for the origin and evolution of living organisms on Earth. (Lecture 2 hours)

Duration of the discipline (course)

12 weeks

12 hours of lectures

12 hours of seminars

Final attestation

Written test

Maximum amount of points (percent)

100 points (100%)

Structure of the final grade (what is the contribution of each type of student work to the final grade)

•       Course attendance is mandatory

•       Midterm tests 30%

•       Seminar report 40%

•       Final assessment (test) 30%

How many classes may be missed without a valid excuse?

0

Recommended literature

1. Bitton G. Encyclopedia of environmental microbiology. John Wiley & Sons. 2002. 3527 p.

2. Environmental Microbiology: Fundamentals and Applications / Eds. J.-C. Bertrand et al. Springer. 2015. 917 p.

3. Pepper I.L., Gerba C.P., Genta T.J. Environmental microbiology (third edition). Elsevier. 2015. 705 p.

Additional literature and web resources recommended

1. Экология микроорганизмов: учебник для бакалавров / под общ. ред. А. И. Нетрусова. 2-е изд.  М.: Изд-во Юрайт, 2015.  268 с.

2. Заварзин Г.А., Колотилова Н.Н. Введение в природоведческую микробиологию. М., 2001. 255 с.

3. Трошкова Г.П., Емельянова Е.К., Карабинцева Н.О. Экологическая биотехнология : учебное пособие. 2011. 144 с.

4. Вилкова Е.А., Ильина Н.А., Касаткина Н.М. Основы микробиологии и экологии микроорганизмов : учебное пособие. 2016. 140 с.