Introduction to Microbiology

Code:

BIOL1007

Acronym:

BIOL1007

Level:

100

Keywords
Classification	Keyword
OFICIAL	Biology

Instance: 2021/2022 - 1S

Active?	Yes
Responsible unit:	Department of Biology
Course/CS Responsible:	Bachelor in Environmental Sciences and Technology

Cycles of Study/Courses

Acronym	No. of Students	Study Plan	Curricular Years	Credits UCN	Credits ECTS	Contact hours	Total Time
L:CTA	69	Plano estudos a partir do ano letivo 2016/17	1	-	6	48	162
L:EA	6	The study plan from 2019	2	-	6	48	162

Teaching language

Suitable for English-speaking students

Objectives

The students are expected to acquire basic knowledge on general microbiology, focusing on the biology of bacteria, archaea, fungi and lichens.

Practical classes are aimed to carry out selected experiments on basic general microbiology, including the observation of bacteria and fungi.

 

Learning outcomes and competences

The syllabuses were designed in order to meet the above objectives and the development of the competencies assigned.

These syllabuses aim the acquisition by the students of basic knowledge about the biology of bacteria, archaea, fungi and lichens.

 

Working method

Presencial

Program

Lectures

Introduction to microbiology. Main types of microorganisms. Classification. Importance of microbiology.

The prokaryotic cell. Organization and structure.

Main groups of Bacteria and Archea.

Bacterial nutrition. Maintenance of microorganisms. 

Kinetics of bacterial growth. Quantification of bacterial growth. Closed and open systems. Synchronized cultures.

Control of bacterial growth. Physical and chemical methods. Antibacterial agents. Antibiotics. Mode-of-action of antibiotics.

Bacterial metabolism. Respiration, fermentation, photosynthesis.

Microbial genetics.

Microbes in the carbon, nitrogen, phosphorous, sulfur and iron cycles.

The fungi. General characteristics. 

Main Divisions in the fungi. The asexual and sexual cycles. 

Poisonous and hallucinogenic mushrooms.

Mushrooms as food and medicines.

Mycotoxins and mycotoxycosis.

Microbiology of water, soil and polluted environments.

Lichens. General characteristics. Applied biology of lichens.

Environmental Microbiology - aspects of the microbiologies of water, soil, air, extreme environments and polluted environments.

Laboratory classes

Preparation of culture media.

Isolation of bacteria from environmental sources.

Observation of live bacteria in wet mounts. Staining bacteria.

Modeling the kinetics of bacterial growth.

Bichemical tests and selective and differential media.

Bacteriological analyses of water.

Microbiology of the nitrogen cycle.

Observation of fungi.

 

 

 

Mandatory literature

CANAS FERREIRA, W., SOUSA, J. C. & LIMA, N. ; MICROBIOLOGIA.

Teaching methods and learning activities

Lectures are given interactively with students.

In practical classes, students carry out themselves the experiments. The results are discussed at the end of each experiment. Students have at their disposal a guide to practical work, with the description of all experiences, and references to support key experiences.

In the system-SIGARRA FCUP are provided additional information for the study of materials of theoretical and practical classes.

References: CANAS FERREIRA, W., SOUSA, J. C. & LIMA, N. 2010. MICROBIOLOGIA. Lidel. COWAN, M. K. & TALARO, P. K. (eds.) 2006. MADIGAN, M. T., MARTINKO, J. M., DUNLAP, P. & CLARCK, D. 2008. BROCK BIOLOGY OF MICROORGANISMS. Prentice-Hall International; 12.ª edição.  WEBSTER, J. & WEBER, R. W. S. 2007. INTRODUCTION TO FUNGI. Cambridge University Press; 3.a edição; Cambridge; 841 pg. WILLEY; J., SHERWOOD, L. & WOOLVERTON, C. 2008. PRESCOTT, HARLEY, KLEIN’S MICROBIOLOGY. McGraw-Hill.

Evaluation Type

Evaluation with final exam

Assessment Components

designation	Weight (%)
Exame	100,00
Total:	100,00

Amount of time allocated to each course unit

designation	Time (hours)
Estudo autónomo	114,00
Frequência das aulas	48,00
Total:	162,00

Eligibility for exams

The students should attend at least 75% of the practical classes; otherwise they will not be admitted to the exam.
During practical classes, all students must wear laboratory coats and have the manual of pratical classes which will be provided in early September.

Calculation formula of final grade

Corresponds to the classification of the final exam.

 

The exam has questions about the contents of the lectures and of the practical classes.

 

Final exam with questions about the lectures (14 out of 20) and the practical classes (6 out of 20).