Base Knowledge
Biology
Teaching Methodologies
Teaching methods in theoretical classes are based on the presentation of subjects interspersed with discussion with students and short answer questions.
Teaching methods in practical classes are based on the learning-by-doing methodology.
Learning Results
- To recognize the taxonomic diversity of the microbial world.
- To relate the metabolic diversity of microorganisms with their activity in biogeochemical cycles.
- To assess the microbiological quality of water, indoor air and surfaces using specific methods.
- To describe the use of microorganisms in the bioremediation of environmental problems.
Program
Unit 1 The microbial world: small, ubiquitous and diverse.
1.1 General characteristics of microorganisms and basic microbiology methods. Microbial size; morphology and cell grouping in bacteria. Bacterial cell wall and Gram stain. Characteristics of culture media. Microbial growth and its assessment. Control of microorganisms.
1.2 Microorganisms and their environment. Effect of osmotic pressure/aw, pH, temperature and oxygen on microorganisms. Cardinal temperatures. Temperature quotient Q10. Enzymes of aerobic metabolism.
1.3 Taxonomic diversity of microorganisms. The tree of life. Archaea Domain: methanogenic archaea, extreme halophile archaea, extreme acidothermophile archaea. Bacteria Domain: Gram-negative bacteria (Proteobacteria, chlamydiae and spirochetes); Gram-positive bacteria (spore-forming, Actinomycetes, cyanobacteria). Eucarya Domain: fungi, microalgae and protozoa.
1.4 Microbial metabolism and biogeochemical cycles. Classification of microbial metabolism based on energy, electron and carbon sources. Main microbial processes in the biogeochemical cycles of carbon, nitrogen and oxygen.
Unit 2 Microorganisms in the human environment.
2.1 Microorganisms in natural waters and water-borne diseases. Types of microorganisms in natural waters. Endemic and epidemic diseases. Diseases caused by ingestion, inhalation, contact and transmitted by vectors.
2.2 Environmental microbiological assessment. Contamination and quality. Microbiological indicators. Assessment of the microbiological quality of air, surfaces and water: legislation, limit values and general methodologies.
2.3 Microbial bioremediation. Bioremediation: the use of the metabolic diversity of microorganisms to solve environmental problems. Microorganisms in the aerobic and anaerobic treatment of wastewater.
Grading Methods
Continuous assessment
Learning results are assessed individually, via written tests and in group, via the development of laboratory work, its interpretation and writing of a report.
The final classificationis the weighted average of the following evaluation items:
- 40%: Written test 1 - assessment of theoretical and practical learning outcomes from Unit 1.
- 30%: Written test 2 - assessment of theoretical and practical learning outcomes from Unit 2.
- 30%: Group report on "Assessment of environmental microbiological quality" (Unit 2).
Assessment in exam
- 100%: Written test assessing the learning outcomes of Units 1 and 2.
Internship(s)
NAO
Bibliography
Abelho, M. (2025). Conceitos e práticas de Microbiologia Ambiental. ESAC-IPC, Coimbra.
Alcântara, F., Cunha, M.Â. & Almeida, M.A. (1996). Microbiologia: práticas laboratoriais. Universidade de Aveiro, Aveiro.
Ferreira, W.E.C., Sousa, J.C.F. & Lima, N. (Coords.)(2010). Microbiologia. Lidel Edições Técnicas, Lda., Lisboa.
Mendes, B. & Santos Oliveira, J.F. (2004). Qualidade da água para consumo humano. Lidel Edições Técnicas, Lda., Lisboa.
Pelczar et al. (1993). Microbiology. 5ª ed., Tata McGraw Hill, New Dehli.
Willey et al. (2008). Prescott, Harley, and Klein’s Microbiology. 7ª ed., McGraw Hill, New York.