Applied Microbiology

10th and 11th grade biology.

Theoretical-practical component: exposition of the syllabus, using audiovisual, promoting interactivity, reflection and discussion.

Practical component: laboratory activities to increase practical skills and autonomy. Critical analysis of scientific papers and case studies. Planning of activities suited to the environmental study (PBL). Scientific communication training.

The student must acquire knowledge:

• To recognise the morphophysiological characteristics of the different groups of microorganisms, their implications in environment and possible pathogenicity.
• To understand the mechanisms that influence and control the growth of microorganisms.
• To know the different microorganisms found in air, surfaces, soil, food and water.
• To understand factors that influence microorganisms growth and survival in the different environments, the interactions between microorganisms and their interaction with other elements of the ecosystem
• To know the different methods of applying microorganisms to environmental treatment.

The student must acquire skills to:

• Perform sample collection activities, analysis and interpretation of results regarding microorganisms in the different environments.

The student must acquire competencies to:

• Obtain environmental samples, store and transport in view to microbiological analysis.
• Select appropriate methodologies of collection and analysis in the environmental context.
• Integrate knowledge with the possibility of their application in prevention and solving environmental problems.
• Analyze and to take actions in environmental context, in a competent and integrative way regarding microbiological communities, realizing the potential of microbiology.
• Critically analyse data/information.
• Develop autonomy and scientific communication.

 Theoretical-Practical (30h):

1.Morphological and ultraestructural characteristics of microorganisms. Bacteria, microalgae, fungi, viruses, parasites. (2h)

2. Microbial metabolism (nutrition ans growth) Physical and chemical methods to control microorganisms: antibiotics, sterilization, asepsis and disinfection. Other methods      (phages). (3h)

3. Microbiology of the air: (3h)

Atmospheric characteristics and microbial survival; Aerosol and bioaerosol; Air quality in several environmental contexts. Indoor air microorganisms; Airborne diseases; Airborne microorganisms analysis and population control.

4. Microbiology of surfaces/objects; (2h)

5. Soil microbiology: (6h)

Importance of prokaryotes in biogeochemical cycles (carbon, nitrogen, sulfur, iron and phosphorus); Soil constitution, populations and their distribution. Determinants of the existence of microorganisms in the soil and susceptibility to contamination;Functions of soil microorganisms;Symbiotic associations;Bioremediation and biorecovery. Pesticides degradation; Diseases transmitted by contact with soil;

6. Food Microbiology: (4h)

Microorganisms as food deterioration agents, resistance to colonization: intrinsic and extrinsic factors; Food preservation processes and microorganisms in food production; Microorganisms as pathogens: infections and intoxications. Food security and food safety

7. Water Microbiology: (5h)

Physical and chemical factors that influence the colonization of a water mass. Microorganisms in aquatic environments: marine environment, fresh and brackish waters; biofilms and microbial mats; water-borne diseases. Legislation and quality indicators; wastewater treatment . Artificial biological purification. Monitoring the effectiveness of wastewater treatment;

8. Microbiology of urban/municipal solid waste: (3h)

Composition and management. Biological decomposition; Composting: microbiological aspects and applications. Anaerobic digestion and Enzymatic Hydrolysis; Biodegradation and bioremediation; Metals in the environment: sources, toxicological effects and microbial resistance to metals. Microbial remediation.

9. Industrial and applied microbiology: (2h)

Industrial uses of microrganisms; Bioreactors; microorganisms and alternative energy.

Practical: (30h)

      Microbiology lab security.

      Identification of microorganisms, preparation and maintenance of cultures.

      Microscopy: cell counting, morphological analysis and staining (Gram).

      Comparative observation of microorganisms associated with different environments (air, soil, food, surfaces, water). Environmental factors that influence microbial growth and survival. Detection and counting of microorganisms from different environments. Microorganisms as pollution indicators. Diversity and metabolism namely of soil microorganisms and in symbiosis. Food contamination contexts and microbiological analysis. Water microbiological testing.

      Search for scientific literature and critical analysis of scientific papers and case studies.

      Activities planning/projects for environmental study in microbiological context.

NAO