MIB-10306 Microbiology & Biochemistry

Course

Credits 6.00

Language of instruction:

Dutch

Contents:

Genetic, physiological, morphological and ecological aspects of prokaryotes and primitive eukaryotes are addressed. The omnipresence and diversity of microorganisms is the central item.

Learning outcomes:

After successful completion of this course students are expected to be able to:
- explain the importance of the large diversity of microorganisms for development and sustainment of life on earth;
- explain that structure and function of enzymes are a link between chemistry and the living cell, and that biochemical unity underlies biological diversity;
- explain the following basic principles of metabolism of (micro)organisms: manipulation of free energy by enzymes to direct metabolism, importance of oxidation-reduction reactions for extracting energy from organic and inorganic substrates, glycolysis, citric acid cycle and respiratory chain;
- compare the basal metabolism with glucose as a model substrate in (micro)organisms in the presence and absence of external electron acceptors;
- summarize a number of microbial interactions in specific ecosystems;
- exemplify the influence of environmental factors on microbial activity in the cycling of nutrients, like carbon, nitrogen, sulfur and iron;
- practice a set of basic microbial experiments with emphasis on aseptic techniques for transfer and handling of microorganisms;
- enrich and isolate microorganisms under defined environmental conditions.

Activities:

- attend lectures that are supported by 2 textbooks;
- perform several laboratory experiments;
- assess acquired practical knowledge by answering questions and write a laboratory report and give a short presentation.

Examination:

The final mark is based on:
- two written exams, biochemistry (1/3) and microbiology (2/3), with open and multiple choice questions.
- to pass the exam, the mark for each exam should be at least 5.00. To pass the course, the combined mark should be at least 5.50.

Literature:

Textbooks are:
Michael T. Madigan [et.al]. (2018). Brock Biology of Microorganisms. 15th Global edition. Pearson, ISBN 13: 9781292235103.
Jeremy M. Berg; John L. Tymoczko; Lubert Stryer. (2011). Biochemistry. 8th ed. ISBN: 9781464126109.
Textbook and practical course handbook are available at the WUR-shop in the Forum.