Starting this winter semester, the Department for Environmental Microbiology is offering two new 3 ECTS modules or students enrolled in the M.Sc. WASTE. On the one hand, we are bringing back the 3 ECTS option for our module Sectors and Bioremediation, which was replaced by a 6 ECTS module last semester and will now be available in both forms. On top of that, we are offering a new 3 ECTS module, Environmental Microbiology Laboratory, which will consist only of a practical lab class and included excursion, without an accompanying lecture. Because the modules are named similarly and contain some of the same classes, please make sure when selecting your modules that you are choosing the correct option!
For more information on what the modules entail, please see below or check out our teaching webpage. The modules will be taught in English.
[111800] Sectors and Bioremediation (3 ECTS)
The bioremediation module will examine bioremediation methods and their applications through a lecture course and a case study. There are a multitude of pollutants or contaminants that come from anthropogenic activities such as oil and gas processing, mining, and agriculture. These pollutants can cause long-term issues not only for humans, but also for other macroflora and -fauna and the natural microbial community. These pollutants can also find their way into another crucial anthropogenic sector, wastewater treat-ment. Through the lecture and case study, students will learn about various bioremediation methods and how they can be applied in the anthropogenic sectors listed above. Furthermore, in the lecture case study, students will apply what they have learned to develop their own bioremediation scenario and address the potential posi-tive outcomes along with the challenges they would face in the application of the scenario.
Courses:
- Lecture on Sectors and bioremediation
[111810] Environmental Microbiology Laboratory (3 ECTS)
The laboratory course will allow students to learn about and execute key methods used in environmental microbiology. These methods will include how to grow microorganisms, how to quantify their growth, DNA extractions, and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). The students will grow a microorganism in pure culture and will learn how to work under sterile conditions. The main exercise for the students will be to work through a number of different methods to quantify the number of bacteria grown in their cultures. Each method has its benefits and draw-backs; therefore, students will have the chance to explore and think critically about each method. The methods learned and applied in this practical course will allow students to more easily pursue projects that contain components of microbiology.
Courses:
- Excursion and practical class