The lecture Molecular Microbial Ecology gives an overview about the adaptation of microorganisms and the structure of microbial communities in their habitats. A special focus is given to molecular techniques used for the analysis of complex microbial communities, methods aimed to detect activities of microorganisms in situ and microbial genomics and metagenomics. The lecture will cover the role of microorganisms in biogeochemical cycles and the interaction of microorganisms in symbioses and biofilms.
In the seminar, original articles complementing topics and molecular technologies introduced in the lecture will be presented and discussed.
In the practical tutorial the students will get hands-on experience of molecular techniques for the analysis of microorganisms in their habitats and of microbial communities.
Qualification goals:
Scientific competences
Students
Have a basic understanding of molecular microbial techniques
Have an overview about microbial habitats and metabolic cycles
Know microbial key organisms in different habitats
Have profound knowledge about microbial interactions and biofilms
Have knowledge about adaptation of microorganisms in extreme habitats
Method competences
Students
Know to develop strategies for the analysis of microorganisms in their habitats aimed to understand their metabolic roles
Know principal techniques for the analysis of microorganisms in situ and of microbial communities
Can develop and compare alternative strategies for the analysis of microorganisms and microbial communities and can estimate advantages and disadvantages of techniques
Can put experimental data obtained during a practical course into a broader scientific context and critically discuss their scientific insights
Can relate experimental data to roles of microorganisms in a habitat-specific or metabolic context
Action competences
Students
Can present scientific contents related to microbial ecology in an oral or written form
Can design experiments related to microbial ecological questions
Can develop strategies to work on complex problems in collaboration with partners
Utilize feedback provided in scientific discussions or after presentations to improve their work and its interpretation
Can perform experiments according to safety rules in microbial laboratories
- Kursleiter*in: Prof. Dr. Elke Dittmann-Thünemann