Entry requirements

120 credits including (1) 60 credits in biology and 30 credits in chemistry, or (2) 60 credits in chemistry, including Biochemistry, 15 credits, and 30 credits in biology, including 15 credits in molecular genetics. Proficiency in English equivalent to the Swedish upper secondary course English 6.

Learning outcomes

The course in microbiology gives the student knowledge on microorganismal morphology, metabolism, physiology, ecology and evolution. The student also gets training in problem-solving and critical analysis of scientific work within the subject area. This course prepares the student for in depth studies in the subject or for professional activities related to for instance biotechnological production, food handling and combating of infectious diseases.

On completion of the course, the student should be able to:

• account for the structure, organisation, metabolism and evolution of viruses, bacteria, archaea and eukaryotic microorganisms
• explain the life processes of chosen microorganisms at the molecular level and how these processes influence the environments as well as how environmental influences affect microorganismal differentiation, development of multi-cellularity, formation of biofilms, etc.
• account for the most common pathogenic microorganisms and their main virulence factors
• account for the use of genetically modified microorganisms (GMOs) within the biotechnology industry as well as review and discuss their use critically
• work safety with microorganisms in the laboratory and cultivate microorganisms from natural environments
• plan, carry out and analyse microbiological experiments, draw conclusions from these and design new testable hypotheses from generated and analysed data
• review scientific work critically within the subject area. and communicate knowledge within the field both orally and in written form
• identify and discuss ethical aspects related to genetic engineering and synthetic biology.

Content

The course focuses on microorganisms in their natural context, including their relationship with the environment and other organisms. Central themes are the cells' structure and function, and molecular mechanisms underlying cellular function as well as interactions between organisms and their environment. Lectures and individual literature studies are complemented with practical exercises (laboratory work, seminars, etc.).

Microbial diversity and evolution: History, molecular phylogenetics, evolutionary mechanisms: plasmids, phages and horizontal exchange. Groups of bacteria, archeons and unicellular eukaryotes. Methods for analysis of microbial diversity, metagenomics, and non-culturable organisms.

Microbial cell biology and developmental biology: Cell morphology, cytoskeleton, cell growth and division, compartmentalisation in bacterial cells. Bacterial cell cycle, DNA replication and chromosome segregation from a biological perspective. Motility. Signalling, biofilm, multicllularity, sporulation, differentiation.

Metabolism and physiology: Aerobic and anaerobic energy production, uptake and secretion mechanisms, cell wall synthesis. Environmental effects and adaptations to environmental changes, molecular mechanisms behind these adaptations. Growth, culturing, and culture methodology (batch, chemostats). Growth phases, "non-culturable" resting phases.

Interaction, attack and defence: Symbiosis, virulence factors, secondary metabolism and their regulation. Antibiotic production and resistance to antibiotics.

Applications of the above for handling and controlling microorganisms in the society, e.g., in the food and biotechnology industries, and in connection with sustainable development. Ecological and evolutionary aspects of pathogens: how they have become what they are and how we can treat them. Genetic modification of microorganisms, implementation and ethical aspects.

Laboratory exercises: Microbiological work techniques, enrichment of bacteria and identification of them by physiological methods and bioinformatics, bacteriological water tests.

Seminars: Critical analysis of published articles and scientific data, calculation exercises concerning microbial growth, mini-symposium with critical analysis of recently reported research on a microorganism chosen by the student.

Instruction

Instruction is provided in the form of lectures, seminars, laboratory sessions and on-site visit. Participation in seminars and laboratory sessions are compulsory.

Assessment

Modules: Exercises (laboratory sessions and seminars) 5 credits; Examination I 5 credits; Examination II 5 credits.

The module exercises require active participation and laboratory reports and presentations according to instructions. The theory is examined through two written tests.

If there are special reasons for doing so, an examiner may make an exception from the method of assessment indicated and allow a student to be assessed by another method. An example of special reasons might be a certificate regarding special pedagogical support from the disability coordinator of the university.