Soil and Subsoil Microbiology
A.Y. 2019/2020
Learning objectives
The course aims to provide knowledge to:
- Distinguish peculiarities of microorganisms in soil, rhizosphere and in subsoil.
- Understand relationships between microorganisms and higher organisms in agro-ecosystems.
- Recognize the role of microorganisms in biogeochemical cycles.
- Assess the applications of microorganisms in agro-environmental processes.
- Estimate the impact of human activities on the environmental microbiota.
- Perform soil microbiology and basic molecular biology analyses and be able to interpret analytical results.
- Distinguish peculiarities of microorganisms in soil, rhizosphere and in subsoil.
- Understand relationships between microorganisms and higher organisms in agro-ecosystems.
- Recognize the role of microorganisms in biogeochemical cycles.
- Assess the applications of microorganisms in agro-environmental processes.
- Estimate the impact of human activities on the environmental microbiota.
- Perform soil microbiology and basic molecular biology analyses and be able to interpret analytical results.
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the course the student is able to:
- understand the role of microbial metabolisms in complex environmental processes.
- perform laboratory analyses of soil microbiology and basic molecular biology.
- be able to contextualize data in a multidisciplinary environment.
- work in a group.
- understand the role of microbial metabolisms in complex environmental processes.
- perform laboratory analyses of soil microbiology and basic molecular biology.
- be able to contextualize data in a multidisciplinary environment.
- work in a group.
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
Lectures: Microbial ecology: soil habitat, rhizosphere (bacteria and mycorrhizae), deep subsurface and interactions with groundwater, extreme environments. Biogeochemical cycles: the environmental redox scale in the definition of microbial metabolisms related to C, N, S, P, Fe, metals and metalloids. Organic matter biodegradation and creation of soil fertility. Impact of human activities on environmental microbiota: fecal contamination, use of antibiotics, bio-fertilizers and microbial inocula. Elements of biological control.
Practical classes: metabolic characterization of soil microbial communities, molecular identification of a microbial strain.
Practical classes: metabolic characterization of soil microbial communities, molecular identification of a microbial strain.
Prerequisites for admission
Knowledge of soil chemist and of general microbiology.
Teaching methods
Lessons. Practical classes. Educational trips.
Teaching Resources
Lecture notes and videos on the Ariel website of the course.
Lecture notes distributed during practical classes.
Text books:
-B. Biavati e C. Sorlini. Microbiologia Agroambientale. Volume unico. 2008. Casa Editrice Ambrosiana.
-M.T. Madigan, J.M. Martinko, K.S. Bender, D.H. Buckley, D.A. Stahl. Brock - Biology of microrganisms. 2016, XIV edition. Ed. Pearson.
Lecture notes distributed during practical classes.
Text books:
-B. Biavati e C. Sorlini. Microbiologia Agroambientale. Volume unico. 2008. Casa Editrice Ambrosiana.
-M.T. Madigan, J.M. Martinko, K.S. Bender, D.H. Buckley, D.A. Stahl. Brock - Biology of microrganisms. 2016, XIV edition. Ed. Pearson.
Assessment methods and Criteria
Oral presentation of a bibliographic review on topics chosen in agreement with the teacher and discussion in light of the course content and laboratory exercises.
AGR/16 - AGRICULTURAL MICROBIOLOGY - University credits: 4
Practicals: 8 hours
Lessons: 28 hours
Lessons: 28 hours
Professors:
Cavalca Lucia, Zanchi Raffaella
Shifts:
-
Professors:
Cavalca Lucia, Zanchi RaffaellaProfessor(s)
Reception:
By appointment
DEFENS-Environmental Microbiology, Via Mangiagalli 25, 3rd floor