UIB
Universitat de les
Illes Balears
Interuniversity Masters in Advanced Microbiology
SUBJECT DESCRIPTION
Details
Subject
Name of subject: Bacterial Models for Research in Environmental Microbiology
Type: Optional
Level: Postgraduate
Year: 1
Semester: 1+2
Timetable: See timetable for Interuniversity Masters in Advanced Microbiology
Language: Catalan / Spanish, English for reading
Teaching staff
Subject leader
Name: Dr. Rafael Bosch
Contact: rbosch@uib.es
Other staff
Name: Dr Jordi Lalucat
Contact: jlalucat@uib.es
Name: Dr Elena García-Valdés
Contact: dbaegv0@uib.es
Pre-requisites:
Basic knowledge (degree level) of biochemistry and molecular biology, genetics, cellular
biology, microbiology, animal and plant physiology and chemistry
Number of ECTS credits: 5
Contact hours: 40
Independent study hours: 85
Key terms:
Taxonomy, ecology, genetics, physiology and biotechnological applications of model
microorganisms. Research models and techniques in environmental microbiology at the UIB.
Research projects.
Subject skills and objectives
Specific:
E16. Be aware of and learn study techniques to clarify the taxonomy, ecology, genetics,
physiology and biotechnological applications of model microorganisms.
General:
G4. Acquire the skill to integrate knowledge and approach complex problems, as well as form
judgements from incomplete or limited information, including reflections on social and ethical
responsibility linked to the application of knowledge gained and ability to emit judgements.
G5. Be equipped to communicate conclusions and microbiological knowledge, both to expert
and lay audiences, and always clearly and unambiguously.
G6. Develop learning skills enabling students to continue learning independently.
Content
I. CLASSICAL MODELS OF EXPERIMENTATION IN ENVIRONMENTAL
MICROBIOLOGY
1. Gram-negatives. Escherichia and Pseudomonas genera
2. Gram-positives. Bacillus genus
3. Other classical models of experimentation in environmental microbiology
I. EXPERIMENTATION MODELS IN ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY IN THE
BALEARIC ISLANDS
4. Pseudomonas stutzeri
5. Other Pseudomonas
6. Salinibacter ruber
7. Marine oligotrophic bacteria
8. Nonculturable microorganisms
9. Current research projects
III. ADVANCED EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH METHODS IN ENVIRONMENTAL
MICROBIOLOGY IN THE BALEARIC ISLANDS
10. UIB Scientific and Technical Services
11. IMEDEA installations (Mediterranean Institute of Advanced Studies, UIB-CSIC)
12. UIB microbiology installations
IV. BASIC BIOINFORMATICS TECHNIQUES IN RESEARCH INTO INFECTION AND
IMMUNITY
13. Bioinformatics databases
14. Obtaining, assembling and noting sequences
15. Manipulation (translation, restriction and ligation) of sequences
16. Comparison of sequences (nucleotides and amino acids), design of primers and
phylogenetic analysis
Methodology
1. Learning method: Classes
Classes / independent workload: 10/5
Use of e-learning: Yes
Type of group: Whole group
2. Learning method: Computer laboratory
Classes / independent workload: 10/5
Use of e-learning: Yes
Type of group: Whole group
3. Learning method: Presentation of group work (seminars)
Classes / independent workload: 10/5
Use of e-learning: Yes
Type of group: Individual, presentation before whole group
4. Learning method: Group discussion
Classes / independent workload: 6/0
Use of e-learning: No
Type of group: Whole group
5. Learning method: Tutorials
Classes / independent workload: 4/0
Use of e-learning: No
Type of group: Whole group
6. Learning method: Coursework on theory
Classes / independent workload: 0/30
Use of e-learning: Yes
Type of group: Individual
7. Learning method: Practical computer work
Classes / independent workload: 0/40
Use of e-learning: Yes
Type of group: Individual
Learning agreement and assessment criteria and instruments
Assessment criteria:
Knowledge of the study techniques to clarify the taxonomy, ecology, genetics, physiology and
biotechnological applications of model microorganisms will be assessed. Students must complete
the theory and computer work to pass the subject.
Assessment instruments:
Theory coursework
Bioinformatics work
Theory classes and research seminars
Marking criteria:
Theory coursework (40%)
Bioinformatics work (40%)
Theory classes and research seminars (20%)
Is assessment organised by means of a learning agreement? No
Bibliography, resources and appendices
BOOKS
1. Alef K, Nannipieri P (1998) Methods in applied soil microbiology and biochemistry. Academic
Press.
2. Antoon DL et al. (1996) Molecular Microbial Ecology Manual. Kluwer Academic Publishers.
3. Gerhardt P et al. (1994) Methods for general and molecular bacteriology. ASM Press.
4. Hurst et al. (2002) Manual of environmental microbiology. ASM Press.
5. Kreuzer H, Massey A (1996) Recombinant DNA and biotechnology. ASM Press.
6. Murray et al. (1995) Manual of clinical microbiology. ASM Press.
7. Sambrook J, Russell DW (2001) Molecular cloning: a laboratory manual. CSHL Press.
8. Snyder L, Chapness W (2003) Molecular Genetics of Bacteria. ASM Press.
RESOURCES
1. http://www.biodeg.uib.es/MTEMicro/recursos/Recursos.htm Web page created by the Area of
Microbiology at the UIB with an exhaustive list of IT resources for microbiology students
2. UIB library journal catalogue (http://www.uib.es/servei/biblioteca) for relevant journals
(publications from ASM, Blackwell Scientific, Elsevier, etc, as well as Nature and Science).
3. Bibliographical databases: ISI Web of Knowledge (http://0-portal.isiknowledge.com.sls.uib.es )
and PubMed (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed )