General features of main microbial groups (eubacteria, archea, fungi). Structure of the prokaryotic cell. Nutrition and bioenergetics of microorganisms. Growth kinetics. Influence on microbial growth of environmental factors. Microorganisms and biogeochemical cycles. Role of microorganisms in nitrogen and carbon cycles. Microorganisms, humus and soil fertility. Observation of microorganisms at the optical microscope. Isolation and cultivation of main microbial groups.
Brock: Biologia dei Microrganismi (2012) Madigan et al., Vol I e II. Pearson Italia. Milano
Microbiologia generale e agraria (2012) Biavati e Sorlini. Casa editrice Ambrosiana
Dispense sul Ciclo del Carbonio e dell’Azoto
Learning Objectives
Knolewdge acquired:
Basic and applied concepts of general and soil microbiology
Competence acquired:
Knowledge of microorganisms and ability to interpret their role in natural and agricultural environments, and exploit them for agriculture.
Skills acquired (at the end of the course):
First skills in isolation and cultivation of micro-organisms and ability to exploit them in agriculture.
Total hours of the course (including the time spent in attending lectures, seminars, private study, examinations, etc...): 150
Hours reserved to private study and other indivual formative activities: 96
Contact hours for: Lectures (hours): 30
Contact hours for: Laboratory (hours): 4
Contact hours for: Laboratory-field/practice (hours): 16
Seminars (hours): 4
Stages: 0
Intermediate examinations: 0
Further information
Frequency of lectures, practice and lab:
highly recommended
Type of Assessment
Exam modality: oral
Course program
History of Microbiology. General features of main microbial groups (eubacteria, archea, fungi). Structure of the prokaryotic cell. Nutrition and bioenergetics of microorganisms. Growth kinetics. Influence on microbial growth of environmental factors. Microorganisms and biogeochemical cycles. Role of microorganisms in nitrogen and carbon cycles. Microorganisms, humus and soil fertility. Observation of microorganisms at the optical microscope. Isolation and cultivation of main microbial groups.