Learning outcomes of the curricular unit (knowledge, skills and competences to be developed by the students)
Provide theoretical knowledge and practical skills that will enable students to develop work in the following areas: diversity of microorganisms; cell biology of microorganisms; nutrient and energy needs of micro-organisms; physical and chemical methods related to microbial growth and death; microbial interactions with other organisms.
Syllabus
THEORETICAL SESSIONS 1. Introduction to Microbiology. 2. Microbial Diversity. Characterization of the main microbial groups. 3. Microbial metabolism: major nutritional categories; energy and biosynthetic metabolism. 4.General principles in the control of microorganisms: physical and chemical methods of control. 5. Interactions of microorganisms: types of associations. PRACTICAL LABORATORY SESSIONS 1. Safety rules. 2. Introduction to culture of microorganisms: preparation and treatment of material and culture media; asepsis techniques; isolation and purification of microorganisms. 3. Characterization of the Main Microbial Groups: optical microscopy of prokaryotes and eukaryotes. 4. Microbial Metabolism: application of biochemical tests in the identification and/or confirmation of microorganisms. 5. General Principles of Microorganism Control: evaluation of factors that affect microbial growth. 6. Interactions of Microorganisms: examples.
Demonstration of the syllabus coherence with the curricular unit's learning objectives
Considering the main themes addressed in the theoretical and practical context, the aim is to establish a balance between the acquired skills and knowledge. The approach to the diversity of microorganisms is obtained by the characterization of the cellular and sub-cellular organisms framed in a microbiology context. The cell biology of microorganisms is addressed through their macroscopic and microscopic structure and specific features. Nutrition and energy needs of microorganisms are addressed through the definition of nutritional categories and clarification of the diversity of energy metabolism in this group of living organisms. In microbial control, emphasis is given to physical and chemical methods. Regarding the interactions of microorganisms with other organisms, emphasis is given to the knowledge of different types of interactions and their implications in the organization of the living world.
Teaching methodologies (including evaluation)
Theoretical teaching is based on exposition sessions on the defined themes. The laboratory practical teaching is based on a set of techniques for microbial cultures study, and their observation with optical microscopy techniques. Microbial control and metabolism study are based on case studies. Tutorial guidance complements this component. Students are admitted to the final exam. Ongoing evaluation: 2 written tests (PE) and 1 group practical report (R). The 1st PE includes both the theoretical and pratical component (PET and PEP), the 2and PE only includes the theoretical component (PET). None of the evaluation elements can score < 8 values and the overall average needs to be = or >10 values. Partial exemption (pratical component): - classification: (PEP+R)/2 Exam total exemption: - classification: 0,5 [(1ªPET+2ªPET)/2]+0,5 [(PEP+R)/2] Final exam: written test.
Demonstration of the coherence between the teaching methodologies and the learning outcomes
Theoretical sessions with audiovisual presentations are intended to give the theoretical foundations of the different thematic, as well as a perspective of integration in the organization of the living world, with special attention to its application in different areas. Laboratory sessions are aimed at the practical application of certain procedures and techniques based on the culture and study of microorganisms. All tutorial sessions are moments of interaction with the students in the analysis and interpretation of observations made or data obtained, as well as in search and analysis of relevant papers in the bibliography.
Bibliography (Mandatory resources)
Ferreira, W.C., Sousa, J.C.F.& Lima, N. (2010). Microbiologia. Lidel-Edições Técnicas,Lda. Madigan, M.T., Bender, K.S., Buckley, D.H., Sattley, W.M.& Stahl, D.A. (2019). Brock Biology of Microorganisms.(15th ed.) United Kingdom: Pearson Education Limited. Willey, J. M., Sherwood, L. M. & Woolverton, C. J. (2017). Prescott's Microbiology (10th ed.). New York: McGrawHill Education.
