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Presentation
Presentation
This course will deepen previous knowledge acquired about microorganisms, introducing a broad approach to their applications and importance in various areas such as the Environment, Soil, Water, Industry and Health. In this way, students will understand the impact of microorganisms on various aspects of our lives and our planet, including their influence on processes as diverse as global warming, health and disease, and food spoilage and/or safety. Students will be able to integrate the various topics covered, gaining a global vision of the essential role of microorganisms in the Biosphere and their exploration in various areas of Biological Sciences.
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Class from course
Class from course
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Degree | Semesters | ECTS
Degree | Semesters | ECTS
Bachelor | Semestral | 4.5
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Year | Nature | Language
Year | Nature | Language
2 | Optional | Português
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Code
Code
ULHT101-11616
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Prerequisites and corequisites
Prerequisites and corequisites
Not applicable
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Professional Internship
Professional Internship
Não
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Syllabus
Syllabus
1. Microbial diversity – extremophilic microorganisms 2. Archaea domain vs. Bacteria domain 3. Microbiology applied to Water, Soil and Air: a. Microorganisms in aquatic and terrestrial environments; b. Microbial communities, viruses, symbiotic relationships, biofilms; c. Air quality and impact of fungi; d. Microbial bioindicators; e. Microbial bioremediation; f. Microorganisms as biocontrol agents; 4. Microbiology applied to Industry, Pharmaceuticals and Medicine: a. Energy, culture and fermentation; b. Processing, spoilage and food safety; c. Microorganisms as a source of biological compounds; 5. Basic techniques in Applied Microbiology
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Objectives
Objectives
The aim of this UC is for students to: 1: Gain a deeper understanding of microorganisms (m.o.) to understand microbial diversity and the different mechanisms of adaptation to extreme environments for life; 2: Characterize the Archaea and Bacteria Domains; 3: Acquire a global view of the intervention of m.o. in the Air, Soil and Water, understanding benefits and harms; 4: Acquire a global view of the intervention of m.o.in Industry and Medicine, through their applications, prevention and control methods; 5: Explore the various applications of m.o.in environmental bioremediation processes, as bioindicators and biocontrol agents, integrating the knowledge obtained; 6: Analyze the importance of m.o. in the exploration of new compounds, through the study of the various methods of microbial exploration; 7: Know the main methods used in Applied Microbiology, namely in the Environment, Health and Food Industry, contributing to good laboratory and experimental performance in Microbiology.
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Teaching methodologies and assessment
Teaching methodologies and assessment
Active teaching methodologies for both theoretical and practical components of the course, using the Inquiry-Based Learning (IBL) approach, promoting learning through investigation, encouraging students to formulate relevant questions, develop hypotheses, design experimental strategies, critically interpret results, and enabling a direct connection between conceptual knowledge and its application in real-world and laboratory contexts. Exploratory and collaborative work, problem-solving (PBL), and guided discussion activities based on current scientific articles will be used. These approaches are characterized by student-centered teaching, promoting greater engagement with the content, increased motivation and engagement with peers in the laboratory setting, and the ability to apply this learning to new situations/courses. All class support materials will be made available through the Moodle platform.
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References
References
Adams, M.R., McClure, P.J. Food & Moss, M.O. Food Maicrobiology. 5th ed. UK: Royal Society of Chemistry, 2024. (ISBN: 978-1-83767-182-3) Lima, N., Canas Ferreira, W., & Sousa, J.C. Microbiologia. Lisboa: Edições Lidel, 2010. (ISBN: 978-972-757-515-2) Madingan, M.T, Bender, K.S., Buckley, D.A., Sattley, & W.M., Stahl, D.A. Brock Biology of Microorganisms . 15th ed. US: Pearson Education, 2017. (ISBN:10 0134261925) Westblade, L.F., Burd, E-M., Lockhart, S.R., Procop, G.W. Larone's Medically Important Fungi: A Guide to Identification. 7th Ed. US: ASM Press, 2023. (ISBN: 978-1-683-67442-9) Frans J. de (Editor), Hauke Smidt (Editor), Luca S. Cocolin (Editor), Michael Sauer (Editor), David N. Dowling (Editor), Linda Thomashow (Editor). Good Microbes in Medicine, Food Production, Biotechnology, Bioremediation, and Agriculture. IE: Wiley, 2023. (ISBN: 978-1-119-76246-1)
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Office Hours
Office Hours
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Mobility
Mobility
No
