Microbial Ecology

1. Explain the principles of microbial ecology and the interactions between microorganisms and their environment.
2. Describe the processes of colonization and succession in different ecosystems.
3. Identify the roles of microorganisms in air, water, and soil environments.
4. Discuss microbial adaptations to various environmental conditions.
5. Differentiate between bioconversion, biodeterioration, and biodegradation.
6. Explain the different types of microbial interactions and their effects on microbial communities.

13 weeks, about 50 hours in total. Yours will differ.

1. Week 1Module 1: Microbes and Ecological Theory

   • Unit 1: Microbes and Ecological Theory · 3 hours

     Read the introduction to microbial ecology and understand the basic ecological terms.. Define ecosystem, community, population, individual, habitat, and niche.. Understand the concepts of colonization and succession in ecosystems..

2. Week 2Module 1: Microbes and Ecological Theory

   • Unit 1: Microbes and Ecological Theory · 3 hours

     Study the succession of microorganisms on cellophane film, focusing on the roles of fungi and bacteria.. Examine the succession of microorganisms on dung, understanding the sequence of fungal fruitifications.. Investigate the colonization of sterile human hair by different microbial species..

3. Week 3Module 2: Micro-organism in Ecosystem

   • Unit 2: Micro-organism in Ecosystem · 4 hours

     Explore the concept of aeromicrobiology, studying microorganisms in the air.. Examine the principles of aquatic microbiology, focusing on microorganisms in water.. Investigate the principles of soil microbiology, focusing on microorganisms in soil..

4. Week 4Module 2: Micro-organism in Ecosystem

   • Unit 2: Micro-organism in Ecosystem · 4 hours

     Study the methods of isolation of soil microorganisms, including soil plate dilution, soil plate, and Rossi-Cholodny slide methods.. Understand the advantages and disadvantages of each method.. Learn about the factors affecting microbial growth in the soil, such as soil components, water content, aeration, temperature, and pH..

5. Week 5Module 2: Micro-organism in Ecosystem

   • Unit 2: Micro-organism in Ecosystem · 4 hours

     Examine the factors affecting the concentration of microorganisms in the atmosphere, including wind speed, rain, temperature, humidity, and vegetation.. Study the methods of study and isolation of aerial microorganisms, including settle plate and filtration techniques.. Understand the practical applications and importance of aeromicrobiological studies..

6. Week 6Module 2: Micro-organism in Ecosystem

   • Unit 2: Micro-organism in Ecosystem · 4 hours

     Explore the types of aquatic environments, including oceans and inland waters.. Study the physical and chemical factors in aquatic environments, such as light, temperature, pressure, dissolved gases, pH, and salinity.. Understand the microflora in aquatic environments, including bacteria, microalgae, and fungi..

7. Week 7Module 3: Physiological, Morphological and Genetic Adaptations of Micro-organisms to their Environments.

   • Unit 3: Physiological, Morphological and Genetic adaptations ofMicroorganism to their Environments. · 4 hours

     Study microbial adaptations to marine and freshwater environments, focusing on nutrient uptake and storage.. Examine the adaptations of microorganisms in aquatic systems to link and use resources in separate locations.. Understand the morphological adaptations of aquatic microorganisms, such as flagella and conidia..

8. Week 8Module 3: Physiological, Morphological and Genetic Adaptations of Micro-organisms to their Environments.

   • Unit 3: Physiological, Morphological and Genetic adaptations ofMicroorganism to their Environments. · 4 hours

     Understand the concept of salt wedge and its influence on marine organisms.. Explore the morphological adaptations of microorganisms in the water environment.. Study the effects of temperature, pH, and other environmental factors on microbial survival..

9. Week 9Module 4: Bioconversion

   • Unit 4: Bioconversion · 4 hours

     Distinguish between biodeterioration and biodegradation, understanding the importance of biological causation.. Examine the importance of biological causation in biodeterioration.. Study the role of microorganisms in the decay of wood and other materials..

10. Week 10Module 4: Bioconversion

    • Unit 4: Bioconversion · 4 hours

      Understand the concept of biodegradation and its role in waste disposal.. Explore the safe use of biologically active molecules through biodegradation.. Study the design and production of biodegradable substances..

11. Week 11Module 5: Microbial Interactions

    • Unit 5: Microbial Interactions · 4 hours

      Define and describe neutralism, mutualism, commensalism, amensalism, prey-predator relationships, and competition as microbial interactions.. Understand the effects of each interaction on the growth and survival of microbial populations.. Study examples of each type of interaction in different ecosystems..

12. Week 12Module 5: Microbial Interactions

    • Unit 5: Microbial Interactions · 4 hours

      Examine the mechanisms of commensalism, including the supply of nutrients, changes in pH, electron potential, and water activity.. Understand the mechanisms of amensalism, including the consumption of essential nutrients and the production of antibiotics.. Study the dynamics of prey-predator relationships and competition in microbial communities..

13. Week 13Module 5: Microbial Interactions

    • Unit 5: Microbial Interactions · 4 hours

      Review all units and key concepts from the course.. Focus on understanding the relationships between microorganisms and their environment.. Prepare for assignments and tutor-marked assessments..