THREE-DIMENSIONAL MODELING

Course objectives

"The module of Environmental Microbiology and Biotechnology aims to provide basic knowledge on the role played by microorganisms in ecosystems, the impact on biological phenomena, their role in biological and biotechnological processes of water treatment, composting, bioremediation and for the valorization of by-products of the agri-food industry. The knowledge and skills acquired in the module will constitute a reference framework for the understanding and application of biotechnology in the environmental, agricultural and urban sectors. A - Knowledge and understanding OF 1) To know the diversity, physiology, and ecological roles of microorganisms in natural and engineered ecosystems. OF 2) To understand the mechanisms by which microorganisms contribute to biogeochemical cycles and environmental sustainability. OF 3) To know the principles and applications of microbial processes in water treatment, composting, and bioremediation. OF 4) To understand microbial interactions and their role in the valorization of agri-food by-products. OF 5) To understand the basic concepts of environmental biotechnology and how they relate to microbial ecology. OF 6) To know current strategies and technologies used in environmental and industrial microbiology. B - Application skills OF 7) To be able to deduce the most suitable microbial or biotechnological approach for a given environmental problem. OF 8) To be able to solve problems related to pollution, waste management, or bioresource recovery using microbial-based strategies. OF 9) To be able to apply microbiological methods and biotechnological techniques for environmental monitoring and treatment. OF 10) To be able to interpret experimental results and data from microbiological and biotechnological analyses. C - Autonomy of judgment OF 11) To be able to evaluate the sustainability and feasibility of microbial or biotechnological processes in environmental applications. OF 12) To be able to integrate the knowledge acquired in order to formulate appropriate solutions for environmental and agricultural challenges. OF 13) To be able to critically assess scientific literature and innovations in the field of environmental microbiology. D - Communication skills OF 14) To know how to communicate scientific information and project results clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing. OF 15) To be able to collaborate and interact in interdisciplinary teams in the context of environmental biotechnology. E - Ability to learn OF 16) Have the ability to consult scientific literature and databases to stay updated on microbial and biotechnological advances. OF 17) Have the ability to evaluate experimental protocols and design new strategies for microbiological or biotechnological applications. OF 18) Being able to conceive and develop a small-scale project related to microbial applications in environmental management.

Channel 1
CARLO GIUSEPPE RIZZELLO Lecturers' profile

Program - Frequency - Exams

Course program
1. Phylogeny and microbial diversity, cytology and genetics of prokaryotic and eukaryotic microorganisms 2. Microbial ecophysiology: environmental factors that control microbial growth. Microbial interactions, analysis of microbial communities 3. Microbial metabolism: Phototrophy, Chemolithotrophy; Catabolism of organic compounds. Biogeochemical cycles (C, N, S) 4. Wastewater treatment, composting of organic waste, principles of bioremediation. 5. Biotechnological processes for the valorization of the by-products of the agri-food industry
Prerequisites
Basic knowledge of biochemistry and general microbiology.
Books
- Lecture notes; - Microbiologia agroambientale- Editrice Ambrosiana, Biavati – Sorlini Other Environmental Microbiology Editors: Ian Pepper, Charles Gerba, Terry Gentry (Elsevier)
Exam mode
The final exam, consists of an oral test on the topics of the course. Marks are out of 30. For the final exam, the oral test aims at evaluating the knowledge and skills obtained during the course. For students enrolled in the academic year of the course, there is a written exemption test related to the topics of lessons and exercises conducted in the period preceding the test (about half the program). Examination is overcome if the student shows at least sufficient preparation, a level of knowledge appropriate to the minimum level of requirements, sufficient mastery of acceptable subject matter and language, and ability to analyse problems and structure of the arguments. The positive outcomes of the exemption test contributes to the final evaluation and has the validity of an academic year. For students eligible for exoneration, the final oral exam will only cover the topics of lessons and exercises carried out during the period following the exemption test. In this case, the assessment of the final exam is expressed as the mean between the mark of the exemption and the final tests. For foreign students the exam can be done in English.
  • Academic year2025/2026
  • CourseEnvironmental Monitoring and Recovery
  • CurriculumSingle curriculum
  • Year1st year
  • Semester2nd semester
  • SSDAGR/16
  • CFU3