BIO332 Experimental Molecular Microbiology

The course aims at deep understanding of some important aspects of modern microbiology. It focuses on three research themes of importance for health and sustainable development: mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions; spread of antibiotic resistance; and the importance of the gut flora for human health.

The first part is structured as an intensive laboratory course over three weeks in January. A few lectures/seminars will be given in the January block, the rest will be given during the spring term. A total of 18 lectures will be given. In addition, a number of scientific primary articles relevant for the experimental work will be discussed in seminars during the first part of the spring semester. The students write a report from the laboratory exercises, in which relevant scientific literature is referred. The laboratory exercises cover methods used for:

• measurement of gene expression and biological diversity in various ecosystems
• characterisation and identification of bacteria
• horizontal gene transfer
• genetic regulation
• genome sequencing
• interpretation of results and discussions on the various methods

Students write an individual, final report.

Knowledge

The course relates to current major research topics in modern microbiology and provides "state-of the art"- knowledge within three important areas with strong relevance for the UN sustainability goals good Health and well-being, and climate action: Microbial processes involved in greenhouse gas emissions; horizontal gene transfer and its importance for spread of antibiotic resistance; and relationships between gut microflora and health.

Skills

The students will become familiar with techniques used in microbiological research, with emphasis on molecular methods. Students will become aware of the contexts in which the different methods are used, and the strong and weak points of the various methods will be discussed. The laboratory exercises consist of smaller research projects, which will be summarized in an individual, written report. This provides skills in planning and performing research tasks; data analysis and interpretation and presentation of results; and experience in collecting relevant literature to be able to view the results in a larger context. Regular seminars are undertaken, where students obtain training in summarizing and discussing selected scientific texts.

The students will be able to perform the preparations, techniques and analyses employed in the course. The students master the instruments and equipment used in the course.

General competence

The course prepares the students for carrying out a thesis work on master´s level and is also useful for early-phase PhD students. They learn to collaborate in groups and to carry out individual research tasks including scientific writing and data analysis The students will learn and obtain experience with how to prepare and deliver effective oral and written presentations, to think critically and solve complex and multidisciplinary problems, and to accurately interpret current research literature.