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Main
UQU Programs
Environmental Sciences

Environmental Microbiology

BIOE1401
3 hours English

Environmental Microbiology

Environmental Microbiology
BIO1101 General Biology
3 hours No requisites
1 Introduction: / - Including historical background. / - Importance of microorganisms. / -Studying concepts of classification, nomenclature, and identification of microorganisms. / -An overview about the role of microorganisms in the environment and their applications in different fields / - Distribution of microorganisms in the environment / - Different between the prokaryotes and Eukaryotes
2 Bacterial cell morphology and structure / - Structure, cell shape and arrangement of bacteria. / - External and internal structures
3 Eukaryotic microorganisms (Fungi and Algae) / - General characteristics, occurrence, diversity, economic importance, morphology, structure and function, classification, nutrition, and reproduction
4 Viruses / - General characteristics, occurrence, economic importance, morphology and structure, classification, replication, and bacteriophages
5 Introduction to metabolism of microorganisms / -Basic definitions, modes of nutrition of microorganisms. Nutrient requirements and concepts of energetic
6 Factors affecting microbial activity and growth / Nutritional factors, temperature, pH, water activity, Oxygen requirement
7 Microbial growth and reproduction / Cell growth and reproduction in microorganisms. Microbial growth curve and phases of growth. Determination of microbial growth
8 Control of microbial activity / importance of control of microbial activity, physical and chemical approach of control of microbial activity
9 Overview of the role of microorganisms in diseases of human, animals and plants / importance of microorganisms as causative agents of various diseases in human, animals, and plants
10 Environmental Microbiology / Distribution and diversity of microorganisms in soil, water, sewage, and air
11 Microbial interactions / -positive and negative interactions): Neutralism, Commensalism, Symbiosis, Antagonisms, Prediation, Parasitism / Microbe-microbe interactions : lichens / Bdellovibrio and E. coli / -Plant-Microbe interaction: Rhizobium and legumes / Mycorrhiza and plants / -Animal-Microbe interaction: rumen microbiology / termites-microbes interactions / leaf-cutter ants and fungal gardens
12 Study of some Environmental problems caused by Microorganisms: / - Biodeterioration of fuels / - Biodeterioration of paints / - Biodeterioration and concrete corrosion / - Biodeterioration and Metal corrosion
13 Roles of microorganisms in biodegradation of environmental pollutants: / - Biodegradation of hydrocarbons pollutants / -microbes-heavy metals interactions / -Biodegradation of plastics / - Biodegradation of herbicides and insecticides
14 Bioremediation of environmental pollution and environmental clean up / -what is bioremediation / -advantages of bioremediation / -comparison between bioremediation and other methods of removal of crude oil pollution / -types of bioremediation (biostimulation and bioaugmentation) / -differences between biostimulation and bioaugmentation / -environmental factors affecting the speed and capacity of bioremediation (temperature, oxygen levels, nutrients availability)
1.1 Mapped to: K2, K3

Describe the importance of microorganisms in relation to biology and environment

Teaching Strategy 1.In-class lecturing where the previous knowledge is linked to the current and future topics. 2.Homework assignments. 3.Discussions (connecting what they learn in the class and applying this information in laboratory). 4. Handout of lecture notes for each topic
Assessment Methods Exams, Assignments, Course activities and Written analyses
1.2 Mapped to: K2, K3

Describe microbe-microbe, microbe-plant, microbe-animal interactions

Teaching Strategy 1.In-class lecturing where the previous knowledge is linked to the current and future topics. 2.Homework assignments. 3.Discussions (connecting what they learn in the class and applying this information in laboratory). 4. Handout of lecture notes for each topic
Assessment Methods Exams, Assignments, Course activities and Written analyses
1.3 Mapped to: K2, K3

Describe the unique cell structures present in prokaryotes

Teaching Strategy 1.In-class lecturing where the previous knowledge is linked to the current and future topics. 2.Homework assignments. 3.Discussions (connecting what they learn in the class and applying this information in laboratory). 4. Handout of lecture notes for each topic
Assessment Methods Exams, Assignments, Course activities and Written analyses
1.4 Mapped to: K1, K2, K3

Explain the roles of microorganisms in bioremediation and environmental clean-up

Teaching Strategy 1.In-class lecturing where the previous knowledge is linked to the current and future topics. 2.Homework assignments. 3.Discussions (connecting what they learn in the class and applying this information in laboratory). 4. Handout of lecture notes for each topic
Assessment Methods Exams, Assignments, Course activities and Written analyses
2.1 Mapped to: S1, S2, S3

Interpret the positive and negative roles of microorganisms different environments

Teaching Strategy Students will receive credit for these activities based on their responses to the particular questions and assignments. These will include reading summaries, reflective questions, quizzes
Assessment Methods Evaluation of the topics prepared by students according to the content, arrangement, and covering of the topic. Midterm and final exams. Checking the homework assignments. Course work reports
2.2 Mapped to: S2, S3

Evaluate methods for studying microbial communities and activities in different environments (soil, water, gut)

Teaching Strategy Students will receive credit for these activities based on their responses to the particular questions and assignments. These will include reading summaries, reflective questions, quizzes
Assessment Methods Evaluation of the topics prepared by students according to the content, arrangement, and covering of the topic. Midterm and final exams. Checking the homework assignments. Course work reports
2.3 Mapped to: S1, S2, S3

Link between microbes in the environments and environmental phenomenon

Teaching Strategy Students will receive credit for these activities based on their responses to the particular questions and assignments. These will include reading summaries, reflective questions, quizzes
Assessment Methods Evaluation of the topics prepared by students according to the content, arrangement, and covering of the topic. Midterm and final exams. Checking the homework assignments. Course work reports
3.1 Mapped to: V1, V2

To demonstrate independently and with multi-disciplinary teams.

Teaching Strategy Engage student in carrying out internet search. The ability to debate the scientific basis of topics related to safety and occupational health in laboratories. Writing group reports. Solving problems in team. Cooperative learning and application of scientific method in thinking the scientific problem solving. Work as part of a team. Conducting group experiments and writing group reports.
Assessment Methods 1-Oral exams. 2-Evaluation of student essays assignments and search work. 3-Observation of student ethical and moral behavior. 4-Students’ attendance is recorded during lectures. 5-Assessment of the student reports. 6-Grading homework assignments
3.2 Mapped to: V1, V2

To cooperate in providing scientific and technical services in microbiology

Teaching Strategy Engage student in carrying out internet search. The ability to debate the scientific basis of topics related to safety and occupational health in laboratories. Writing group reports. Solving problems in team. Cooperative learning and application of scientific method in thinking the scientific problem solving. Work as part of a team. Conducting group experiments and writing group reports.
Assessment Methods 1-Oral exams. 2-Evaluation of student essays assignments and search work. 3-Observation of student ethical and moral behavior. 4-Students’ attendance is recorded during lectures. 5-Assessment of the student reports. 6-Grading homework assignments
3.3 Mapped to: V3

To demonstrate responsibility and accountability

Teaching Strategy Engage student in carrying out internet search. The ability to debate the scientific basis of topics related to safety and occupational health in laboratories. Writing group reports. Solving problems in team. Cooperative learning and application of scientific method in thinking the scientific problem solving. Work as part of a team. Conducting group experiments and writing group reports.
Assessment Methods 1-Oral exams. 2-Evaluation of student essays assignments and search work. 3-Observation of student ethical and moral behavior. 4-Students’ attendance is recorded during lectures. 5-Assessment of the student reports. 6-Grading homework assignments
Assessment
Weight
Quizzes
10%
Exam Midterm
20%
Laboratory reports
15%
Practical final exam
15%
Final Exam
40%
Total
100%