General Microbiology

Objectives of the course

The course informs the student about the basic principles in structure, regulation and function of the microbial cell. The student will learn about main groups of microorganisms and ways for their identification, mechanisms of defence from the pathogenic microorganisms, and the basics principles of the molecular evolution. Student will also gain knowledge about physiological particularities, critical for the successful living of the microbe in very different environment, such as air, water, soil, sediment, human, plants and animals. General microbiology course is helping the student to look on the environment from the microbial perspective and will help him to identify the advantages for the microorganism from the chosen transformation. These cognitions help us in the successful use of the microorganisms or in the defence against their actions.

Prerequisites

Basic knowledge in biology, chemistry and physics. The course is linked with other ecological topics.

Assessment methods

Written colloquium for the practical part and written examination for the theoretical part.

Course contents

The course treats following chapters: Molecular Structure of the Microbial cell, Function and Dynamics of Microbial Communities, Microbial Genetics, Growth and Regulation of Microbial growth, Metabolic Diversity of Microorganisms, Viruses, Microbial Systematics and Evolution.

Recommended reading

• Brock, T.D. et al.: Biology of microorganisms, 7th edition, 1994
• Prescott, L.M et al.: Microbiology, 2nd edition, 1993
• Dawes, I. W. and Sutherland, I.W.: Microbial Physiology, 2nd edition, 1992
• Tortora, G.J. et al.: Microbiology an Introduction, 5th edition, 1995
• Stopar, D. in Mahne I.: Praktikum iz mikrobiologije, 1998