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Theoretical and practical introduction to the molecular analysis of microbial communities in the environment
Whole course but not the seminars
Theory & Computer Exercises :
· The "molecular revolution" in microbial ecology; microbial diversity; the rRNA approach
· Recent strategies for the molecular identification and quantification of microbes and their activities in nature
· Work with gene databases, clone libraries, and genetic fingerprints
· Literature and web search for gene probes; probe design/evaluation
Laboratory Exercises :
· Analysis of a microbial community: DNA extraction, PCR, cloning, sequence analysis
· Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH, CARD-FISH)
· Genetic fingerprinting
Oral Presentation :
· Research paper presentation (individual)
· Group presentation of lab results
Seminar Series with invited speakers (optional):
· "Hot topics" in molecular microbial ecology research
After successful participation in the course, students are able to:
· Perform molecular analyses (PCR, cloning, sequence comparison, FISH, genetic fingerprinting) of microorganisms in environmental samples
· Identify and quantify key organisms of microbial communities
· Explain weaknesses and strengths of the different molecular and microbiological analyses
· Apply the concepts of molecular microbial ecology to problems in microbial ecology
Basic knowledge in microbiology and molecular biology
Andreas Schramm
2 x 4 h course (lecture & lab exercises) plus 1 seminar per week for 7 weeks
Brock Biology of Microorganisms, 11th ed. 2006, Pearson Prentice Hall.
Lecture notes and selectd research articles
Exam: 2nd quarter
Re-exam: Arranged with lecturer
Department of Biological Sciences
