MICROBIAL ECOLOGY

Paper Code: 
24MBL327
Credits: 
02
Contact Hours: 
30
Objective: 

Course Objectives: This course will enable the students to analyze the salient characteristics of aero-, aquatic- and soil microbiology, environmental sample collection and processing, extremophiles and techniques used in the study of microbial ecology.

 

Course Outcomes (COs):

Course

Learning outcome

(at course level)

Learning and teaching strategies

Assessment Strategies

Course Code

Course

title

24MBL327

Microbial Ecology

(Theory)

CO143: Assess aero microbiology and aquatic microbiology

CO144: Analyze various

characteristics of soil and soil microorganisms and discuss microbial transformation of P, S, N, Hg 

CO145: Acquaint with environment sampling and processing devices.

CO146: Evaluate adaptation mechanisms and applications of various extremophiles.

CO147: Assess culture-based methods for identification of various microbes and physiological methods for studying microbial ecology.

CO148: Contribute effectively in course-specific interaction

 

Approach in teaching:  Interactive lectures,

Demonstrations.

 

 

Learning activities for the students:

Group discussions and workshops, Seminars,

Tutorials,

Assignments

Reading Journals

 

 

Class test, Semester end examinations, Quiz, Solving problems in tutorials, Assignments, Presentation
 

 

6.00
Unit I: 
Aero microbiology and aquatic microbiology

Aero microbiology: Aerosols, Pathways (Launching, Transport and Deposition), Microbial survival in air. Airborne pathogens and toxicants. Biosafety in the Laboratory. Aquatic microbiology: Planktonic environment, Benthic habitat, Microbial mats. Biofilms: Formation, Morphology, Physiology, beneficial and detrimental properties. Physical, chemical and microbiological characteristics of rivers, lakes and oceans.

 

6.00
Unit II: 
Soil Microbiology

Physicochemical characteristics: Solid phase (Particles texture and Profile), Organic matter (Humus), Soil pH. Soil microorganisms: Bacteria, Actinomycetes, Fungi, Algae, Protozoa. Microbial transformation: P, S, N, Hg.

 

6.00
Unit III: 
Environmental sample collection and processing

Sampling devices for collection of bioaerosols (impingement, impaction, centrifugation, filtrations and depositions. Soil and sediments-sampling strategies and methods for surface soil and subsurface, sample processing and storage. Water- sampling strategies and methods for water, processing of water samples for virus analysis, detection of bacteria, protozoan parasites, detection of microorganisms on fomites.

 

5.00
Unit IV: 
Microorganisms in extreme environments

Acidophilic, alkalophilic, thermophilic, barophilic and osmophilic microorganisms- mechanisms of adaptation and applications.

 

7.00
Unit V: 
Techniques in the study of microbial ecology

Culture methods- for enumeration of bacteria, culture methods for fungi, algae, cyanobacteria. Cell culture based methods for detection of viruses. Physiological methods including measurement of microbial activity, carbon respiration, use of radio labeled tracers, Adenylate energy charge, enzyme assays (dehydrogenase and esterase assay)

 

ESSENTIAL READINGS: 

ESSENTIAL READINGS:

  • Environmental Biotechnology – Basic concepts and applications, Indu Shekhar Thakur, I K International publications. 2011.
  • Environmental Microbiology R.M Maier, I.L. Pepper and C.P. Gerba, Academic Press. 2008.
  • Environmental Microbiology, Michel. R. and Ji-Dong Gu, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., Hoboken, New Jersey. 2010.
  • Microbial Ecology- Fundamentals & Applications, 4th Edition, Ronald M. Atlas, Richard Bartha, Pearsrson Publication. 2005.
  • Advances in Microbial ecology. Alexander, M.  Springer. 2012.

SUGGESTED READINGS:

  • Microbial Ecology: A conceptual approach Lynch and Poole -Blackwell Scientific Publications 1984.
  • Microbial life in extremes of environments D. A. Kushner, Academic Press. 1978.
  • Soil Organic matter and biological activity. Vanghan, D.and Malcolm, R.E Martinus NighoffW. Junk Publishers. 1985.
  • Advances in microbial ecology K.C. Marshall, Vol-8 Plenum Press. 1985.
  • Aronson - Experimental Microbial Ecology -Academic Press
  • Experimental Microbial Ecology Burns R.G., and Slater J.H. Blackwell Scientific Publications, Oxford, London. 1982.
  • Introduction to soil microbiology. Alexander, M John, Wiley & Sons. Inc., New York. 1977.
  • Microbial interactions and communities, A.T. Bull and J.H.Slater Academic Press 1982.
  • Biofilms in environmental biotechnology. P.S. Murthy, Raju Sekar, Thiyagarajan, V. Alpha Science International Ltd. 2018.

e RESOURCES:

JOURNALS:

  • Indian Journal of Environmental Sciences
  • Nature Environmental and Pollution Technology
  • Asian Journal of Microbiology, Biotechnology and Environmental Sciences
  • Asian Journal of Water Environment and Pollution

 

 

 

 

Academic Year: 
2024-2025
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