Introduction to Bacteriology [SBIOB209]

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the student will be familiar with the bacterial world, both from the point of view of the cellular structure and metabolism of bacteria and from the point of view of the roles played by bacteria in the various ecosystems they have colonised. An overview of bacterial pathologies and possible treatments will also be acquired by the student.

Objectives

The Bacteriology course will focus on the role of bacteria in processes discussed in other courses, such as digestion, metabolism and recycling of materials. The student will learn about the general structure of bacteria and their appendages, the basic principles of bacterial metabolisms, different bacterial lifestyles, the establishment of bacterial communities and the generation of bacterial pathologies. Horizontal gene transfer and bacterial genetics are covered in other courses, Genetics (Block 2 Biology) and Further Genetics (Block 3 Biology).

Content

The course will be divided into four parts, illustrated by demonstrations integrated in the course such as the culture and observation of bacteria under the microscope. - Structure and functions of bacterial cells - Bacterial metabolism and material recycling - Bacterial communities: biofilms and microbiota - Introduction to bacterial pathogenesis If a teaching aid is available, practical work will be proposed for the cultivation and observation of bacteria.