Course info

Microbes have been on the earth for at least 3.5 billion years; they tolerate or require a huge range of physico-chemical extremes and perform a remarkable array of functions. This module will examine the diversity of microbes, and how they can be applied for the benefit of society and the environment, for example by: bioremediation of contaminated land, recovery of oil and metals and production of biofuels.

Learning Outcomes (including lectures and practicals)
To pass this module, you will need to be able to:

1. show that you understand how the physico-chemical environment influences growth and survival of microorganisms;
2. describe the mechanisms of adaptation to life in extreme environments;
3. show an understanding of the taxonomy of microbes and how it relates to their function;
4. show an understanding of the diverse ways by which microbes obtain energy;
5. describe the diverse ways in which microbes can be used in environmental, agricultural and industrial processes to: clean up contaminated land, recover metals, enhance oil production, produce biofuels and therapeutic compounds;
6. describe a range of methods used to assess and access microbial diversity;
7. manipulate microbes, and identify them using molecular biological methods;
8. read and analyse scientific papers, and understand and manipulate data.