OEKB301854 Molecular microbial ecology of soils

Type
Lecture and exercise
Semester hours
2
Lecturer (assistant)
Ross-Smith, Erika , Jäggle, Juliana , Huber, Sabine , Keiblinger, Katharina
Organisation
Soil Research
Offered in
Sommersemester 2026
Languages of instruction
Englisch
Content

The aim of the course is to get to know molecular methods for the characterization of soil microbial communities theoretically and practically.

The following steps will be conducted practically: soil sampling in the field, DNA extraction, DNA quantification. If students are motivated we will further do a gel electrophoresis, as well as a polymerase chain reaction (PCR). There will be theoretic insights to the bioinformatic pipeline when working with sequenced DNA-data as well as some insights to statistical analysis of microbial data.
Previous knowledge expected

Basic knowledge in molecular biology and lab work is advantageous, but not required
Objective (expected results of study and acquired competences)

After completing the course, the students have a basic understanding of appropriate soil sampling strategies and will be able to isolate DNA from soil samples and investigate microbial communities using molecular methods.
•Historical development of molecular methods
•How molecular identification works (Sanger sequencing, next generation sequencing,…)
•Advantages of molecular methods for the investigation of soil microbial communities as compared to non-molecular methods
•Practical use of methods for the molecular characterization of soil microbial communities
•Analysis and interpretation of DNA sequencing results through bioinformatics
You can find more details like the schedule or information about exams on the course-page in BOKUonline.