BTLW300989 Fundamentals of environmental biotechnology

Type
Lecture
Semester hours
2
Lecturer (assistant)
Atanasoff-Kardjalieff, Anna Katharina , Fuchs, Werner
Organisation
Biotechnology and Food Science
Offered in
Sommersemester 2027
Languages of instruction
Englisch
Content

This course provides an introduction to the microbial and biochemical processes that underpin environmental biotechnology. It examines how microorganisms transform organic matter, nutrients, metals, and pollutants in soils, water, and engineered treatment systems. Topics include microbial metabolism, substrate uptake, bioavailability, biofilms, anaerobic and aerobic degradation processes, and the microbial ecology of wastewater treatment, composting, and natural environments. The course also covers environmental omics approaches, microbial corrosion, metal recovery processes, and pathways involved in the degradation of xenobiotics. Together, these elements offer a comprehensive understanding of microbial functions and their technological applications in sustainable environmental biotechnology processes.
Previous knowledge expected

Knowledge at the bachelor's level in biochemistry, genetics, and microbiology.
Objective (expected results of study and acquired competences)

After completing the course, students will be able to:

•Describe major microbial groups, their metabolic capabilities, and their roles in environmental processes.
•Explain how microorganisms transform organic matter, nutrients, metals, and pollutants in natural and engineered systems.
•Characterize factors that influence microbial activity, including environmental conditions, substrate uptake mechanisms, and bioavailability.
•Analyze the formation, structure, and ecological functions of biofilms and microbial consortia.
•Apply environmental omics approaches (genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics) to interpret microbial community composition and function.
•Outline microbial processes relevant to wastewater treatment, anaerobic digestion, composting, corrosion, metal recovery, and xenobiotic degradation.
You can find more details like the schedule or information about exams on the course-page in BOKUonline.