In order to achieve the objectives of this course, the following themes will be developed, in an integrated manner:
- The microbial world in the reality of its size and diversity, the multiplicity of its habitats and relationships with the environment, including the other organisms.
- The world of viruses and bacteriophages and the methods developed for their use or control.
- The potential of genetic adaptation of microbes and, in particular, the specificity of their sexuality.
- The strategies allowing the most efficient control of micro-organisms, using either prophylactic or curative methods.
- The industrial use of microbes in the fields of agro-food industry, environment or medicine.
- The past, present and future use of micro-organisms in biological engineering.
The main objectives of the practical work, mostly performed by the students themselves, are: i) macroscopic and microscopic observations of bacteria, fungi and bacteriophages, and ii) the use of the basic techniques of descriptive microbiology.
- The main activity is given as ex cathedra courses, which include many practical examples and case studies, taken from human and animal health, the environment or biotechnological applications.
- At the beginning of each lecture, a recapitulation (ca. 15 min) of the main messages from the previous course is given in English.
- On a voluntary basis, a dozen students have the possibility to present, at the end of each course, a « Microstory » (ca. 15 min), dealing with aspects related to the course.
- Practical work (mandatory activity):
> Groups of 2 students,
> Case study under the supervision of an assistant/technician team,
> Each student has the opportunity to perform the main basic operations related to the observation and control of the micro-organisms,
> Writing of an individual report, in the laboratory notebook.
- Oral exam (with a written preparation) containing three parts:
> A theoretical development of a specific section of the course,
> An development requiring the integration of different parts of the course,
> A series of definitions/concepts calling for short answers.
- Evaluation of the presentation made by certain students (on a voluntary basis) that have presented a Microstory (see above), on a subject related to the course and chosen in interaction with the teacher. This evaluation replaces part of the question dealing with the definitions/concepts
- Dias du cours sur MOODLE
Willey, J., Sherwood, L., & Woolverton C. (2008) Prescott/Harley/Klein's Microbiology (7th Edition) WCB McGraw-Hill Publishers 1,216 pp. - ISBN-13 9780073302089.
Madigan, M., Brock, T., Martinko, J.M., Dunlap, P. & Clark, D.P. (2008) Brock Biology of Microorganisms (12th Edition) Benjamin-Cummings Publishing Company Hardback – 1,136 pp - ISBN 0132324601.
