ECTS
ECTS Course Catalogue

Course details
Course code: BBS10145f15
Semester: 2015/2016 winter
Name: Biogeochemistry of transformation of mineral elements
Major: Biology
Study Type: first cycle
Course type: optional
Study Semester: 5
ECTS points: 2
Hours (Lectures / Tutorials / Other): 15 / 15 / 0
Lecturer: prof. dr hab. Stanisław J. Pietr
Language of instruction: Polish


Learning outcomes: Students during the course gain knowledge about the role of microbes in transformation of biophile (nitrogen, phosphorus, and trace mineral elements in biosphere. Particularly, they learn red-ox processes of chemolitohtrophic and organothrophic under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. Moreover, they learn about the role of biotic and abiotic processes of activation of biophile elements and the role of such processes in formation of biotic interrelationships in the environment. In addition, students are able to select factors affecting processes of transformation of biophile and trace mineral elements.

Competences: The positive credit of this course secures the basics for work with microorganisms taking part in processes of transformation of biophile and trace mineral elements. Student can plan the simple experiments to determine the role of different factors on processes of biotic transformation of biophile and trace mineral elements. Moreover, students know how to determine the activity of biotic red-ox processes in soil, water and in sediments under the influence of different anthropogenic factors. They know how to manipulate the processes of transformation of mineral elements in different niches. Also they are aware of positive and negative effect of these processes on food and fodder quality and on the environment as well as about the possibilities of its use in industrial and reclamation.

Prerequisites: biology, botany, chemistry, plant and animal physiology, microbiology

Course content: Transformation of biophilic and trace mineral elements; aerobic and anaerobic microbial metabolism of mineral elements; role and possibilities of exploration of microorganisms in transformation of biophileand trace mineral.

Recommended literature: Libidusz Z., Kowal K., Żakowska Z.: Mikrobiologia techniczna. 2007. Kabata-Pendias A., Pendias H.: Biogeochemia pierwiastków śladowych. 1999. Lityński T., Jurkowska H. Żyzność gleby i odżywianie się roślin. 1982. Waleńczak Z.: Geochemia organiczna. 1987. Weiner J.: Życie i ewolucja biosfery. 2003.

Assessment methods: Credit of lab practices, written exam; minimal stock of knowledge for comprise of course- 66%, final score is based in equal proportions on lab practice and written exam scores

Comment: