ECTS
ECTS Course Catalogue

Course details
Course code: OŹES10014o15
Semester: 2015/2016 summer
Name: Microbiological transformation of organic matter
Major: Renewable Energy and Waste Management
Study Type: first cycle
Course type: compulsory
Study Semester: 2
ECTS points: 5
Hours (Lectures / Tutorials / Other): 30 / 30 / 0
Lecturer: Prof. dr hab. Stanisław Pietr
Language of instruction: Polish


Learning outcomes: Knowledge: Student has basic knowledge about systematic, occurrence and metabolite activity of viruses, bacteria, archea and eucaryotic microorganisms. Students is able to characterize the most important groups of microorganisms and metabolic processes related to transformation of organic matter. Students identify the important microbial processes, which influence the organic matter transformation. Student knows the origin of potentially pathogenic bacteria. Student is ably to explain the role of each metabolic process and the effect on organic matter of different origin used for renewable energy production. Also, is able to justify the role of anthropogenic factors modifying the activity of microorganisms used for production of biofuel and biogas (R1OŻE_W01, R1OŻE_W03, R1OŻE_W05) Abilities: Student is able correctly evaluate activity and presence of microorganisms as well as its effect on cycle of biogenic elements, carbon and energy in environment. Student gains a knowledge about correct evaluation of occurrence of pathogenic microorganisms release to environment due to industrial activity. Students knows specific rules and safety procedures, which should applied during the work with microorganisms. They know how to modify the metabolic activity of microorganisms for supporting processes of production of biofuel and biogas(R1OŻE_U04, R1OZE_U05, R1OŻE_U06).

Competences: Attitude: Student understands the microbial metabolic activities and the role of such processes on environment quality. They know the function of the microbial activity as a factor influencing the organic matter transformation for renewable energy source. Student is aware about the necessity of application of principal safety rules due to common occurrence of potentially pathogenic microorganisms in environment. Student understand needs of undertaking activities for limitation the occurrence of pathogenic microbes for man, animal and plants as well as is able to identify factors limiting the activity of such undesired microorganisms. He has a knowledge of the need for training and self-improvement in the area of possible threat appearance as well as in the area of possible application of new factors affecting the microbial activity during organic matter transformations. Taking a decision about applicability of microorganisms and utility of factors modifying processes of organic matter transformation utilized for production of renewable energy source. (R1OŻE_K04, R1OŻE _K05, R1OŻE _K06, R1OŻE _K07).

Prerequisites: Chemistry

Course content: Fundamental metabolic processes carry out by microorganisms and their determinations depending on physical and chemical factors. Microbiological sources in wastes. Microbiological activity in transformation processes of agricultural organic matter and in food industrial wastes. Microbiological process of hydrolysis of polysaccharides as substrates for biosynthesis of renewable organic energy sources (ethanol, methane). Anaerobic processes of obtaining ethanol and methane as a result of oxidation of carbohydrates, alcohols, and organic acids. Mineralization and transformation of natural and anthropogenic organic compounds in wastes (composting, biodegradation). Elimination of phyto- and pathogenic microorganisms in process of waste composting. Phyto- and sanitary measures of wastes in order to their using as fertilizers and for soil recultivation. Microbiological processes of heavy metal removal from wastes.

Recommended literature: E.A. Paul, F.E. Clark, "Soil Microbiology and Biochemistry", Academic Press Inc., 2007, T. Gentry, R.M. Maier, C. Gerba, "Environmental Microbiology, Academic Press, 2008. A.A. Salyers, D.D. Whitt, "Microbiology. Diversity, disease and the environment" Fitzgerald Science Press, Bethesda, 2001

Assessment methods: Laboratory course positive final note, Final writing exam (minimum knowledge 60%) Final note – laboratory (40%) and exam (60%)

Comment: During the laboratory course students prepare a writing report