Objectives and competences

This course aims to provide an overview of different approaches currently used molecular microbiology. Going through different methodologies and application areas, students are invited to integrate conventional and molecular aspects in the study of microorganisms
and to develop their capacities for critical analysis of scientific information in this area.
Expected competences include i) the potential of application and limitations inherent to different methodological approaches; ii) the ability to search and analyze relevant information on molecular microbiology in a polyphasic context (conventional vs. molecular); iii) improve the capacity to present and discuss data and information in the context of Molecular Microbiology and its many application fields.

Teaching Methodologies

The methods applied in this course are fully coherent with its main objective of promoting problem-based learning in molecular microbiology. By engaging students in case studies that mimic real research or diagnostic scenarios, the course fosters analytical thinking, methodological understanding, and independent problem-solving skills. The use of diverse molecular microbiology techniques and bioinformatics tools directly supports the objective of developing students’ capacity to select and apply appropriate methodologies to specific biological questions. Working in pairs encourages collaborative learning and the exchange of ideas, essential for scientific practice. The combination of literature-based exploration, experimental planning, and data analysis ensures that students not only acquire theoretical knowledge but also gain practical insight into experimental design and interpretation. Finally, the structured group discussions at the end of each module consolidate learning by promoting critical reflection, peer feedback, and synthesis of methodological choices in light of the initial objectives of each case study.

Syllabus

This a problem-based learning course, in which different case-studies permit the exploitation of different molecular microbiology techniques and applications
Students are introduced to each case study and major approaches that can be used to solve the questions/problems that are posed.
Organized in groups of two, students must explore the most adequate approaches to use, understand the respective methodological basis, and/or plan or perform experiences that can be used to further investigate the case study. Some cases-studies will be approached only based on literature search, others with the aid of bioinformatics sessions. At the end of each case study module, one hour is dedicated to classroom discussion. In this discussion, there are three parts - a group will be responsible for the presentation of the case study and all
students are invited to dynamize the discussion about the proposed approach.