Objectives and competences
To know the diversity of prokaryotic microorganisms.
Based on their phylogenetic affiliation, it is intended to explore the metabolic, physiological, morphological and ecological aspects that determine the immense diversity of prokaryotes.
It is intended that students acquire the ability to:
- understand how different methodological approaches can contribute, study and explore microbial diversity;
- understand and know microbial diversity from an evolutionary perspective, conditioned by the dynamics of genomes and interaction with the environment and other living beings;
- relate and integrate different aspects of microorganisms (morphology, biochemistry and physiology) to understand their properties, potentialities and control methods;
- interpret and analyze new situations related to contexts of ecology and bacterial taxonomy.
Students are expected to acquire an integrated view on prokaryotic diversity. It is intended to instill in students an attitude of critical observation and reflection regarding microbial diversity and its impacts.
Teaching Methodologies
In the theoretical classes, the syllabus is presented using presentations in digital format and other appropriate computer supports.
In practical classes, students are encouraged to develop basic technical skills in the laboratory of Formula 1, 2015, and Sao Paulo.
In the tutorial orientation sessions, the development of autonomous work skills is promoted, as well as teamwork and communication skills.
The tutorial guidance component is based on the learning methodology based on problem solving, in which using diverse sources of information, students must arrive at concepts and interrelationship between themes. The problem is solved during class and stimulates the ability to research, critically interpret information, teamwork, among others.
In the Laboratory Classes, from the same sample, isolation of microorganisms in different media and conditions and use of molecular biology methods for analysis of bacterial abundance (quantitative PCR) and communities (16S rRNA gene metabarcoding). Comparative analysis and discussion.
The practical work is contextualized by the preparation by the students of the work guide (means, techniques, expected results).
The work involves sample processing, bacterial isolation, morphological and biochemical tests,
DNA extraction, quantitative PCR and interpretation of community data.
Syllabus
Theoretical
Approaches in studies of microbial populations and communities
Culture-dependent methods
Independent cultivation methods – directed and undirected
Diversity of prokaryotes – Taxonomy, Metabolism, Ecophysiology
Diversity of prokaryotes – view of the best-known phyla of the Bacteria and Archaea domains
Pseudomonadota
Smear
Actinomyketota
Bacteroidota
Cyanobacteriota
Thermoproteot
Methanobacteriota
- Other
Tutorial Guidance - Problem-Based Learning
Laboratory Classes – use of culture-dependent and culture-independent methods to characterize the microbiota of a sample.
