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for a past academic year. Please see the current academic year for up to date information.
| Unit name |
Geomicrobiology |
| Unit code |
EASC30051 |
| Credit points |
10 |
| Level of study |
H/6
|
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 2C (weeks 13 - 18)
|
| Unit director |
Dr. Buss |
| Open unit status |
Not open |
| Pre-requisites |
EASC20043 Geochemistry 1 or equivalent knowledge. Students who have not taken EASC20043 should contact the unit director before registering for this unit.
|
| Co-requisites |
N/A
|
| School/department |
School of Earth Sciences |
| Faculty |
Faculty of Science |
Description including Unit Aims
An overview of concepts, techniques, and issues in geomicrobiology as they relate to environmental geosciences.
Aims:
- to learn about and examine microbial properties, metabolisms, diversity and abundance in the natural environment;
- to appreciate the coupling of biological with chemical and physical processes in the natural environment;
- to examine specific ways in which microorganisms create or contribute to normal geological processes, environmental problems, and remediation of environmental problems;
- to summarise current techniques for assessing microbial influences on the environment.
In addition to summative assessment, formative feedback is given throughout the unit by way of in-class quizzes and 2 problem sets.
Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the unit, the student will be able to:
- describe the variety of microbial metabolisms;
- explain microbial roles in: pollution, remediation of mining waste, degradation of organic pollutants, biomineralisation, mineral weathering, and global element and greenhouse gas cycling;
- quantitatively apply understanding of microbial catalysis of chemical reactions to redox processes in the environment;
- apply knowledge about geomicrobiological processes and environmental conditions to select appropriate bioremediation strategies
- collaborate with others to present an informative talk to an appropriate audience
Teaching Information
The unit will be taught through a combination of
- asynchronous online materials and, if subsequently possible, synchronous face-to-face lectures
- synchronous office hours
- asynchronous directed individual formative activities and exercises
- guided, structured reading
- practical work in the laboratory
Students who either begin or pursue their studies in an online mode may be required to complete laboratory work, or alternative activities, in person, either during the academic year 2020/21 or subsequently, in order to meet the intended learning outcomes for the unit, prepare them for subsequent units or to satisfy accreditation requirements.
Assessment Information
Students will assessed by one written exam at the end of the unit (summative 100%).
Reading and References
Recommended
Konhauser K.O. 2006. Introduction to Geomicrobiology. Wiley-Blackwell, 440 pp.
