Slide background

School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering

Now offering two distinct diplomas: Chemical Engineering and Environmental Engineering

Environmental Microbiology

1. COURSE INFORMATION:

School Environmental Engineering
Course Level Undergraduate
Course ID ENVE 126 Semester 2nd
Course Category Required
Course Modules Instruction Hours per Week ECTS
Lectures and Laboratory Exercises 4
Th=2, E=0, L=2
5
Course Type  Scientific area
Prerequisites  
Instruction/Exam Language Greek
The course is offered to Erasmus students Yes
Course URL https//www.eclass.tuc.gr/courses/MHPER122/ and https//www.eclass.tuc.gr/courses/MHPER259/ (Εργαστήριο)  (in Greek)

 

2. LEARNING OUTCOMES

Learning Outcomes

1.Chemical synthesis of the cell:

  • the students will learn the main cellular structures & macromolecules, which are important for microorganisms

2. Introduction to Microbiology:

  • the students will have knowledge on the basic concepts of microbiology (terms definition)
  • they will learn the main microbial groups found in the environment (water/soil/atmosphere)
  • they will gain knowledge on the structure of microbial cells & viruses
  • they will learn how to use the microscope & observe different microorganisms

3. Metabolism of heterotrophic microorganisms:

  • the students will learn the main metabolic steps/pathways in microbial cells under various environmental conditions

4. Nutrition, physiology and growth of microorganisms:

  • they will gain knowledge on the various conditions, under which microorganisms are able to grow
  • they will learn how to grow/culture microorganisms in the lab
  • they will learn how to isolate microorganisms from environmental samples
  • they will gain knowledge on the main steps of microbial growth
  • they will learn how to measure microbial growth in the lab

5. Microorganisms & biogeochemical cycling:

  • the students will have knowledge of the role of microorganisms on nutrient cycling and on the decomposition of organic materials

6. Microbiology of aquatic environment (water & wastewater):

  • the students will learn how to assess the microbiological quality of the aquatic environment (water & wastewater)
  • they will have knowledge on the main bacterial indicators according to current legislation
  • they will analyze aquatic samples in the lab
  • they will learn the basic steps of wastewater treatment
  • they will gain knowledge on the prospect of wastewater reuse

7. Disinfection:

  • the students will gain knowledge on the main water/wastewater disinfection techniques
  • they will learn the advantages/disadvantages of each techniques
  • they will learn the resistance levels of various pathogenic microorganisms

8. Application of microorganisms for remediation purposes:

  • the students will gain knowledge on the possible use of microorganisms for remediation purposes and the biodegradation of xenobiotc substances
General Competencies/Skills
  • Review, analysis and synthesis of data and information, with the use of necessary technologies
  • Teamwork
  • Environmental protection
  • Work in interdisciplinary environment
  • Teamwork

3. COURSE SYLLABUS

  1. Chemical synthesis of the cell
  2. Molecules/Macromolecules of the cell
  3. Introduction to Microbiology
  4. Cellular structure
  5. Prokaryotic microorganisms
  6. Eukaryotic microorganisms
  7. Viruses
  8. Evolution of microorganisms
  9. Metabolism of heterotrophic microorganisms
  10. Nutrition & physiology of microorganisms
  11. Microbial growth
  12. Measurement of microbial growth
  13. Microorganisms & biogeochemical cycling
  14. Microbiology of aquatic environment (water & wastewater)
  15. Microbiological quality of water
  16. Fecal pollution & remediation of the aquatic environment
  17. Wastewater treatment plant
  18. Disinfection
  19. Wastewater reuse
  20. Enteric viruses in wastewater
  21. Fate of pathogenic microorganisms in the environment
  22. Application of microorganisms for remediation purposes

4. INSTRUCTION and LEARNING METHODS - ASSESSMENT

Lecture Method Direct (face to face)
Use of Information and Communication Technology Power point presentations, E-class support
Instruction Organisation Activity Workload per Semester
(hours)
- Lectures-Theory 40
- 10 Laboratory assignments 35
- 10 Laboratory group reports 35
- Autonomous study 15
Course Total 125

Assessment Method

I. Written final examination (60%).
  • Questions of theoretical knowledge.
  • Theoretical problems to be resolved.
ΙΙ. Lab work (40%).
  • Ten lab exercises - team reports: 60% of the Lab grade
  • Final written lab exam: 40% of the Lab grade

5. RECOMMENDED READING

  • Book Eudoxus [366]: ΒΙΟΛΟΓΙΑ ΤΩΝ ΜΙΚΡΟΟΡΓΑΝΙΣΜΩΝ ΤΟΜΟΣ Ι, MADIGAN M.T., MARTINKO J.M., PARKER
  • Book Eudoxus [22758184]: ΠΕΡΙΒΑΛΛΟΝΤΙΚΗ ΜΙΚΡΟΒΙΟΛΟΓΙΑ, Σπυρίδων Ντούγιας, Αλέξανδρος Αϊβαζίδης, Παράσχος Μελίδης
  • Raina M. Maier, Ian L. Pepper, Charles P. Gerba, Environmental Microbiology, Academic Press, ISBN-13: 978-0-12-497570-5, ISBN-10: 0-12-497570-4.
  • E-class presentations & notes

6. INSTRUCTORS

Course Instructor: Associate Professor D. Venieri (Faculty - EnvEng)
Lectures: Associate Professor D. Venieri (Faculty - EnvEng)
Tutorial exercises:  
Laboratory Exercises: I. Gounaki (LTS- EnvEng)