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

• Review, analysis and synthesis of data and information, with the use of necessary technologies
• Teamwork
• Environmental protection
• Work in interdisciplinary environment
• Teamwork

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

Assessment Method

• Questions of theoretical knowledge.
• Theoretical problems to be resolved.

• Ten lab exercises - team reports: 60% of the Lab grade
• Final written lab exam: 40% of the Lab grade

• 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