Microorganisms

This course will cover the concepts necessary for understanding the way of life of the major groups of single-celled organisms that form the basis of ecosystem functioning (viruses, bacteria, archaea, and single-celled eukaryotes, etc.). The lectures will cover the biological organization of each type of organism, their modes of reproduction, and their diversity, leading to an understanding of ecological concepts. We will examine the role of these microorganisms in the functioning and dynamics of ecosystems, considering the interactions these organisms have with other living beings (the concept of “symbiosis” in all its forms).

The hands-on exercises will allow students to:

 - the implementation of techniques for bacterial counting (CFU) and the identification of a specific strain from an environmental sample

 - highlighting the diversity of phytoplankton (single-celled algae) in aquatic environments (freshwater)

 - identifying the unique characteristics of interactions between bacteria and bacteriophages

proficiency in the techniques used in laboratory work (handling bacteria and viruses in a sterile environment; isolation and identification of bacterial species)

- understanding the role of various groups of single-celled organisms in ecosystem functioning

- develop a critical perspective on the results obtained

- strict adherence to the specified protocols