Objectives of Programme's Learning Outcomes

• In the field of biological sciences and particularly in the field of the biochemistry, molecular and cell biology, possess highly specialised and integrated knowledge and a wide range of skills adding to those covered in the Bachelor's programme in biological sciences.
• Conduct extensive research and development projects related to biological sciences, in biochemistry and in molecular and cell biology.
• Contributing to a project by mastering its complexity and taking into account the objectives, allocated resources and constraints that characterise it.
• Show initiative and be able to work independently and in teams.
• Manage and lead research, development and innovation projects.
• Understand unprecedented problems in biological sciences, and more specifically in biochemistry and molecular and cell biology and its applications.
• Organise and lead a research, development or innovation project to completion.
• Methodically research valid scientific information, critically analyse, propose and argue potentially innovative solutions to targeted problems.
• Apply scientific methodology.
• Critically reflect on the impact of their discipline in general, and on the contribution to projects.

Learning Outcomes of UE

After this teaching, the students will control the essential concepts of Environmental Microbiology.

Content of UE

The purpose of this training course is, first, to learn the field sampling techniques used to recover cells and environmental DNA from various environmental samples. The considered environments will be a river (water and sediment), soil, a wastewater treatment plant, and air. Symbiotic bacteria and biofilms will also be considered. Students will then learn how to remove contaminants from DNA preparations (removal of metals and humic acids), increase the amount of DNA (GenomiPhi amplifications) and quantify the DNA (Nanodrop and PicoGreen methods). Pitfalls specific to the soil environment will be considered. Students will also learn how to isolate specific bacteria by cultivation and use enrichment procedures. The quantitative PCR approach will finally be used to target specific genes in the environmental samples.

Prior Experience

General Microbiology, BA3.

Type of Assessment for UE in Q2

• Presentation and/or works

Q2 UE Assessment Comments

Report and laboratory work.

Type of Assessment for UE in Q3

• Presentation and/or works

Q3 UE Assessment Comments

Report and laboratory work.