Duration
15h Th, 15h Pr
Number of credits
| Master in oceanography (120 ECTS) | 3 crédits |
Lecturer
Language(s) of instruction
English language
Organisation and examination
Teaching in the first semester, review in January
Schedule
Units courses prerequisite and corequisite
Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program
Learning unit contents
About 20 years ago, it became apparent that the study of the diversity of marine microorganisms cannot be conducted without a molecular approach, given that only a fraction of them can be isolated and cultured. In addition, as for the microorganisms that can be observed through a microscope, genetic diversity is larger than that which is determined on the basis of phenotypical characteristics (morphology....). The determination of diversity at the genetic level also allows us to understand ecological characteristics (geographical distribution, endemism, etc.). Rencently, the metagenomic tools have allowed a deeper understanding of the evolutionary processes and the metabolic pathways of marine microorganisms.
Learning outcomes of the learning unit
To give to the students the knowledge that will allow them, on one hand, to understand and read in a critical manner the literature concerning the diversity of marine microorganisms, and on the other hand, to use molecular techniques in order to solve problems concerning the molecular diversity and ecology on which they may be working (master thesis, PhD, etc).
Prerequisite knowledge and skills
Having basic knowledge of genetic material: DNA, RNA, proteins. If this prerequisite is not met, part of the course may be devoted to a review.
Planned learning activities and teaching methods
Practical work in a laboratory on a small problem involving diversity of marine microorganisms (often cyanobacteria) or oral presentation of a paper.
Mode of delivery (face to face, distance learning, hybrid learning)
Face-to-face course
Additional information:
Further explanations:
Face-to-face teaching, in the 1st quadrisemester
1) Definitions and why?
2) Systematics, the notion of bacterial species and molecular markers of diversity
3) How is generated the genetic diversity at the basis of evolution?
4) Phylogenetic analyses and the construction of phylogenetic trees
5) Molecular microbial ecology
6) Practical work with extraction of genomic DNA from strains, PCR, electrophoresis, sequencing, analysis of sequences obtained during practical work
7) Genomic approaches (Dr. Luc Cornet course)
- Reminder of the basics on genomic diversity and the contribution of genomes for taxonomy and evolution (with example of cyanobacteria)
- Phylogenomics
- How to study metabolic pathways with bioinformatics?
- Reproducibility in bioinformatics
- A concrete example
Recommended or required readings
Copies of transparencies used in class
Exam(s) in session
Any session
- In-person
oral exam
Additional information:
3 questions taken at random, preparation of the answers during 20 mins and oral presentation
Work placement(s)
Organisational remarks and main changes to the course
Contacts
A. Wilmotte, CIP, Chimie B6,
Phone : 04/366.38.56,
e-mail : awilmotte@ulg.ac.be