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Course GEOV344

Geomicrobiology

Course offered :

Current programmes of study

Number of credits 10
Course offered (semester) Spring
Subject overlap 10 sp overlapp med GEOL344 og 5 sp overlapp med GEOL341
Schedule Schedule
Reading list Reading list

Language of Instruction

English

Pre-requirements

Bachelor's degree in earth science, biology, chemistry or equivalent.

Learning Outcomes

After completing the course GEOV344 the student should be able to:

- give an overview of the most important microbial metabolisms in biogeochemical cycles

- explain how the microbial processes mediate dissolution of minerals and rocks

- explain how the microbial processes mediate formation of new, secondary minerals

- give an overview of methods for detection and identification of microorganisms in geological material

- give an overview of different traces of life in modern and ancient time and explain how these are important to astrobiology

Contact Information

Department of Earth Science, studiekonsulent@geo.uib.no

Course offered (semester)

Spring

Language of Instruction

English

Aim and Content

The aim of the course is to give an introduction in geomicrobiology. The course gives an overview of main groups of microorganisms that are important in biogeochemical element cycles, and how they influence on the dissolution and degradation of minerals and rocks and on the precipitation and formation of new mineral deposits. Analytical methods and techniques for identification of microorganisms in geological materials will be introduced and demonstrated. Emphasis will be on the coherence between metabolic processes and geochemical processes. Microbial life in extreme environments and in early time, and its implications for astrobiology is also included.

Learning Outcomes

After completing the course GEOV344 the student should be able to:

- give an overview of the most important microbial metabolisms in biogeochemical cycles

- explain how the microbial processes mediate dissolution of minerals and rocks

- explain how the microbial processes mediate formation of new, secondary minerals

- give an overview of methods for detection and identification of microorganisms in geological material

- give an overview of different traces of life in modern and ancient time and explain how these are important to astrobiology

Pre-requirements

Bachelor's degree in earth science, biology, chemistry or equivalent.

Recommended previous knowledge

Basic principles in microbiology and aquatic geochemistry

Compulsory Requirements

Laboratory exercises and written assignment

Assessment methods

Portfolio evaluation

Grading Scale

The grading scale used is A to F. Grade A is the highest passing grade in the grading scale, grade F is a fail.

Contact Information

Department of Earth Science, studiekonsulent@geo.uib.no