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Lecturer(s)
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Bárta Jiří, doc. Ing. Ph.D.
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Kaštovská Eva, doc. Mgr. Ph.D.
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Course content
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1-2. Introductory lectures on the specifics and complexity of the soil environment at various levels, and on the form and basic functioning of the cell in such an environment 3. Presentation of the basic groups of soil microorganisms, principles of group and functional classification, basic representatives of the groups 4-5. General diversity of metabolic pathways associated with energy production depending on environmental conditions, functioning of enzymes in the soil environment 6-7. Functional groups of microorganisms and important metabolic processes in C, N, P and S cycles 8-9. Biomass of microorganisms, growth and turnover - efficiency of substrate utilization, nutrient requirements, stoichiometry, influence of external factors, role in formation and stabilization of organic matter 10-11. Methods of studying the functioning of microbial interactions in soil in general and in soil microenvironments 12-13. Presentation and discussion of exercise results. Content of tutorials/seminar: During the exercises, students will learn about soil microbiological approaches, the basics of which were explained in the lectures. In groups of 2-3 students, they work on projects on sub-questions to determine the influence of a particular environmental factor on microbial community composition and selected processes of microbial metabolism. Their task is to think through and set up the experiment, discuss it with tutors, measure and evaluate the results. They will submit a manuscript of the agreed structure and length and, once approved, present it at the final discussion seminar.
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Learning activities and teaching methods
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Monologic (reading, lecture, briefing), Demonstration, Laboratory, Experiment
- Class attendance
- 58 hours per semester
- Preparation for classes
- 62 hours per semester
- Semestral paper
- 30 hours per semester
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Learning outcomes
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The course introduces students to the diversity of microbial community composition and microbial metabolism in the context of the diversity of the soil environment. Key processes of cycling carbon, nitrogen, and other elements will be related to microbial functional groups and environmental controlling factors. Classical and modern methods of soil microbiology and biochemistry will also be introduced, allowing for the description of functioning of soil as well as specific soil microenvironments and complex microbial communities. Upon completion of the course, students should be able to plan and perform simple measurements of microbial activity and interpret and discuss the results obtained. The course is primarily intended for students in the Biology of Ecosystems Master's program.
The student will gain basic advanced knowledge of carbon and nutrient transformation processes and soil organic matter stabilization. The student will understand the basics of microbial metabolism, the conditions affecting the rate and efficiency of microbial biomass growth and the processes of decomposition and mineralization. The student will be able to assess the impact of changes in physical and chemical conditions in the soil and the environment on these processes and draw implications for ecosystem functioning.
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Prerequisites
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The prerequisite is basic knowledge of soil ecology and general microbiology, fulfilled by completing the courses Soil Ecology KBE/521 and Microbiology KBE/260.
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Assessment methods and criteria
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Oral examination, Combined exam, Seminar work
A prerequisite for credit is completion of practical exercises that supplement the theoretical portion of the course. Students submit the results of the practical assignment (prior to the seminar) in the form of a manuscript with a specified structure and minimum length, and present it in the seminar in the form of a 10-minute contribution followed by a discussion. This is a requirement for passing the exam (50% of the grade). The exam is oral, to pass it students must answer 50% of the questions asked.
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Recommended literature
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Cardon Z., Whitbeck J. 2007. The Rhizosphere: An ecological perspective. Academic Press, London.
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Dix N. J., Webster J. 1995: Fungal Ecology. Chapman and Hall, London ..
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Kirchman D.L. 2012. Processes in microbial ecology. Oxford University Press, New York.
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Madigan M.T. et al. 2021. Brock Biology of Microorganisms 15th Ed., Prentice Hall, London.
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Paul E. A., Clark F. E. 1996: Soil Microbiology and Biochemistry. Academic Press, London ..
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van Elsas D., Jansson J.K., Trevors J.T. 2007. Modern Soil Microbiology. Boca Raton: CRC/Taylor & Francis.
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