Università Roma Tre

The module of General and Environmental Microbiology aims to provide the basic principles of the structure, function and evolution of microbial cells, with particular regard to bacteria. The knowledge and skills acquired in this module will represent a reference framework for understanding the role of microorganisms in natural and anthropic environments and for the study of the biotechnological applications of microorganisms for environmental protection and sustainability. The module aims at the acquisition of Cultural Competences, i.e. basic knowledge, on (i) the structural, functional and metabolic diversity present in the microbial world, (ii) the mechanisms responsible for the structure and the functioning of bacterial cells, (iii) the processes driving the evolution of bacterial species, (iv) the structure, diversity and life cycles of viruses, (v) the methods and approaches for the study of microbial communities, (vi) the role and effects of microorganisms in the environment. The module also aims at the acquisition of Methodological Competences, i.e. the understanding, through both theoretical lessons and practical activities, of the scientific bases and methodological approaches for the study of bacteria in natural environments and in the laboratory, and for the characterization of complex microbial populations by culture and molecular techniques. A further aim is also the acquisition of the ability to interpret microbiological data and analyse the scientific literature to obtain information on the structure and function of microorganisms, with the final goal to understand natural or artificial events involving microorganisms. The second module of the course: Elements of Biochemistry aims to provide the basic notions related to the structure and function of biological macromolecules, enzymatic catalysis and cell metabolism. These notions are necessary for the continuation of studies on the functioning of eukaryotic and prokaryotic organisms in the context of the Degree Course. The Educational Objectives are the acquisition of cultural skills, i.e. basic knowledge about the structure and function of biological macromolecules (nucleic acids, proteins, carbohydrates, lipids) and the mechanisms that regulate the synthesis and degradation of biological macromolecules. Furthermore, the module aims to provide basic knowledge on the mechanisms by which genetic information is conserved, transmitted and expressed properties. The Educational Objectives are also the acquisition of Methodological Competences, or the acquisition, through practical laboratory activity, of the scientific and methodological bases of the most important experimental techniques in the field of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and the acquisition, through the elaboration and display of individual papers, of the ability to find in the scientific literature information on the structure and function of biological macromolecules capable of contextualizing, analyzing and critically interpreting natural or artificial events involving biological macromolecules.