Microbial Processes in the Earth System

What it is about

You will explore the diversity of microbial processes in aquatic, terrestrial, and host-associated habitats and how these processes shape carbon, nitrogen, sulfur, and iron cycles as well as host–microbiome interactions. By the end, you will be able to assess microbially mediated ecosystem services and place their importance in Global Change and One Health.

What you will be able to do

• Knowledge of microbial ecosystem services in natural, agricultural, and technical habitats
• Understanding of the relationships between microbial physiology and biogeochemical cycles
• Evaluation of microbial processes with regard to greenhouse gas formation and climate feedbacks
• Correlation of microbially driven fluxes with aspects of Global Change
• Understanding the relationships between human, animal, and plant microbiomes and health
• Application of knowledge to scientific questions
• Promoting problem-solving skills and interest in microbiology with respect to Global Change and One Health

What the module consists of

• LectureIntroduction to the diversity of microbial processes, structure–function relationships, and placement in Global Change/One Health
• SeminarPresentation and critical discussion of current research results on microbial ecophysiology and environmental microbiology

Teaching method

• Lecture (oral presentation)Conveying the professional basics and concepts
• Study of lecture slides and literature researchDeepening and independent development of the material
• Presentations (PowerPoint) and course scriptSupportive media for structuring the learning material