2005-2006 Option Outlines

Marine Microbiology

Organiser: Professor TH Birkbeck, I&I, ext. 5843, email H.Birkbeck@bio.gla.ac.uk

Deputy Organiser: Dr F. Hannah (UMBS, Honorary Lecturer at Glasgow University)

Microorganisms play a fundamental role in the sea, with microscopic algae carrying out much of the primary production, bacteria carrying out essential decomposition and recycling functions in marine sediments, and both providing an important part of the marine food chain. In addition, bacteria play an important economic role by initiating the fouling of ships, oil rigs and other marine structures. Only a small percentage of marine bacteria can currently be cultured but recent advances in molecular analysis of microbial communities have shown there to be a much more diverse range of microbes in the marine environment than previously thought. This has led to increasing interest in this area because of the potential for exploitation in biotechnology.

This will be a one-week residential field course held at the University Marine Biological Station, Millport, Isle of Cumbrae immediately before the beginning of the first semester. In 2005 the option will run from Monday 19^th September to Sunday 25^th September. The course will consist of a mixture of lectures, practical work, tutorials and seminars emphasising the role and importance of microorganisms in marine processes, biofouling, effects of aquaculture in coastal environments, harmful algal blooms and the growing applications in biotechnology. Teaching will be done largely by the staff of the marine station and fieldwork and laboratory classes will form an important part of the course. As part of the assessment for the course students will be required to submit a written report by the end of the first semester. This will count for one third of the marks for the option.

Entry Requirements: Any Honours Biological Sciences course.

Restriction on numbers: 30