Ecology and diversity of microorganisms :role of microbes in biogeochemical cycles.

Kurt Hanselmann, University of Zurich, Switzerland, Osvaldo Ulloa, University of Concepcion, Chile, and Mark Waldrop, University of Michigan, USA, December 1 - 20, 2003


Course Objectives:

The purpose of this course is to provide an overview of the many facets of the exciting field of microbial ecology and diversity as it relates to the role of microbes in geochemical cycling of elements. The course aims to bring together various aspects of environmental, and in some cases molecular and microbiological, as well as chemical and physical methodology needed to approach questions of biogeochemical interest. At the course location we will emphasize the marine environment, but not exclude other interesting microbial ecosystems available at various sites in the Concepcion area.

Potential Participants:
Students and professionals in oceanography, microbiology and related areas.

General Course Outline:

1. Evolution to present day microbial diversity and interactions
2. Microbial ecosystems and ecosystem determinants
3. How energetics determines microbial lifestyles
4. Microbially driven geochemical cycles
5. Application of molecular tools to microbial ecology
6. Microbial processes and their enzymatic activities
7. The use of isotopes in microbial ecology
8. Linking ecosystem structure and function with the use of biomarkers

The course comprises lectures in the morning, laboratory work in the afternoon colloquia in the evening, field trips and independent research. Preparatory discussions and exercises on particular course subjects are also offered during the course. A mini-symposium on "Current Aspects of Environmental Microbiology" is planned for this year. Established investigators will present their research to stimulate discussion and initiate new research projects. On field trips (including a cruise on board the Kay-Kay research vessel of University of Concepcion), we will come into contact with characteristic microbial habitats, collect microbes and investigate their activities. The laboratory part of the course is designed to educate students in current techniques and to encourage independent research. Students will carry out investigations in groups or individually with faculty assistance and independently. The course culminates with the student project presentations.

Visit the course website www.profc.udec.cl/ecodim

Contact addresses

Osvaldo Ulloa, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, University of Concepción
Research Interests: Microbial processes under low oxygen, biogeochemical cycles and climate.
Adress:
Departamento de Oceanografía & Programa Regional de Oceanografía
Física y Clima (PROFC), Universidad de Concepción,
Cabina 7 - Barrio Universitario,
Casilla 160-C,
Concepción 3, Chile
Tel: +56 41 203585, Fax: +56 41 239900,
E-mail: oulloa@profc.udec.cl


Kurt Hanselmann, Ph.D.
Research interests: Ecology and evolution of microorganisms, microbial ecology of
psychrophilic extremophiles
Adress:
University of Zürich / Microbial Ecology Group
Institute of Plant Biology / Microbiology
107 Zollikerstreet
CH-8008 Zürich / Switzerland
Tel: +41 1 6348284, Fax: +41 1 6348204
E-mail: hanselma@botinst.unizh.ch

URL www.microeco.unizh.ch