Microbial Interactions in the Biodegradation of Environmental Pollutants 26-27 S2

The MICROBIAL INTERACTIONS IN THE BIODEGRADATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTANTS course aims to provide students with knowledge on:

• Biodegradation processes in environmental systems, with particular emphasis on the role of microbial interactions.
• Major groups of environmental pollutants and their physicochemical properties in relation to microbial degradation and bioavailability.
• The complexity of real-world biodegradation processes and the challenges associated with transferring laboratory findings to environmental applications.
• The influence of environmental factors, such as moisture, nutrient availability, and soil structure, on microbial activity and pollutant transformation.
• The principles, opportunities, and limitations of bioremediation as a strategy for environmental pollution management.
• Factors that determine the success or failure of biodegradation and bioremediation processes in different environmental settings.

The programme of the course is divided into units:

1. Introduction to biodegradation and environmental pollutants
2. Microbial communities and interactions in biodegradation processes
3. Bioavailability and pollutant–matrix interactions
4. Environmental constraints as a key factor in bioremediation
5. From laboratory to environment: limitations and challenges
6. Bioremediation approaches and their effectiveness
7. Problem formulation and group work (part I)
8. Group work (part II) and consultation
9. Student presentations (part I)
10. Student presentations (part II) and course wrap-up

For a detailed description of the course, please refer to the course study guide above (it will open in a new tab).

Timetable:

The course consists of 10 weekly sessions of 1.5 hours each.
The first 6 sessions are lecture-based, followed by 2 sessions dedicated to group work and consultation, and 2 sessions for student presentations.

• EUNICE master’s and doctoral student: enrolled as a student in one of the universities of EUNICE European University consortium (check the partner universities here).
• Basic knowledge of microbiology and environmental science is recommended, but not required.
• English B2.

Study Level: Master, PhD

• Submit your application via the button ‘Apply Now’.
• Please keep in mind that the number of participants could be limited for each course. Application does not guarantee enrolment in the course.
• The course participants will be selected based on criteria specified in the study guide.
• Your home university will inform you whether you have been accepted and provide further information about the next steps.

Specific instructions in some universities:

• BTU students: a Learning Agreement must be completed in advance in coordination with your departmental advisor. Please contact your examination office and study programme coordinator in good time once you are accepted for the courses you would like to attend. For any other questions you can contact: eunice@b-tu.de
• UPHF students: make sure to ask the approval of your director of studies (responsable pédagogique) before applying. For any question, you can contact the EUNICE office: eunice@uphf.fr
• UoP students: questions about enrolment and recognition can be answered by your Director of Studies or ECTS Coordinator, or you can contact eunice@go.uop.gr

Any questions about enrolment or credit recognition? Contact your EUNICE courses coordinator.