Biological Sciences

This course provides an overview of features, molecules, and processes common to all living organisms. It how cells use macromolecules (Nucleic acids, Proteins, Carbohydrates, and Lipids) to carry out the process required for life, like cell division and growth.

In this course students obtain knowledge in microbiology topics with a focus on the main microbial groups involved in bioenergy production from biomasses and in the biodegradation of environmental pollutants. Students are able to apply acquired knowledge in the management of plants for bioenergy production and for the bioremediation of contaminated habitats. The course is composed of two sections, each one having a theoretical part, performed via usual class teaching, and a practical part, performed via laboratory activity or visits to farms/factories. Part 1: Application of microorganisms in bioenergy and bioplastic production including biogas production, bioethanol production, biohydrogen production, and bioplastic production. This part of the course includes a visit to a biogas producing plant fed with waste products and biomasses. Part 2: Application of microorganisms for environmental remediation including soil, water and wastewater, and microbial indicators in water pollution and decontamination. Prerequisite for this course is a course in general microbiology and a course in biochemistry.

This course explores the oceanographic and ecological processes that underpin marine ecosystems and their associated biodiversity and functioning. Topics include characteristic features of different marine ecosystems (e.g. rocky shores, coral reefs, deep seas); application (fisheries and aquaculture), and human impacts on marine ecosystems (disturbances, pollution and climate change).