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Geomicrobiology and Biogeochemistry
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:19:25
Abstract
Microorganisms have helped to shape the Earth over the past 4 billion years making it habitable for higher forms of life. Recent advances in our understanding of how microbial life impacts the Earth have led to a newly evolving field of geomicrobiology and associated biogeochemistry, which links the biosphere with the geosphere.
Objective
he course aims to provide an introduction to geomicrobiology and to describe how microbial communities have influenced biogeochemical and mineralogical processes through geologic time.
Content
The course covers the following topics: 1. Microbial properties and diversity, 2. Microbial metabolism, 3. Cell surface reactivity and metal sorption, 4. Biomineralization, 5. Microbial weathering, 6. Microbial zonation and 7. Early microbial life. The course will include laboratory practicals in geomicrobiology.
Resources
Lecture Notes
Hand-outs will be distributed during the course with recommended reading lists.
Literature
Recommended textbook: Introduction to Geomicrobiology by Kurt Konhauser, Blackwell Publishing,2007.
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- MSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- end-of-semester examination
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture with exercise | Geomicrobiology and biogeochemistry |
|
2 h weekly |