UNIVERSITY OF MADRAS
B.Sc. DEGREE COURSE IN MICROBIOLOGY
SEMESTER SYSTEM WITH CREDITS
(Effective from the Academic Year 2003-2004)

SYLLABUS

Paper X - MCC-601 - Environmental and Agricultural Microbiology

Duration of Examination: 3 hrs
Max Marks: 100
Credits: 4

Unit I :

definition - droplet nuclei - aerosol - assessment of air quality - some important air borne diseases caused by bacteria, fungi, viruses their symptoms and preventive measures.

Unit II :

Soil Microbiology: Physical and chemical characteristics and microflora of various soil types, rhizosphere - phyllosphere - brief account of micrbial interactions - symbiosis - mutalism - commensalisms - competition - amensalism - synergism - parasitism - predation. Biofertilizers - biologoical nitrogen fixation - nitrogenase enzme - nif genes symbiotic nitrogen fixation - (Rhizobium, Frankia) - non symbiotic nitrogen fixation (Azotobacter - Azospirillum), VAM - ecto- endo ectendomycorrhizae. Major biogeochemical cycles and the organisms: carbon - nitrogen - Phosphorous and sulphur - a brief mention about biodegradation - xenobiotics - bioaccumulation - biopesticides - deterioration.

Unit III :

Aquatic Microbiology: ecosystems - fresh water (ponds, lakes, Streams -- marine (estuaries, Mangroves, deep, sea), water zonations - upwelling - eutrophication - food chain, potability of water - microbial assessment of water qualit - water purification - brief account of water borne diseases and preventive measures.

Unit IV :

Waste Treatment : Types of wastes - Characterzation of solid and liquid wastes - wastes treatment and useful byproducts, Solid - Saccharification - gasification - composting - liquid waste treatment - aerobic - anaerobic methods.

Note: The above courses are picked automatically by the website for indicative purpose only. However, students are requested to check with the University for the similarity of the course or for any other information in regard to the course.

Institute of Microbial Technology (IMTECH), Chandigarh, Punjab
Admission To Ph.D. Program : Walk in Interview on July 28, 2008