The Microbial Physiology and Diversity module (12 credits) is the first of two central modules of our Master program. It consists of two comprehensive obligate lectures, various broadening lectures or seminars, two regular colloquia, and excursions.

• The obligate lecture Physiology and diversity of prokaryotes introduces into the different groups of bacteria and Archaea and their metabolism.
• The obligate lecture Eukaryotic microorganisms and viruses introduces into phylogeny of pro- and eukaryotes as well as into the groups of eukaryotice microorgansims and into the viruses.
• Various broadening lectures and seminars introduce into the Profile- and Main Modules, and convey special knowledge in various fields related to the scientific work at the ICBM.
• The Microbiological Colloqium and the ICBM Colloquium take place in an alternating two-week rhythm. Here national and international scientists present their current work related to Microbiology or Environmental Sciences.
• Excursions are offered to bring the students either to institutes or companies doing microbiological work, or into the field in order to study microorganisms in their natural habitats.

Learning targets: The students will know the cells of pro- und eukaryotes. They understand the basic mechanisms of microbial metabolism. They know the physiological and phylogenetic groups of prokaryotes, eukaryotic microorganisms and viruses. They have an overview over applied aspects of microbiology.