Content (Syllabus outline)
Introduction to taxonomy, overview of the basic concepts and historical development of taxonomy as a scientific discipline. Presentation and interpretation of the principles and of the scope and limitations of traditional taxonomic approaches, molecular taxonomy and polyphasic taxonomy. Presentation of traditional and molecular taxonomic techniques and methods. Explanation of criteria for the selection of the most appropriate methods for individual groups of microorganisms. The concept of prokaryotic and eukaryotic species and the taxonomic hierarchy. Principles of identification of unknown microbial species. Principles and purpose of classification in microbial taxonomy. Taxonomic dilemmas. Nomenclature and description of microbial species. Overview and acquaintance with major phylogenetic microbial groups. Isolation and cultivation methods. Overview of microbial diversity: the characteristics of the most important and representative taxa of bacteria, archaea, fungi, algae and protozoa. Convention on Biological Diversity in Rio de Janeiro. Storage of microorganisms in the microbial collections, especially taxonomically important and type and neotype strains and isolates from various ecological niches.
Prerequisites
a. Entry in the 3rd Year of the first Level program
b. Passed seminar and / or colloquium as a prerequisite to enter the final written exam.