SubjectsSubjects(version: 982)
Course, academic year 2026/2027
  
   
Environmental Biotechnology - M319003
Title: Biotechnologie v životním prostředí
Guaranteed by: Department of Biotechnology (319)
Faculty: Faculty of Food and Biochemical Technology
Actual: from 2026
Semester: winter
Points: winter s.:4
E-Credits: winter s.:4
Examination process: winter s.:
Hours per week, examination: winter s.:2/1, C+Ex [HT]
Capacity: unknown / unknown (unknown)Schedule is not published yet, this information might be misleading.
Min. number of students: unlimited
State of the course: taught
Language: Czech
Teaching methods: full-time
Level:  
Note: course can be enrolled in outside the study plan
enabled for web enrollment
Guarantor: Maťátková Olga doc. Ing. Ph.D.
Interchangeability : N319021
Examination dates   Schedule   
This subject contains the following additional online materials
Annotation -
The course Environmental Biotechnology introduces students to the use of biological processes and microorganisms in technologies aimed at environmental protection and restoration. Emphasis is placed on the principles of bioremediation of contaminated soils and waters, biological air and wastewater treatment, and the application of plants and microorganisms in waste management and renewable energy production. The course also covers modern tools such as biosensors, genetic engineering, and the use of synthetic biology in environmental applications. Students will become familiar with issues such as biodeterioration, biodiversity conservation, and the economic, legal, and ethical aspects of environmental biotechnology. The course combines theoretical knowledge with case studies and current trends in sustainable technologies
Last update: Maťátková Olga (16.04.2025)
Course completion requirements -

Attendance at lectures is recommended but not monitored. Consultations are available to students upon request. An e-learning course is included as part of the course.

Attendance at seminars is mandatory in the form of individual project presentations required to obtain credit.

Last update: Maťátková Olga (16.04.2025)
Literature -

Recommended:

  • Singh, Ajay, Ward, Owen P.. Biodegradation and bioremediation. Berlin: Springer, 2004, s. ISBN 3-540-21101-2.
  • Scragg, Alan. Environmental biotechnology. Oxford: Oxford Univ. Press, 2005, 447 s. s. ISBN 0-19-926867-3.
  • Sen, Keya, Ashbolt, Nicholas J.. Environmental microbiology, current technology and water applications. : , , x, 316, A-2 stran s. ISBN 978-1-904455-70-7.
  • Bitton, Gabriel. Wastewater microbiology. Hoboken: Wiley-Blackwell, 2011, s. ISBN 978-0-470-63033-4.

Last update: Maťátková Olga (16.04.2025)
Teaching methods -

The course design combines lectures with project-based seminars.

Lectures provide foundational knowledge and an overview of key applications in various areas. These are followed by seminars focused on active student engagement through group projects. In teams, students work on assigned topics, search for and analyze information on specific bioremediation case studies, link them with theoretical knowledge from the lectures, and evaluate application strategies through discussion. Emphasis is placed on developing skills in sourcing scientific information, teamwork, understanding the practical use of biotechnology, and formulating professional arguments in a discussion setting.

Last update: Maťátková Olga (16.04.2025)
Requirements to the exam -

Course credit requirements: preparation and presentation of a project on a specified topic.

Form of the final examination: oral.

Last update: Maťátková Olga (16.04.2025)
Syllabus -

1. Introduction and Current Trends in Environmental Biotechnology

2. Microbial Metabolism and Its Role in the Environment

3. Principles and Design of Bioremediation Technologies

4. Bioremediation of Contaminated Soils

5. Bioremediation of Contaminated Waters

6. Biotechnology in Air Pollution Control

7. Phytoremediation

8. Biotechnology in Waste Management I: Wastewater Treatment

9. Biotechnology in Waste Management II: Anaerobic Digestion

10. Biotechnology in Renewable Energy and Biomining

11. Genetic Engineering in Environmental Applications

12. Biodeterioration and Microbial Corrosion

13. Biosensors and Biotechnology in Environmental Monitoring and Biodiversity Protection

14. Economic, Legal, and Ethical Aspects of Environmental Biotechnology

Last update: Maťátková Olga (16.04.2025)
Learning outcomes -

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to explain the principles of biological technologies used for the protection of individual components of the environment, analyze their potential applications in various contexts, and compare the advantages and limitations of different approaches. They will be able to search for and interpret scientific information related to bioremediation projects and evaluate their technological, ecological, and societal relevance. Students will gain an overview of current research trends in environmental biotechnology, including the use of genetic engineering, biosensors, and synthetic biology. They will learn to formulate scientific arguments in discussions on the applications of biotechnology and assess the key environmental, ethical, and legal aspects of these technologies.

This course develops competencies in applying biological knowledge to technological processes, teamwork, working with scientific sources, and integrating theoretical understanding with its practical use in environmental protection.

Last update: Maťátková Olga (16.04.2025)
Registration requirements -

Basic knowledge of biology, chemistry, and microbiology at the undergraduate level. Understanding of the principles of cellular and molecular processes and a general awareness of chemical and physical interactions in the environment.

Last update: Maťátková Olga (16.04.2025)
Teaching methods
Activity Credits Hours
Konzultace s vyučujícími 0.3 7
Obhajoba individuálního projektu 0.2 6
Účast na přednáškách 1 28
Práce na individuálním projektu 1 28
Příprava na zkoušku a její absolvování 1 28
Účast na seminářích 0.5 14
4 / 4 111 / 112
Coursework assessment
Form Significance
Defense of an individual project 20
Oral examination 80

 
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