The teaching methodology includes three types of activities, which have been programmed in an integrated way so that at the end the student acquires the skills indicated in this guide.

Theory block

Expositive theoretical lectures will be given where the basic contents of the module will be explained.

Specialized Seminars

There will also be seminars, given by experts in the different fields of environmental microbiology.

Block of practical classes

It includes:

Experimental laboratory practices: different sessions will be held on high resolution microscopy techniques, both optical and electronic, to determine changes in biodiversity and the uptake of metals by microorganisms in bioreparation processes of contaminated environments.

Classroom practices:There will be several sessions on experimental design for environmental sampling and characterization of microbial diversity in environmental samples, as well as various classes in which different real or hypothetical environmental problems will be solved. An ABP (problem-based learning) methodology will be used, in which students will address the cases raised by working in small groups in the classroom.

Finally, there will be different oral presentations in class to solve the problems posed.

Computer practices: several sessions will be held in the computer room to introduce the student in the treatment and computer analysis of molecular data to study the diversity of microbial communities and the changes they experience in response to different environmental factors or human performances. The following aspects will be addressed:

1. Selection of primers by an in silico study to carry out a study ofmicrobial diversity of a given environment.

2. Statistical analysis of genetic profiles obtained through fingerprinting techniques.

3. Detection of diversity indexes based on the genetic profile of the microbial community.

4. Edition of sequences and determination of their phylogenetic affiliation.

In these practical activities the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is permitted but in a restricted manner. Therefore, for this subject, the use of AI technologies is allowed exclusively in support tasks, such as bibliographic or information searches, text correction or translations. The student must clearly identify which parts have been generated with this technology, specify the tools used and include a critical reflection on how these have influenced the process and the final result of the activity. The absence of transparency in the use of AI in this assessable activity will be considered a lack of academic honesty and may lead to a partial or total penalty in the grade of the activity, or greater sanctions in serious cases.

Continuous evaluation

The specific and transversal skills will be evaluated through different activities:

1. Written test (40%): There will be a written examination of the theoretical-practical contents. This exam will include short questions and / or test questions.

2. Assessment of the block of practical classes (60%). Laboratory and classroom work, as well as the resolution of the exercises raised during practices accomplishment, will be assessed.

Final considerations:

Practical classes are not eligible for the retake process. Students who do not pass the theoretical-practical assessment will be able to retake it on the date scheduled for that purpose. To be eligible for the retake process, the student should have been previously evaluated in a set of activities equaling at least two thirds of the final score of the course. Thus, the student will be graded as "No Avaluable" if the weighthin of all conducted evaluation activities is less than 67% of the final score.

In order to pass the subject it is mandatory to attend all theoretical and practical classes, as well as oral defense sessions of case studies.

Any irregularity in an assessment act (academic fraud, plagiarism or improper use of AI, unless this use is expressly authorized in the teaching guide), which may lead to a significant variation in the grade, means that this act will be graded with a 0. In the event that the teaching guide provides that in order to pass the subject it is an essential requirement to have obtained a minimum grade in this assessment act or that several irregularities occur in the assessment acts of the same subject, the final grade for this subject is 0. Apart from this, a disciplinary process may be initiated against the student who incurs any of these irregularities.

Single evaluation

The single evaluation consists of a single synthesis test in which the theoretical and practical contents of the subject will be evaluated. The test will consist of short-answer questions aimed at assessing whether the conceptual objectives of the subject have been achieved, as well as multiple-choice and/or true/false test-type questions. The grade obtained in this summary test will account for 40% of the final grade for the subject. The single assessment will be done on the same day as the written exam of the subject.

The evaluation of the module of practical classes (classroom and laboratory) will follow the same process as the continuous evaluation. The obtained grade will account for 60% of the final mark of the subject. The practical module attendance is compulsory at all sessions.