Παρουσίαση/Προβολή

 Τhe course focuses on the modern interdisciplinary field of Geobiology/Geomicrobiology, that investigates the interaction and the parallel trajectory of evolution of the geosphere and the biosphere, and especially the intersection of Geology and Microbiology, namely the impact of microbes in geological and geochemical  processes and vice versa.

Special focus is given to: The definition of geobiology and geomicrobiology. Overview of the role of microbial and bacterial processes in geological and geochemical processes. Microbial processes with geochemical/geoenvironmental importance. Bacteria and Metallogeny: A) Bacteria and liberation of metals from minerals and rocks, B) Ore minerals as source of energy for bacterial processes, C) The role of bacteria in the direct deposition and concentration of metals in minerals. Examples from different types of deposits in terrestrial and submarine environments. Environmental applications in bioremediation methods.

At the end of the course the student should have acquired:

The ability to understand the subjects of biological processes (e.g., bacterial metabolism) that are connected with redox reactions with carbon, sulfur, nitrogen and different metals (e.g., iron, manganese, gold etc.), from the appearance of life on Earth until today, and the impact of bacteria in the concentration of metals in economic deposits.   

Fundamental knowledge and skills for the research of biogenic ore and gangue minerals.

Knowledge of combined basic interdisciplinary mineralogical/mineral chemical, geochemical and microbiological methods of research for the determination of biogenic mineral-bearing precious and critical metals. 

Although there are no prerequisite course(s), students are advised to have successfully attended the following undergraduate courses, or have acquired equivalent knowledge, before enrolling into ΟΠΠ-Ε19: “Geology of Ore Deposits and Ore Forming Processes”, “Mineralogy”, “Geochemistry”, “Introduction to Microbiology”.