Information Package / Course Catalogue
Soil Microbiology and Biochemistry
Course Code: TBB405
Course Type: Required
Couse Group: First Cycle (Bachelor's Degree)
Education Language: Turkish
Work Placement: N/A
Theory: 2
Prt.: 2
Credit: 3
Lab: 0
ECTS: 5
Objectives of the Course

The aim of this course is to teach to students defining soil microorganisms and functions, understanding relationships between soil microorganisms and soil management, agricultural production, physical, chemical properties of soil and soil quality.

Course Content

The classification of soil microorganisms, their ecology, counting methods of soil microorganisms, the effects of soil management, the relationships with soil fertility, biochemical reactions realized by soil microorganisms, biological dinitrogen fixation, transformations of some trace elements.

Name of Lecturer(s)
Learning Outcomes
1.The diversity, functions, and significance of soil microorganisms are defined.
2.A correlation is established between soil fertility and soil microbial activity.
3.Practices aimed at enhancing soil microbial activity are listed.
4.A distinction is made between the contributions of soil microorganisms to the soil and to the wider environment.
5.Capable of conducting soil microbiological analyses and evaluating the results.
Recommended or Required Reading
1.Toprak Mikrobiyolojisi. Çengel, M., 2009. E.Ü. Z.F. Yayınları No.558.
2.Toprak Biyolojisi. Haktanır, K., Arcak, S., 1997. A.Ü. Z.F. Yayınları No. 1486.
3.Methods in Soil Biology. Schinner, F., Ohlinger, R., Kandeler, E. and Margesin, R., 1995. Berlin: Springer- Verlag, p. 189 – 191.
4.Modern Soil Microbiology, Elsas, J.D., Trevors, J.T., Wllington, E.M.H., 1997. Marcel Dekker, Inc.
5.Principles and Applications of Soil Microbiology, Sylvia, D.M.
6.Genel Mikrobiyoloji ve Laboratuvar Kılavuzu; Güven, S.; Zorba, N.; 2013: Nobel Akademik Yayıncılık, ANKARA
7.Brock Mikroorganizma Biyolojisi (11. Baskıdan Çeviri); Çökmüş, C, 2012:, Palme yayıncılık, ANKARA
Weekly Detailed Course Contents
Week 1 - Theoretical
Introduction and historical perspective.
Week 1 - Practice
Presentation of soil microbiology laboratory.
Week 2 - Theoretical
Counting methods of soil microorganisms.
Week 2 - Practice
Working conditions in soil microbiology laboratory.
Week 3 - Theoretical
Estimating soil microbial activity.
Week 3 - Practice
Dilution and inoculation of soil and water samples.
Week 4 - Theoretical
Classification of soil microorganisms.
Week 4 - Practice
Enrichment cultures of soil microorganisms.
Week 5 - Theoretical
Ecology of soil microorganisms.
Week 5 - Practice
Colony counting and calculation.
Week 6 - Theoretical
Effects of soil management on soil microorganisms.
Week 6 - Practice
Microscopic count methods and staining preparation.
Week 7 - Theoretical
Relationships between soil microorganisms and soil fertility
Week 7 - Practice
Isolation of aerob cellulose bacteria and The most probable number (MPN) method.
Week 8 - Theoretical
Soil organic matter formation.
Week 8 - Practice
Soil respiration, evaluation and calculation of results
Week 9 - Theoretical
Transformations of carbon.
Week 9 - Practice
Enzyme analysis (DHG Enzy Act.).
Week 10 - Theoretical
Transformations of nitrogen.
Week 10 - Practice
Enzyme analysis (Urease Enzy. Act).
Week 11 - Theoretical
Biological nitrogen fixation.
Week 11 - Practice
Isolation of Rhizobium bacteria, identification under the microscope, biological fertilizers.
Week 12 - Theoretical
Transformations of sulfur.
Week 12 - Practice
Enzyme analysis (Phosphatase E.A.).
Week 13 - Theoretical
Transformations of sulfur.
Week 13 - Practice
Enzyme analysis - 4 (Arilsulfatase Enzyme Act.).
Week 14 - Theoretical
Bioremediations.
Week 14 - Practice
Enzyme analysis (Catalase E.A.).
Assessment Methods and Criteria
Type of AssessmentCountPercent
Assignment1%5
Quiz1%5
Midterm Examination1%30
Final Examination1%60
Workload Calculation
ActivitiesCountPreparationTimeTotal Work Load (hours)
Lecture - Theory142256
Lecture - Practice142256
Midterm Examination1617
Final Examination1516
TOTAL WORKLOAD (hours)125
Contribution of Learning Outcomes to Programme Outcomes
PÇ-1
PÇ-2
PÇ-3
PÇ-4
PÇ-5
PÇ-6
PÇ-7
PÇ-8
PÇ-9
PÇ-10
PÇ-11
OÇ-1
4
2
1
2
2
3
2
3
OÇ-2
4
4
2
2
3
2
3
3
2
5
OÇ-3
5
5
2
4
4
3
3
3
2
5
OÇ-4
3
4
4
3
3
2
3
3
4
3
5
OÇ-5
4
4
5
4
4
2
3
4
4
3
5
Adnan Menderes University - Information Package / Course Catalogue
2026