Information Package / Course Catalogue
Introduction to Soil Microbiology
Course Code: TBB203
Course Type: Area Elective
Couse Group: First Cycle (Bachelor's Degree)
Education Language: Turkish
Work Placement: N/A
Theory: 2
Prt.: 2
Credit: 3
Lab: 0
ECTS: 4
Objectives of the Course

The aim of this course is to teach the students the classification of bacteria, the anatomical structure and physiological characteristics of bacteria. To recognize the microorganisms and their functions in soil, to understand the relationships between these organisms with soil management, agricultural production, physical, chemical properties and soil quality of soil. To understand the applications of the methods to be used in laboratory studies for the purpose of microbiological analysis of soils, to gain experience and skills for future courses and studies.

Course Content

History of general microbiology and soil microbiology, classification of microorganisms and naming of bacteria, morphological characteristics of bacteria, anatomical structures and chemical structure of bacteria, bacterial enzymes, growth of bacteria and factors affecting reproduction. Classification of soil organisms, ecology, counting methods, cultural practices, their impact on soil fertility.

Name of Lecturer(s)
Lec. Selçuk GÖÇMEZ
Learning Outcomes
1.Teaching the history of microbiology
2.Teaching the classification of bacteria
3.Teaching disinfection and sterilization
4.To understand the types, functions and importance of soil microorganisms
5.To be able to comprehend microbiological analysis of soil
Recommended or Required Reading
1.Temel Mikrobiyoloji, Arda,M., Medisan Yayınları Seri No:25
2.Genel Mikrobiyoloji , Arda,M., A.Ü. Veteriner Fakültesi
3.Toprak Mikrobiyolojisi. Çengel, M., 2009. E.Ü. Z.F. Yayınları No.558.
4.Toprak Biyolojisi. Haktanır, K., Arcak, S., 1997. A.Ü. Z.F. Yayınları No. 1486
5.Introduction to soil microbiology, Alexander, M., 1977., 2nd ed. John Wiley & Sons, Inc., New York.
6.Laboratory Exercises in Microbiology, Pelczar, M.J., 1965,
7.Mikrobiyolojide Sayım Yöntemleri, Gürgün V., Halkman K., 1990,
8.Introduction to soil microbiology, Alexander, M., 1977., 2nd ed. John Wiley & Sons, Inc., New York.
Weekly Detailed Course Contents
Week 1 - Theoretical
History of microbiology and classification of bacteria
Week 1 - Practice
Introduction of soil microbiology laboratories
Week 2 - Theoretical
Introduction to soil biology and its historical development
Week 2 - Practice
Sterile working conditions in the laboratory
Week 3 - Theoretical
Nomenclature of bacteria, Morphology of bacteria
Week 3 - Practice
Dilution and inoculation of soil and water samples
Week 4 - Theoretical
Gram (+) bacteria, Cocci Micrococcus, Diplococcus, Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, Tetracoccus, Sarsina
Week 4 - Practice
Sterilization techniques of nutrient media, dilution techniques of samples with Koch method
Week 5 - Theoretical
Gram (-) bacteria, Bacilli
Week 5 - Practice
Culturing and purification methods of microorganisms
Week 6 - Theoretical
Classification of soil microorganisms
Week 6 - Practice
Culturing and purification methods of microorganisms
Week 7 - Theoretical
Counting methods of soil microorganisms
Week 7 - Practice
Colony counting method and evaluation
Week 8 - Theoretical
Colony counting method and evaluation
Week 8 - Practice
Microscopic counting methods and preparation staining techniques
Week 9 - Theoretical
Determination of soil microbial activity
Week 9 - Practice
Microscopic counting methods and preparation staining techniques
Week 10 - Theoretical
Ecology of soil microorganisms
Week 10 - Practice
Microscopic counting methods and preparation staining techniques
Week 11 - Theoretical
Ecology of soil microorganisms
Week 11 - Practice
Sterilization techniques of nutrient media, dilution techniques of samples with Koch method
Week 12 - Theoretical
Forms of soil management effective on soil microorganisms
Week 12 - Practice
Sterilization techniques of nutrient media, dilution techniques of samples with Koch method
Week 13 - Theoretical
Forms of soil management effective on soil microorganisms
Week 13 - Practice
Isolation of aerobic cellulose-degrading bacteria and EMS (Most Probable Number) method
Week 14 - Theoretical
Relationships between soil microorganisms and soil fertility
Week 14 - Practice
Analysis of soil respiration (CO2)
Assessment Methods and Criteria
Type of AssessmentCountPercent
Midterm Examination1%40
Final Examination1%60
Workload Calculation
ActivitiesCountPreparationTimeTotal Work Load (hours)
Lecture - Theory140228
Lecture - Practice140228
Midterm Examination102020
Final Examination102424
TOTAL WORKLOAD (hours)100
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
3
3
3
1
1
4
1
1
1
5
1
OÇ-2
2
2
2
1
1
4
1
1
1
5
1
OÇ-3
2
2
2
1
1
4
1
1
1
5
1
OÇ-4
2
2
2
1
1
4
1
1
1
5
1
OÇ-5
2
2
2
1
1
4
1
1
1
5
1
Adnan Menderes University - Information Package / Course Catalogue
2026