Universität Wien

300122 VO Biology and Evolution of Archaea (2025W)

Archaea evolution, genetics, cell biology, ecology and biotechnology

3.00 ECTS (2.00 SWS), SPL 30 - Biologie
Moodle
Fr 19.12. 13:15-14:45 Seminarraum 1.5, Biologie Djerassiplatz 1, 1.012, Ebene 1

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Details

Language: English

Examination dates

Lecturers

Classes (iCal) - next class is marked with N

  • Friday 10.10. 13:15 - 14:45 Seminarraum 1.5, Biologie Djerassiplatz 1, 1.012, Ebene 1
  • Friday 17.10. 13:15 - 14:45 Seminarraum 1.5, Biologie Djerassiplatz 1, 1.012, Ebene 1
  • Friday 24.10. 13:15 - 14:45 Seminarraum 1.5, Biologie Djerassiplatz 1, 1.012, Ebene 1
  • Friday 31.10. 13:15 - 14:45 Seminarraum 1.5, Biologie Djerassiplatz 1, 1.012, Ebene 1
  • Friday 07.11. 13:15 - 14:45 Seminarraum 1.5, Biologie Djerassiplatz 1, 1.012, Ebene 1
  • Friday 14.11. 13:15 - 14:45 Seminarraum 1.5, Biologie Djerassiplatz 1, 1.012, Ebene 1
  • Friday 21.11. 13:15 - 14:45 Seminarraum 1.5, Biologie Djerassiplatz 1, 1.012, Ebene 1
  • Friday 28.11. 13:15 - 14:45 Seminarraum 1.5, Biologie Djerassiplatz 1, 1.012, Ebene 1
  • Friday 05.12. 13:15 - 14:45 Seminarraum 1.5, Biologie Djerassiplatz 1, 1.012, Ebene 1
  • Friday 12.12. 13:15 - 14:45 Seminarraum 1.5, Biologie Djerassiplatz 1, 1.012, Ebene 1
  • Friday 09.01. 13:15 - 14:45 Seminarraum 1.5, Biologie Djerassiplatz 1, 1.012, Ebene 1
  • Friday 16.01. 13:15 - 14:45 Seminarraum 1.5, Biologie Djerassiplatz 1, 1.012, Ebene 1
  • Friday 23.01. 13:15 - 14:45 Seminarraum 1.5, Biologie Djerassiplatz 1, 1.012, Ebene 1
  • Friday 30.01. 13:15 - 14:45 Seminarraum 1.5, Biologie Djerassiplatz 1, 1.012, Ebene 1

Information

Aims, contents and method of the course

The Archaea are a group of organisms clearly distinguishable from the domains of the Bacteria and the Eukarya. Since their recognition as a separate domain of life, the Archaea have played a crucial part in models of the early evolution of cellular life forms, giving rise to a number of different models of the course of evolution on Earth.
In particular, their information processing systems (transcription, replication, etc) exhibit striking similarity to that of Eukaryotes. Novel findings, such as the discovery of Asgardarchaea and DPANN (Diapherotrites, Parvarchaeota, Aenigmarchaeota, Nanoarchaeota und Nanohaloarchaeota) show that Archaea have further surprises in store in both ecological and evolutionary aspects.
Further, many archaeal species are prevalent in extreme environments and hold a number of the records for growth and survival under many ecological extremes. In addition, at least two lineages of Archaea are widely distributed in moderate environments and play crucial roles in global biogeochemical cycles and in greenhouse gas emissions.
This lecture series deals with the ecological, cellular, molecular biological, physiological, and evolutionary aspects of the most important Archaea.
The lectures will be held in English.
1 Introduction Christa Schleper 10.10.2025
Block 1:
2 Extremophiles Christa Schleper 17.10.2025
3 Archaeal Cell division Nika Pende 24.10.2025
4 Archaeal Chromatin Nika Pende 07.11.2025
5 Virus and defense systems Isa Zink 14.11.2025
Block 2
6 Ammonia oxidizers Christa Schleper 21.11.2025
7 Sulfur metabolism Filipa Sousa 28.11.2025
8 Methanogens Simon Rittmann 05.12.2025
9 Evolution Filipa Sousa 12.12.2025
Block 3
11 Archaea Biotechnology I Simon Rittmann 9.01.2026
12 Archaea Biotechnology II Simon Rittmann 16.01.2026
NO LECTURE Friday 23. and 30.01.2026

Assessment and permitted materials

Written exam in English.
The exam consists of one open question that needs to be answered in detail. The final grade is the average between the grades given by at least three teachers.
Duration of exam is 90 minutes.
The exams will be on:
14/02/2025
11/04/2025
16/05/2025
13/06/2025

Minimum requirements and assessment criteria

Basic knowledge in microbiology, physiology and genetics is needed.

The exam consists of one open question that needs to be answered in detail. The final grade is the average between the grades given by at least three teachers.
Duration of exam is 90 minutes.

Examination topics

Content of lectures (see Moodle platform)

Reading list

See Moodle platform

Association in the course directory

MEC-9, MES5, MMEI II-2.2, MMB IV., MMIC 4, MMIC 5

Last modified: Tu 11.11.2025 11:47