The practice course „Protozoans" forms part of the extension module „Microbial Diversity" of the master degree course "Environmental Technology". It can be attended also as an optional module by student of other degree courses. The module offers alternately two main topics "Mycology" and "Eukaryotic Diversity". The practice course "Protozoans" is part of the latter one and is accompanied by the lecture course "Diversity of Eukaryotic Microorganisms". The lecture and practice course form a two week block course.

The lecture course offers an overview of the main protozoan groups: amoebae, flagellates and ciliates. It presents the differences and specials in structure and function of these organisms in the environment and in technical systems.

In the practice course, students analyze different samples from municipal waste water treatment plants, biofilms in drinking water installations and in surface water by the use of transmission and phase contrast microscopy. They determine the protozoans with the help of their microscopic characteristics and assess and discuss their relevance in the corresponding systems.

In the practice course, students get the possibility to make videos and pictures of the observed protozoans. The bests from the course you can see here:

• Photos [2]
• Videos [3]

The practice course "Protozoans" takes place in march every year. The preliminary talk takes place at the beginning of the winter semester. If you like to attend the course don't miss the preliminary talk, because number of participants is limited.