The course includes a preparatory meeting of lectures, introduction to projects and information for “journal clubs”. The meeting will take place on Sunday March 1, 2026, 09:00-18:00 at Tel Aviv University. Participation in the meeting is obligatory.
10 days at Eilat with emphasis on group projects as well as lectures on selected topics, research cruises, tours and "journal clubs".
A summary meeting at one of the universities in the center of the country to present data and conclusions and submit projects’ reports.
Marine microbiology is a major topic in oceanography and marine biology. Microorganisms (bacteria, algae, phages, protists) make up most of the biomass at sea, activate geochemical cycles, are major prey in the open water and sea floor food webs, are involved in the bleaching process, and have symbiotic relationships with animals.
The course provides the tools for understanding the status of the micro world in the macro world:
Methods for sampling, isolation and enrichment, identification and quantification of microorganisms; Various environments such as open water, hypersaline pools and microbial mats; Use of molecular tools for characterizing populations and determining their physiological state; Oceanographic processes, primary and secondary production; Regulation of microbial physiology and adaptation to environmental stresses; Relation with global changes and human impact on marine systems.
Prerequisite
At least one course in microbiology or marine science, such as: microbiology advanced level, microbial ecology, environmental microbiology, introduction to marine science, the marine system of the Red Sea.
The grade structure
The course grade will be based on:
Journal club presentation (30%)
Evaluation on the work on the research project (35%)
Presentation of the project results and the final report on the project (35%). The report is submitted at the summary meeting that will be held after the completion of the course in coordination with the students.
Audience
The course is limited to 18 graduate students.
Language
The language of instruction is English and all the course assignments will be done in English.