Jörn Piel: Catalogue data in Autumn Semester 2021

Name	Prof. Dr. Jörn Piel
Field	Microbial Interactions
Address	Institut für Mikrobiologie ETH Zürich, HCI G 431 Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 1-5/10 8093 Zürich SWITZERLAND
Telephone	+41 44 633 07 55
E-mail	jpiel@micro.biol.ethz.ch
Department	Biology
Relationship	Full Professor

Number	Title	ECTS	Hours	Lecturers
551-0125-00L	Fundamentals of Biology I: From Molecules to the Biochemistry of Cells	6 credits	5G	J. Vorholt-Zambelli, N. Ban, R. Glockshuber, K. Locher, J. Piel
Abstract	The lecture provides an introduction to the basics of biochemistry and molecular biology as well as evolutionary principles. The focus is on bacteria and archaea under consideration of universal concepts.
Learning objective	Introduction to biochemistry, molecular biology and evolutionary principles
Content	The lecture introduces biology as an interdisciplinary science. Links to physics and chemistry will manifest as biological processes that operate within the laws of thermodynamics and are rooted in elements, molecules and chemical reactions. The transition from geochemistry to biochemistry is discussed and considered in relation to the origin of life. Evolutionary principles are introduced and resulting processes are used as a guiding principle. Unifying concepts in biology are presented, including the structure and function of cellular macromolecules and the ways in which hereditary information is encoded, decoded and replicated. Central principles of universal energy conversion are looked at, starting from redox processes and focusing on bacteria and archaea. Finally, biological processes are put into an ecosystems perspective. The lecture is divided into different sections: 1. Geochemical perspectives on Earth and introduction to evolution 2. Building blocks of life 3. Macromolecules: Proteins 4. Membranes and transport across the plasma membrane 5. Universal mechanisms of inheritance, transcription and translation 6. Reaction Kinetics, binding equilibria and enzymatic catalysis 7. Essentials of Catabolism 8. Essentials of Anabolism 9. Metabolism and biogeochemical cycling of elements
Lecture notes	The newly conceived lecture is supported by scripts.
Literature	The lecture is supported by scripts. The lecture contains elements of "Brock Biology of Microorganisms", Madigan et al. 15th edition, Pearson und "Biochemistry" (Stryer), Berg et al. 9th edition, Macmillan international.
551-0313-00L	Microbiology (Part I)	3 credits	2V	W.‑D. Hardt, L. Eberl, J. Piel, M. Pilhofer
Abstract	Advanced lecture class providing a broad overview on bacterial cell structure, genetics, metabolism, symbiosis and pathogenesis.
Learning objective	This concept class will be based on common concepts and introduce to the enormous diversity among bacteria and archaea. It will cover the current research on bacterial cell structure, genetics, metabolism, symbiosis and pathogenesis.
Content	Advanced class covering the state of the research in bacterial cell structure, genetics, metabolism, symbiosis and pathogenesis.
Lecture notes	Updated handouts will be provided during the class.
Literature	Current literature references will be provided during the lectures.
Prerequisites / Notice	English The lecture "Grundlagen der Biologie II: Mikrobiologie" is the basis for this advanced lecture.
551-1106-00L	Progress Reports in Microbiology and Immunology Students must sign up via secr.micro.biol.ethz.ch	0 credits	5S	J. Piel, W.‑D. Hardt, A. Oxenius, J. Vorholt-Zambelli
Abstract	Presentation and discussion of current research results in the field of Microbiology and Infection Immunology
Learning objective	Precise and transparent presentation of research findings in relation to the current literature, critical discussion of experimental data and their interpretation, development and presentation of future research aims
551-1109-00L	Seminars in Microbiology	0 credits	2K	S. Sunagawa, W.‑D. Hardt, M. Künzler, J. Piel, J. Vorholt-Zambelli
Abstract	Seminars by invited speakers covering selected microbiology themes.
Learning objective	Discussion of selected microbiology themes presented by invited speakers.
551-1147-00L	Bioactive Natural Products from Bacteria Number of participants limited to 8. The enrolment is done by the D-BIOL study administration. General safety regulations for all block courses: The COVID certificate is mandatory at ETH Zurich. Only students who have a Covid certificate, i.e. who have been vaccinated, have recovered or have been tested, are entitled to attend courses in attendance. -Whenever possible the distance rules have to be respected -All students have to wear masks throughout the course. Please keep reserve masks ready. Surgical masks (IIR) or medical grade masks (FFP2) without a valve are permitted. Community masks (fabric masks) are not allowed. -The installation and activation of the Swiss Covid-App is highly encouraged -Any additional rules for individual courses have to be respected -Students showing any COVID-19 symptoms are not allowed to enter ETH buildings and have to inform the course responsible.	6 credits	7P	J. Piel
Abstract	Lab course. In small groups projects of relevance to current research questions in the field of bacterial natural product biosynthesis are addressed.
Learning objective	Introduction to relevant subjects of the secondary metabolism of bacteria. Training in practical work in a research laboratory. Scientific writing in form of a research report.
Content	Research project on bacteria that produce bioactive natural products (e.g., Streptomycetes, Cyanobacteria, uncultivated bacteria). The techniques used will depend on the project, e.g. PCR, cloning, natural product analysis, precursor feeding studies, enzyme expression and analysis.
Lecture notes	none.
Literature	Will be provided for each of the projects at the beginning of the course.