In order to obtain maximal credits (6 points), course participants are expected to

• actively participate in all aspects of the course (lectures, exercises, field investigations and labs),

• show that they are able to work up the Reading Assignments,

• deliver a written report describing the outcome of their research project(s), For comparison you might consult reports from past courses.

• prove their skills in solving the problems offered as exercises,

• presenting the essence of 2 scientific papers related to the student's field of interest in microbial evolution and ecology in English and being able to respond to questions related to it,

• present their research findings at the Minisymposium and if selected at the 64th Annual Assembly of the Swiss Society for Microbiology at Geneva (March 31 - April 1, 2005.