The module of General and Environmental Microbiology aims to provide the basic principles of the structure, function and evolution of microbial cells, with particular regard to bacteria. The knowledge and skills acquired in this module will represent a reference framework for understanding the role of microorganisms in natural and anthropic environments and for the study of the biotechnological applications of microorganisms for environmental protection and sustainability. The module aims at the acquisition of Cultural Competences, i.e. basic knowledge, on (i) the structural, functional and metabolic diversity present in the microbial world, (ii) the mechanisms responsible for the structure and the functioning of bacterial cells, (iii) the processes driving the evolution of bacterial species, (iv) the structure, diversity and life cycles of viruses, (v) the methods and approaches for the study of microbial communities, (vi) the role and effects of microorganisms in the environment. The module also aims at the acquisition of Methodological Competences, i.e. the understanding, through both theoretical lessons and practical activities, of the scientific bases and methodological approaches for the study of bacteria in natural environments and in the laboratory, and for the characterization of complex microbial populations by culture and molecular techniques. A further aim is also the acquisition of the ability to interpret microbiological data and analyse the scientific literature to obtain information on the structure and function of microorganisms, with the final goal to understand natural or artificial events involving microorganisms.