CEE 6580 - [Biodegradation and Biocatalysis]

Spring (offered alternate years). Next Offered: 2019-2020. 3 credits. Student option grading.

Prerequisite: CEE 4510 or BIOMI 2900 or equivalent; CEE 3510 or CHEME 3900 or permission of instructor.

R.E. Richardson.

Students explore the use of microbes in biodegradation and biocatalysis as well as the molecular techniques (i.e., analysis of DNA, RNA, and proteins) commonly used in these applications. Lectures cover enzyme classes and kinetics, selective isolation of organisms with desired bioconversion capabilities, effects of environmental parameters on gene expression and cell-to-cell communication methods in microbial molecular biology, and contemporary case studies in biodegradation, biotechnology, and biocatalysis. Some sessions give students hands-on experience in molecular, microbiological and analytical methods.