BIOMI 3970 - Environmental Microbiology: Evolution, Biogeochemistry, Microbial Ecology

(PBS-AS, BIO-AS)

Fall. 3 credits. Letter grades only.

Prerequisite: BIOMI 2900. Recommended prerequisite: BIOEE 1610 and NTRES 3030, or permission of instructor.

Staff.

This course is aimed at students in biological and environmental majors. It will build on and integrate students’ prior experiences in biology, chemistry, ecology, physiology, genomics, and microbiology. The course addresses the functional roles and evolution of microorganisms in ecologically and environmentally significant processes in relation to past and present environmental conditions on Earth.

Outcome 1: Students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of what microorganisms are and what drives their metabolic activities (energetically, physiologically, evolutionarily).

Outcome 2: Students will understand the diversity of microorganisms: from viruses to Bacteria, Archaea, and eukaryotic microorganisms, in terrestrial, freshwater and marine ecosystems.

Outcome 3: Students will be able to recognize how evolution (via selective pressures and global habitat diversity) has led to microbial diversity.

Outcome 4: Students will learn how to predict the functional roles of microorganisms in processes that maintain the biosphere’s ecosystems, waters, soils, sediments, and atmosphere.

Outcome 5: Students will become acquainted with the primary scientific literature contributing to environmental microbiology.

Outcome 6: Students will be able to critically evaluate, through oral discussion and written-essay preparation, recent advancements in environmental microbiology and in related biotechnologies.

Outcome 7: Students will understand the roles of microorganisms in ecosystem sustainability, and how microorganisms may be harnessed, via biotechnology, to ameliorate anthropogenic problems pertinent to ecosystem management, wastewater treatment, bioremediation, and public health issues.