EX-FILES: LIFE IN THE EARTH'S EXTREME ENVIRONMENT

MICROBIO 520

Connects the molecular underpinnings of life with corresponding planetary scale changes in geochemistry. Focuses on the dynamics between life and environment over planet Earth's history from a microbial and molecular perspective, including the origins of life, and emergence of essential metabolisms and their evolution across billions of years of planetary evolution. Discusses how innovations such as translation machinery and carbon and nitrogen fixation were impacted by significant changes in the environment. Examines how understanding the origins of life on Earth may allow for the recognition of life elsewhere in the universe by exploring, assessing, and discussing various signs of life and the processes that expands life to planetary scale.

MICROBIO/SOILSCI 425

Microbial interactions in soils, water, extreme environments and biofilms. Modern methods for studying microbial ecology. role of microbes in nutrient cycles and biogeochemistry. Use of microbes for mitigating manmade environmental problems of industrial, agricultural, and domestic origin.

GEOSCI 304

An integrative approach to studying the interaction between the atmosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, and geosphere as they have evolved during earth history. Overarching theme includes ocean-climate system changes, biogeochemical cycles, evolution from microbes to mammals, and critical events in life history.

CIVENGR 425

Microbial interactions in soils, water, extreme environments and biofilms. Modern methods for studying microbial ecology. Role of microbes in nutrient cycles and biogeochemistry. Use of microbes for mitigating human-made environmental problems of industrial, agricultural, and domestic origin. Emphasis on engineered systems.

GEOSCI 110

Contemporary views of the origin and diversification of life and evolutionary processes; crises in the history of life, with emphasis on controversies regarding evolution, mass extinctions, and the co-evolution of Earth and life.