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PLANETARY MICROBIOLOGY: WHAT LIFE HERE TELLS US ABOUT LIFE OUT THERE

MICROBIO 520
Course Description

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.

Prerequisties

MICROBIO 101 or MICROBIO 303 or graduate/professional standing

Satisfies
Credits

Not Reported

Offered

Not Reported

Grade Point Average
3.84

0.36% from Historical

Completion Rate
96%

-1.87% from Historical

A Rate
96%

0.36% from Historical

Class Size
25

8.7% from Historical

Instructors (2025 Fall)

Sorted by ratings from Rate My Professors

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