FIELD STUDIES OF PLANETARY MICROBIOLOGY AND LIFE IN THE UNIVERSE

MICROBIO 525

Course Description

Explores the origins, early evolution, and most common traces left by our planet's form of microbial life. Discovery and interpretation of microbial biosignatures in the context of a simulated surface lander mission through travel to field sites. Introduction to microbial biosignatures as inferred through satellite and drone imagery interpretation, portable XRF elemental analysis, UV-VIS-IR spectrophotometry, body and trace fossil analysis and interpretation, and metagenome sequencing. Explore evidence and methods of detection of life on other planets.

Prerequisties

MICROBIO 520 or graduate/professional standing

Satisfies

This course does not satisfy any prerequisites.

Credits

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Offered

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Grade Point Average

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A Rate

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Class Size

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Instructors (2025 Fall)

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