ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY

GEOSCI 117

Explores the diversity of microbial life forms in modern and ancient geological environments, with a focus on extreme environments of geological origin or relevance. Includes exploration of unusual aspects of microbial life in everyday settings.

MICROBIO/SOILSCI 523

Transformations of nutrients and contaminants in soils and groundwater by microorganisms: emphasis on enzymatic mechanisms and metabolic pathways. Approaches for analyzing microbial populations and activities including molecular techniques. Applications of microbial activities for bioremediation of contaminated soils and groundwater. Students should have completed one course in either Soil Science or Microbiology to feel comfortable with the course content.

SOILSCI 323

Nature, activities and role of organisms inhabiting soil. Effects of soil biota on ecosystem function, response to cultural practices, and impacts on environmental quality, including bioremediation of contaminated soils.

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.

MICROBIO 100

Primarily for non-science majors. Roles of microorganisms and viruses in nature, health, agriculture, pollution control and ecology. Principles of disease production, epidemiology and body defense mechanisms. Biotechnology and the genetic engineering revolution.