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

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.

ASTRON/GEOSCI 160

An examination of the origin and evolution of life in the universe based on our knowledge of astronomy, biology, and geology. Includes discussions on the search for extraterrestrial life and the history of life in our solar system.

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 525

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.