Biology 407
BIOL 407: Microbial Ecology
Prerequisites: A grade of "C" or better in BIOL 131, BIOL 132, BIOL 231, and BIOL 232. Students not majoring in Biology may take the course with permission of the isntructor.
Credit hours (4)
Three hours lecture; three hours laboratory
BIOL 407 emphasizes interactions between microbial populations and their environments. Topics will encompass a broad range of eco system level interactions including, but not limited to, global nutrient cycling, the human microbiome, and the importance of microbial ecosystems in industrial, environmental, and medical applications. Presentation, writing, and discussion of primary literature will be emphasized. Laboratory exercises will introduce aseptic and culturing techniques and will include physiological and molecular investigations of microbial ecosystems, with an emphasis on laboratory technique and fieldwork.
Detailed Description of Course
1) Introduction to microbial ecology
a. History
b. Scope
c. Relationship to macroecology
2) Microbial morphology and diversity of microorganisms
a. Bacteria
b. Archaea
c. Viruses
d. Fungi
e. Protists
f. Staining and isolation techniques
3) Microbial physiology and cellular associations
a. Environmental factors influencing growth
b. Genetics
c. Biochemistry
d. Culturing techniques
4) Explorations of microbial habitats
a. Aquatic
b. Soil
c. Rock and subsurface
d. Atmospheric
e. Boundary interactions
5) Tools of microbial ecology: design, execution, collection, analysis
a. Aseptic technique
b. Dilution series
c. Physiological Assays
d. Molecular techniques
e. Microscopy
f. Field and laboratory techniques
6) Interactions
a. Microbe-microbe
b. Microbe-plant
c. Microbe-animal
7) Ecology of microbial ecosystems
a. Community ecology
b. Population ecology
8) Microbial contributions
a. Biogeochemical cycles
b. Biomineralization and weathering
c. Decomposition
9) Bioremediation
a. Microbial solutions
b. Genteic engineering
c. Design and implementation
Detailed Description of Conduct of Course
Biol 407 may include lecture and integrated field and laboratory experiences. During lecture, students will be introduced to topics through texts, primary and secondary literature, class and small group discussions and activities, student presentations, laboratory activities, and field trips. In the laboratory, students will be introduced to basic microbial techniques, spend time in the field exploring microbial habitats, and engage in student driven and real world research. The scientific method will be thoroughly utilized in the laboratory. Independent and group laboratory projects may be required including a broad range of techinques, tracking using laboratory notebooks, and presentation of final results at the end of each semester in the style of oral and/or written scientific publications.
Goals and Objectives of the Course
Having successfully completed this course the student will be able to:
1) Describe major clades of microorganisms found in each of the three domains of life and explain their basic morphology and physiology
2) Explain the influences of environmental factors on microbial physiology and evolution using basic principles of biochemistry and genetics
3) Explain the ecology of microbial communities and populations in a variety of habitat types
4) Describe governing characteristics of microbial interactions with other microorganisms, plants, and animals
5) Recognize contributions of microorganisms to chemical processes of interests globally and economically
6) Describe the concept of bioremediation and basic principles governing the application of microorganisms in bioremediation efforts
7) Use and/or describe the use of a variety of laboratory, field, and data analysis techniques applicable to microbial ecology
8) Read, evaluate, and communicate primary literature
9) Conceptualize and design experiments to investigate microbial ecology in the field and laboratory with an emphasis on proper controls and preventing contamination
10) Present experimental results in meaningful context
Assessment Measures
Assessment of student udnerstanding and application of lecture and laboratory material may include but are not lmited to written and oral presentations, participation and examination. Presentations may be evaluated by peers and professor. Other assessment measure may be used to evaluate understanding of content and skills as appropriate.
Other Course Information
None
Review and Approval
April 13, 2017
June 20, 2015
2012
March 18, 2005