Microbial Ecology

Microorganisms represent the largest uncharacterized portion of life on Earth.  Bacteria, protists, algae and fungi are often difficult to see in the environment, but comprise the majority of biodiversity.  The unique metabolic capabilities of the bacteria and archaea greatly impact the composition of our soil, air, water and rocks and play key roles in biogeochemical and nutrient cycles.  This course will focus on current understanding of the diversity of microbes and their roles in the environment. Readings will include analysis and interpretation of biogeochemical data as well as metagenomic and other molecular data. The ecology of microbial communities living symbiotically on and in animals will also be considered.  This course will fulfill the biodiversity requirement of the Conservation Biology major.  Prerequisites: BIOL 101 and 102.