Microbial Diversity and the Environment

This is a lecture and discussion based course that focuses on the role of microbes in biological, geological, and environmental processes. This includes: introductory concepts, origins of life, bacterial evolution, role in climate change, metabolic diversity of biogeochemical cycles, microbial communities and interactions, habitat specific examples, and applications in the environment and human health. Recommended background courses: BIOL 0200 , CHEM 0330 and an intermediate science course (e.g., BIOL 0280 , GEOL 0240, or ENVS 0490 ).