Microbes and the Environment

4 units

From the origins of life to global biogeochemical cycling. An examination of microbes (archaea, bacteria, fungi, yeasts, protist and viruses) in the vast array of environments in which they occur, from wetlands and lake sediments, aquifers and deep crustal settings, to polar ice and desert surfaces. Emphasis on the roles that microbes play in biogeochemical cycles, redox processes, contaminant mobility, biodegradation, and ecosystem productivity. The emphasis will be placed on case studies and students will be expected to participate in-class discussions. Organic Chemistry strongly recommended. (Biology Major Area C)