Microbes and the Human Environment

Catalog description

The Earth is a microbial planet. Most life on earth is microbial: bacteria, fungi, single-celled algae. Microbes control the climate and drive ecosystems. They also control human society: disease, enabling agriculture, and producing valued materials. Course will involve modules exploring how microorganisms influence the human environment: Microbes in the Earth System, Agriculture, Industry, and Disease. In each module, we will explore important current news stories and develop some of the essential background science.