Applied and Environmental Microbiology.

Catalog description

Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: BIOL 152 , BIOZ 152 and BIOL 300 , each with a minimum grade of C. Introduction to the diversity of microorganisms in natural environments and the ways they can be manipulated and controlled for human advantage. Students gain foundational knowledge of microbial energetics, growth and community dynamics, which is then applied to understanding microbial roles in biogeochemical cycling, climate change, agriculture, public health, wastewater treatment and landfills. The course also covers applied topics such as biotechnology, pollution control and food production.