ENVIRONMENTAL BIOLOGY FOR ENGINEERS

Catalog description

This course is an introduction to fundamental aspects of microbiology pertinent to Earth systems, an understanding of living cell structure bioenergetics and metabolism and microbial genetics is applied to topics pertinent to environmental issues, such as: bioenergy; bioremediation; carbon, nitrogen and sulfur cycles; microbial ecology; disease and immunity; and molecular microbiology. This course will explore the use of microbes in biodegeneration and as biocatalysts, as well as the molecular techniques used in these applications. Additionally, impacts of biogeochemical interfaces will be explored including, but not limited to nutrient cycling and limitation, biological redox processes, bio-active metals, controls of atmospheric carbon dioxide, carbon cycle models and others. Laboratory session give student hands-on experience in analytical and molecular methods. Prerequisites: CHEM1100 and ENGR1000 (4 credits)