BIO 325 Microbial Diversity

An introduction to the world of microbes, including viruses, archaea and bacteria, and their role in shaping and sustaining life on Earth. Emphases will be placed on structure, metabolism and bioenergetics, physiological and biochemical adaptations to unusual environments, phylogenetic analysis, biotechnology, microbial ecology, and biological interactions, including plant and animal symbioses. Laboratory exercises will include an exploration of microscopy, cultivation, biochemical techniques, and molecular tools for studying microorganisms. Includes one three-hour laboratory per week.