BIOL 407: Microbial Ecology
Prerequisites: A grade of "C" or better in either of the following sequences: BIOL 132 and BIOL 231; or BIOL 111, BIOL 112, BIOL 230 or BIOL 334 and CHEM 112. Students not majoring in Biology may take the course with permission of the instructor.
Credit hours (4)
Three hours lecture; three hours laboratory
BIOL 407 emphasizes interactions between microbial populations and their environments.
Topics will encompass a broad range of eco system level interactions including, but
not limited to, global nutrient cycling, the human microbiome, and the importance
of microbial ecosystems in industrial, environmental, and medical applications. Presentation,
writing, and discussion of primary literature will be emphasized. Laboratory exercises
will introduce aseptic and culturing techniques and will include physiological and
molecular investigations of microbial ecosystems, with an emphasis on laboratory technique
and fieldwork. All students with interests in medical, industrial, or environmental
fields will benefit from this course.
Detailed Description of Course
May include the following though areas of emphasis changes based on faculty expertise are common.
Detailed Description of Conduct of Course
Three hours lecture; three hours laboratory.
This course investigates the distribution and abundance of microbial species, and emphasizes interactions between microbial populations and their respective environments. Inquiry may include interactions between the fields of biology, chemistry, and physics and will encompass a broad range of ecosystem level interactions including but not limited to global nutrient cycling, the human microbiome, and the importance of microcosms as they relate to industrial, environmental, and pathogenic systems. Emphasis in lecture will be placed on primary literature and student engagement through written and oral communication.
Laboratory exercises will include aseptic and culturing techniques and encompass physiological and molecular investigations of microbial ecosystems, with an emphasis on laboratory technique and fieldwork. Projects may include but are not limited to student-driven and real-world research.
This course will include lecture and integrated field and laboratory experiences. During lecture students will be introduced to topics through texts, primary and secondary literature, class and small group discussions and activities, student presentations, laboratory activities, and field trips. In the laboratory students will be introduced to basic microbial techniques, may spend time in the field exploring microbial habitats, and will engage in student driven and real world research as much as is possible. The scientific method will be thoroughly utilized in the laboratory. Independent and group laboratory projects may be required and may include: a broad range of instruments and techniques, tracking of experimental progress using laboratory notebooks, and presentation of final results at the end of each semester in the style of scientific publications both oral and written.
Goals and Objectives of the Course
Having successfully completed this course the student will be able to:
1) Describe major clades of microorganisms found in each of the three domains
of life and explain their basic morphology and physiology
2) Explain the influences of environmental factors on microbial physiology and
evolution using basic principles of biochemistry and genetics
3) Explain the ecology of microbial communities and populations in a variety of
habitat types
4) Describe governing characteristics of microbial interactions with other microorganisms,
plants, and animals
5) Recognize contributions of microorganisms to chemical processes of interests
globally and economically
6) Describe the concept of bioremediation and basic principles governing the application
of microorganisms in bioremediation efforts
7) Use and/or describe the use of a variety of laboratory, field, and data analysis
techniques applicable to microbial ecology
8) Read, evaluate, and communicate primary literature
9) Conceptualize and design experiments to investigate microbial ecology in the
field and laboratory with an emphasis on proper controls and preventing contamination
10) Present experimental results in meaningful context
Assessment Measures
Assessment of student understanding and application of lecture and laboratory material
may include but are not limited to written and oral presentations, participation and
examination. Presentations may be evaluated by peers and professor. Other assessment
measure may be used to evaluate understanding of content and skills as appropriate.
Other Course Information
None
Review and Approval
February 11, 2026
April 13, 2017
June 20, 2015
2012
March 18, 2005