BIO 209 - Applied Microbiology

3 cr.

This course covers the study of microorganisms in their natural environments, including techniques such as sampling, culturing, isolation and identification. Students will learn about industrial microbiology, ecology of microbes, and the diversity of microbial communities in soil, water, and air, as well as, in contaminated environments. Topics will include wastewater treatment, bioremediation, contaminated and Superfund sites, and other applications related to public health, agriculture, food science, and industry. Students will read primary literature and are expected to participate in field explorations. Three hours per week for lecture-discussion. Prerequisites: BIO 112 and BIO 112L (Biology majors), or BIO 101 and BIO 101L and BIO 102 and BIO 102L (for non-majors). Co-requisite: BIO 209L. This course may only be offered every other year.