COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course offers a comprehensive study of microbial life. The focus is on microbial life processes and the fundamentals of microbial life on Earth. The course will give insights into the discoveries of microbial diversity, microbial physiology and ecology, adaptation of microbes to different habitats, the diverse roles of microorganisms in the environment, and a discussion of microbial applications and microbial technology
COURSE LEARNING GOALS:
Students are expected to gain a fundamental understanding of the various life strategies of microorganisms and to develop the skills needed to study and evaluate these life processes. Our aim is to cultivate an engaged learning experience that helps us develop our thinking skills and ability to apply of our knowledge to solving complex problems. Most of the assigned readings for the course will be various review articles and the primary literature.
After completion of the course, successful students will be able to:
- Recognize the diversity of microorganisms and their habitats on Earth
- Summarize and explain the roles of microbes in Earth life processes.
- Describe microbial biochemical pathways and relate them to important biogeochemical processes.
- Rationalize how microbial metabolism influences adaptation to different habitats.
- Assess the use of microbes as tools in biotechnology, agriculture, healthcare, etc.
- Approach primary literature critically, not only in the interpretation of experimental data but in evaluating experimental design and delineating logical follow-up experiments.
- Build their networks by communicating and collaborating with one another and the faculty members to embrace the interdisciplinary nature of science.
- Develop public speaking skills in the context of presenting their review of a particular microorganism.