BBE5608: Environmental and Industrial Microbiology

Microbes, including fungi, bacteria, and other small-scale organisms, are the pioneer life of the planet, shaping and maintaining the ecosystem. Microbiology is the discipline that studies the basic biology and fundamental processes of microbes, with the aim of answering and solving the relevant environmental and industrial questions. Microbiology remains a frontier but has developed significantly in recent years. Growth in this research area is largely due to vast improvements in molecular tools (for example, genome sequencing and editing, microscopes, data analysis) and other biochemical techniques, often driven by interest in emergent applications for these unique organisms. These applications include those related to protecting environmental quality as well as those related to making novel products, including materials, fuels, and chemicals. These also include understanding the roles of microbes in the natural nutrient cycles and other key natural processes. This course is therefore designed to introduce students to the taxonomy, biology, and ecology of microbes, and to focus on key applications for which these microbes can be applied. prereq: Graduate student

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