BIOL 335 Microbial Ecology
Spring 2015
Syllabus
Room : Sci Bld 216 Lecture 9:25-10:40
Lab: Rm. 213 9:00-11:40
Instructor: G.W. Smith
Text: Enviromental Microbiology; Pepper,Gerba, Gentry 3rd ed; Academic Press
Course Level and Credit: Senior-level 4hrs
Course Summary:
Ecological principals, as they apply to microorganisms, will be covered in this course, as
well as, evolution, biochemical communication and other factors related to how
microorganisms adjust and modify their environment. Degradation of organic
contaminates and generalized bioremeadiation will be discussed. Examples of symbiosis
and other evolutionary mechanisms will be considered in the context of infectious disease
and mutualism. Microbial systematics, physiology, genetics and cytology will be covered,
particularly as they relate to ecology.
Sequence of topics:
Book
Review of basic microbiology---------------------------------------------------------------- Part 1
Microbial Environments---------------------------------------------------------------------- Part 2
Microbial communication and environmental interactions---------------------------- Part 4
Nutrient Cycling-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Part 4
Remediation-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Part 5
Water and Foodborne Pathogens------------------------------------------------------------ Part 6
Global Emerging Microbial Issues----------------------------------------------------------- Part 8
All students will present (to the class) two 10-15min. presentations. One on nutrient cycling
and one on organic degredation. Specific titles will be selected in consultation with the
instructor.
STATEMENT FOR DISABLED STUDENTS: “if you have a learning or physical disability which
might affect your performance in this class, please contact the Office of Disabled Student Services. Once
an evaluation has been made, appropriate accommodations will be made.”
HINTS ON DOING WELL IN THIS COURSE: (1) Never miss a class or lab. (2) Take good notes
during lecture. (3) If you have a question speak up in class, don’t wait until after class. (4) Read the
assigned material before class, don’t wait until after the material is covered in class. (5) Rewrite your notes
promptly after class using your text for more explanation. (6) Form nightly study groups and lecture to each
other. This is very effective.
None of these guarantee a good grade, but if you do them all your chances are very good.
UNSEEN LIFE ON EARTH: As part of the American Society for Microbiology's Microbial Literacy Program, a
series of videos will be shown during lecture times to insure a complete overview of the field. Questions from
theses videos and the ensuing discussions may be included on tests.