Environmental Microbiology
(ST 3100:495/695:013/014)
Lecture and Lab 4 credits
Instructor: Peter Lavrentyev

"In the year 1657 I discovered very small living creatures in rain  water"
                                                                                             Antonie van Leeuwenhoek

When we hear words like "microbes" or "bacteria" we immediately think of those evil germs that make us sick.  Although there are some tiny "troublemakers" in the atmosphere, soils, and water, most microorganisms play a "positive" role in the environment.  And, as evidenced by recent data, their influence is enormous.  Larger, multi-cellular organisms, such as fish, reptiles, birds, and mammals (including us) now appear to be embroidery on the "fabric" of life formed by these microbes. 

This course will (1) survey the diversity of microorganisms (bacteria, unicellular eukaryots, and viruses, (2) examine their eco-physiology and interactions, and (3) explore their role in different habitats, with the emphasis on microbial food webs and biogeochemical cycling in the aquatic environment.  The lectures will be presented in multimedia format.  We will read and discuss the primary research literature in class.

The lab course will provide hands-on experience in using modern analytical and experimental techniques of environmental microbiology, including epifluorescence and electron microscopy, image analysis, flow-cytometry, and radioisotope assay.  The course includes field trips where we will conduct sampling and in situ experiments.

Look at the course Syllabus and Schedule