Campuses:
This is archival data. This system was retired as of August 21, 2023 and the information on this page has not been updated since then. For current information, visit catalogs.umn.edu.
BBE 4608 - 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: BIOL 1001 or BIOL 1009 or BIOL 2003 and CHEM 1011 or CHEM 1061 or CHEM 1081
|