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Dec 11, 2024
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CVE 5222 - Environmental Microbiology3 lecture hours 0 lab hours 3 credits
Course Description
Major groups of biochemical macro molecules are examined and explained. The basic morphology, biology, distribution, and ecological significance of the major microbial groups (viruses, bacteria, fungi, protozoa and algae) is examined. Distribution and ecology of pathogenic microorganisms (and their surrogates) in the environment, and the methods used for their quantification and control are examined. Microbial growth and metabolism, and the resultant molecular transformations, are studied. The activities of microbes in specific habitats (i.e., biofilms, rhizobia, aquifers) are explored. Involvement of microbes in biogeochemical cycling of nutrients and application of these capabilities to anthropogenic activities is studied. Particular attention is given to microbes used to help solve environmental problems and to those that create environmental problems. (prereq: CHM 1010) (quarter system prereq: CH 200 and CH 201)
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Interpret the significance of the sequence of nitrogenous bases in nucleic acids in applications such as taxonomic placement of organisms, protein synthesis, and genetic lineage
- Compare and contrast the structure and function of viruses, bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and algae
- Evaluate situations where the activity of microorganisms in facilitating biogeochemical cycles occurs in natural and anthropogenic habitats
- Communicate the hazards represented by microbial pathogens in the environment, direct and indirect methods of their detection, and methods of their control
- Compose the steps involved in biofilm formation
- Compare and contrast the roles of microbes in various types of wastewater treatment
- Design a process whereby microbial degradation of organic contaminants might occur
Prerequisites by Topic
- Understanding of general biology
Course Topics
- Survey of microbial groups, chemistry review
- Observation of microbes; organic chemistry review
- Macromolecules; carbohydrates and lipids
- Macromolecules; amino acids, proteins
- Macromolecules; nucleic acids, cell membranes
- Cell structure and membrane structure in various microbes
- Protein synthesis and function, enzymes
- Metabolism; respiration and photosynthesis
- Viral structure and replication, plasmids, bacterial genome
- Pathogens, bacterial - waterborne and airborne
- Pathogens, viral and protozoan; methods for control of pathogens
- Quantification of heterotrophic bacteria, pathogens, and FIB (fecal indicator bacteria)
- Nutrient cycling and the ecological role of microbes in the environment
- Microbially mediated processes in wastewater treatment
- Bioaugmentation, bioremediation, methanogenesis
Coordinator
Jeff MacDonald
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