CVE 5222 - Environmental Microbiology

3 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)
Note: This course is open to qualified undergraduate students.

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
Dr. Anne Alexander

Announcement

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CVE 5222 - Environmental Microbiology