Environmental Microbiology

This course will serve as an introduction to the topic of environmental microbiology. Information about basic microbiology and biochemistry, microbial ecology, and pollution microbiology will be incorporated, providing the student with both an understanding of basic microbiology and of the potential of microorganisms to influence our environment. The topics adressed in the course include: the foundation of microbiology, microbial cell structure and function, microbial metabolism, molecular microbiology (flow of genetic information and replication), microbial growth, methods in microbial ecology and environmental biotechnology (bioremediation and wastewater treatment).

After completing the course the student should

• understand the physiology of prokaryotes
• understand the basics of metabolism, including heterotrophic metabolism, chemolithotrophic metabolism, and phototrophic metabolism
• understand the basics of respiration and electron flow in an organism, including concepts from aerobic respiration and anaerobic respiration
• understand the essentials of genetics, including replication, transcription, and translation
• understand regulation with respect to transcription and translation
• understand microbial ecology with respect to microbial interactions, succession, and community development
• understand how different metabolic capabilities result in biogeochemical cycling
• understand the fundamental kinetic expressions of enzyme activity, microbial growth, and substrate utilization
• be capable of applying fundamental principles of microbiology to wastewater treatment
• be capable of applying fundamental principles of microbiology to the degradation of contaminants
• understand the contemporary issues associated with environmental microbiology

The course is offered in cooperation with The University of Minnesota (UMN). Using interactive streaming technology students in Norway can follow and interact with lectures from UMN.