This course provide students with an understanding of the importance of microorganisms and biotic processes to soil properties, ecosystem functions in natural, managed and
disturbed settings. It includes an introduction to the morphology, physiology and ecology of the major
groups of soil microorganisms, and familiarizes students with the roles of microorganisms
in biogeochemical processes occurring in soil.
The variety of soil organisms are explored during the lab sessions
Microbial Diversity and Ecology
Fall semester, 4 credits, ECOL5540, SOIL4540/5540, MOLB4540/5540, MICR4540
Introduces the diversity and ecology of soil microbes through an integrated lecture
and laboratory course. Emphasis on molecular approaches to analyzing microbial diversity
and evolution, and student-directed experimental design. Provides a continuum of realistic
research experiences in molecular microbial ecology, from field work to evolutionary
analysis of DNA sequence data.
Students experience all aspects of scientific research, from soil sampling in the
field, to culturing of organisms and analysis of sequence data from cultured isolates.
