The course should prepare the student interested in environmental problems and issues with the necessary practical information to make sound judgments in assessing meaningful solutions and the role microorganisms play in those processes. This course is designed to give the student a practical as well as academic introduction to real world pollution problems that can be addressed biologically. Biochemical and genetic mechanisms of biodegradation of aromatic and aliphatic compounds, chlorinated compounds, nitroaromatics, and hydrocarbons will be explored with special emphasis placed on the microbial transformations responsible for the degradation. In addition the microbiology of activated sludge, anaerobic digestion, composting, and other liquid, air, and solid phase waste treatment processes will be developed in this course. Special Projects in Immunology and Microbiology Special Projects in Immunology and Microbiology.
Individual faculty accept limited numbers of students to pursue a small research project.
Intended for those students desiring research experience but open to those who would pursue relevant projects of their own design.