This course introduces topics in microbial ecology. Aspect of the importance and role of microorganisms in ecosystem and community function will be included during the course of the semester.
Microbial ecology is a relatively new area of both microbiology and ecology.
Consequently, we will try to critically examine the studies and their methods that are used to examine microorganisms in the natural environment. During the last portion of the course, we will examine applied aspects of microbial ecology concentrating mainly on degradation of recalcitrant xenobiotic molecules.