Students review the role of microbes in the environment and their affect on food and water quality.
They also study the use of microbes in treatment processes and as indicator organisms. Students study the physiological effects of various air, water and soil contaminants and food additives on human health, domestic livestock and economically important plants. Students cover mechanisms of absorption, distribution, excretion and biotransformation of toxicants as well as an overview of toxicity testing methods. Students learn fundamental field collecting methods and field and laboratory analytical procedures for various contaminants of air, water and soil. Students primarily review sources, features and control of air, water and soil contaminants as well as their interactions once introduced to the environment and living organisms.