BIO 3327 Microbiology
The majority of life on Earth, at least in terms of sheer numbers, consists of organisms too small to be seen individually with the unaided eye. All three of the currently recognized ‘domains’ of lifeâ€"Bacteria, Eukarya and Archaeaâ€"are represented in the microbial world, along with the non-living viruses and viroids. This course introduces students to the structure, classification, physiology and genetics of microorganisms, as well as their distribution in nature and interactions with humans, plants and animals. The laboratory presents fundamental techniques for observing, handling and cultivating microbial cells as well as methods for identifying unknown microorganisms. Two lectures, one laboratory weekly. Prerequisites: Biology 1311, 1312; Chemistry 1304. Fall.