Time Schedule:
Russell P Herwig
FISH 490
Seattle Campus
Basic principles of aquatic microbiology and aquatic microbial ecology: role and identity of aquatic microorganisms; introduction to modern methodologies for research. Laboratory work with local freshwater and marine samples for those enrolled in 5-credit section. Offered: jointly with MICROM 490. Recommended 15 credits of biological science, 10 credits of chemistry.
Class description
Millions of bacteria are found in a milliliter of Puget Sound seawater. Humans live in a world where the ecology and geochemical cycles are largely controlled by microorganisms. How do we understand the function, identity, and ecology of organisms that cannot be seen with the naked human eye? The objectives for FISH/MICROM 490 are to provide University of Washington students with an understanding of:
(1) The role, identity, and properties of microorganisms in aquatic ecosystems, including microorganisms associated with fish, shellfish, and marine mammals.
(2) The role of microorganisms in geochemical cycles (C, N, S cycles).
(3) How microorganisms degrade and transform environmental pollutants such as oil and mercury.
(3) The role of microorganisms in aquatic food webs. (4) Water quality microorganisms.
(5) Laboratory methods for: a) detecting and enumerating microorganisms, b) determining microbial activity and functions in aquatic environments, c) pollution microbiology, d) modern molecular methods and environmental genomics.
FISH 490 is offered as a 5-credit class that includes both lecture and laboratory sessions or as a 3-credit class that only includes the lecture sessions.
Student learning goals
General method of instruction
Dr. Herwig presents an overview and background about aquatic microbiology in a series of lectures. Lecture notes and additional information are provided to students at the FISH/MICROM 490 web site. The 5-credit class meets one afternoon each week for "hands-on" laboratory sessions, where students work individually, learning a variety of protocols that are used in aquatic microbiology. Samples that are examined are from local marine and freshwater environments. The best way to learn about aquatic microbiology is to "just do it". Students are exposed to both "traditional" and modern microbiological techniques.
Recommended preparation
Students are recommended to complete 15 credits in biological science and 10 credits in chemistry. The following courses (or their equivalents) are suggested: CHEM 220 or CHEM 223,224 or CHEM 237,238,239; BIOL 101,102 or BIOL 201,202,203. A course in microbiology is NOT required, although it may be helpful. Students from all biological or environmental science departments are encouraged to enroll.
Class assignments and grading
Students are expected to attend lectures. No textbook is required, but class notes are provided. Reserve material is also placed on-line or at the Fisheries/Oceanography Library. Students work in small groups and prepare a PowerPoint oral presentation. Students who complete the laboratory section prepare a laboratory notebook and a written laboratory report.
The final grade for FISH/MICROM 490 is determined by evaluating student performances in examinations based upon the lecture material and reading assignments, an oral presentation, and class participation. Students who register for the 5-credit course will also complete a laboratory report and notebook. The values of these different evaluations are for 5-credits: First Midterm (15%), Second Midterm (15%), Final Examination (20%), Oral Presentation (15%), Laboratory Report (20%), Laboratory Notebook (10%), and Class Participation(5%). For 3-credits: First Midterm (20%), Second Midterm (20%), Final Examination (30%), Oral Presentation (25%), and Class Participation(5%).
