Time Schedule:
Russell P Herwig
MICROM 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 the five-credit section. Recommended: 15 credits of biological science, 10 credits of chemistry. Offered: jointly with FISH 490; Sp, odd years.
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.
MICROM 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
Recommended preparation
Class assignments and grading
