BIOL 58302 - Laboratory In Environmental And Agricultural Microbiology

The lab will enable students to apply techniques for isolating and growing soil and aquatic microorganisms. Students in the lab section will apply molecular biological and biochemical techniques for analyzing such microbes. Students will participate in an inquiry-based laboratory project to perform a case study on microbes relevant to agriculture. The optional laboratory section can be taken only by students enrolled in the lecture section.

Preparation for Course
P: BIOL 21900 with grade of C or better.

C: BIOL 58301.

Cr. 1.
Notes
$50 Lab fee assessed.
Student Learning Outcomes
1. Use microscopic techniques to view and identify bacteria and fungi inside the soils from the root zones of plants.
2. Collect, aseptically culture and identify microorganisms from air, water and soil.
3. Assess the ability of microorganisms to adapt to changes in the levels of soils nutrients and organic and metal pollutants.
4. Use molecular biological techniques to identify unknown microbes in the soil.
5. Measure the levels of microbes in drinking water.
6. Apply experimental techniques to study microbial nitrification and denitrification in soil samples.