BIOL 133. Microbial Diversity and Biogeochemical Cycling


Microbes have shaped earth systems since their emergence nearly four billion years ago. The diversity of microbial metabolic strategies is staggering, from the ability to eat rocks to breathe "toxic" gases. This seminar will be an in-depth exploration of microbial metabolism, from bioenergetics to the evolution of diverse microbial genomes. These principles will be used to understand biogeochemistry:  the cycling of major nutrients (e.g. carbon, sulfur, and nitrogen) in earth systems and within hosts. Course work will be driven by classic papers in the field and recent cutting-edge developments. Knowledge will be applied to elucidate ecosystem function in the context of human activity (e.g. global warming, antibiotic resistance). Laboratory component will focus on fieldwork and independent research projects proposed by students - methods will include a misture of microbial cultivation, geochemistry, and bioinformatics. 
Prerequisite: BIOL 015  or BIOL 016  or BIOL 036  and CHEM 010 ; or permission of Instructor.
Natural sciences and engineering practicum.
Lab required.
2 credits.
Catalog chapter: Biology  
Department website: http://www.swarthmore.edu/biology


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