Microbiology (BI480/580; Fall and Spring)
This course
presents fundamental concepts and techniques of microbiology. It is addressed to senior undergraduates
and graduate students. The general principles of microbial cell structure and function, physiology and biochemistry, growth,
survival, classification and diversity are emphasized. The class is divided in three sections: (1) cell structure, function
and regulation; (2) microbial diversity and microbial ecology; and (3) Medical microbiology and microbial biotechnologies.
Xenobiology (BI410/BI510, Fall)
We analyze key features of life that
are also present in other dynamic systems such as: fire, tornadoes, hurricanes, chemical automata, crystal growth,
computer games, economy, society, art, religion and GAIA. Some of these systems can even evolve and adapt; what
takes to become alive? XB is about understanding and quantifying the general properties of life in all its
forms and analogues apart from their composition. XB is about physical drivers of the origin and macroevolution of life.
If the goal of Artificial life is to simulate life; the ultimate goal of XB is to simulate the origin of life.
Xenobiology is not about “Intelligent Design”. It is about us being ”Intelligent Designers of Life”.
Microbial Diversity (BI410/BI510; Summer)
Microbial phylogeny. Diversity cell structures. Diversity
of Bacteria, Archaea, Eukarya, Viruses and Prions. Metabolic diversity. Chemotaxonomy. Biominerals, Molecular diversity. Methods
to measure diversity.
Elementary Microbiology Lab (BI235; Winter and Summer)
This is an introductory micro lab designed
for non biology majors, biology majors, prenursing, premed and predental students. Topics in the lab include manipulation
of microbes, cultures, staining techniques, microscopy, and physiological assays. Taking the advanced micro lab (BI488/588)
may require taking this class first.
Advanced microbiology lab (BI488/588; Fall and Spring)
This
lab has a research and discovery format. Students are challenged to learn new techniques to identify unknown microbes and
study their physiological properties. It is addressed to upper undergraduates and graduate students.
