This second-year microbiology course explores microscopic organisms such as eukaryotes, archaea, bacteria, and viruses. Microorganisms are fundamental to all life on earth and students will leave with a greater appreciation of the interconnectedness of microbes to the rest of the natural world. Students will examine and contrast microorganisms through many lenses including cell morphology, signalling, growth/nutrition, metabolism, and genetics. These topics will be approached through a methods and application-based perspective, with an emphasis on how and why we study specific organisms and use specific techniques. We will investigate their role in the environment, health/medicine, food safety, and industry. Students will carry out research projects exploring microorganisms in the laboratory using aseptic technique, microscope and staining techniques, selective/differential growth, polymerase chain reactions, and phylogenetic analysis.

Students must also register in the mandatory lab component of the course.

Prerequisites: BIOL 101 and BIOL 102 or equivalent, both with a minimum grade of C.