Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2024 - BISC 433 D100

Environmental Microbiology (3)

Class Number: 2174

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Thu, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    MBB 222, MBB 231, and BISC 303, all with a minimum grade of C-.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An overview of environmental and applied microbiology. Topics include microbial growth and kinetics, microbial metabolism and thermodynamics, biogeochemical cycling, microbial ecology, and applied microbiology. Includes computer labs, where students will learn to analyze data generated by modern methods used to characterize microbes and microbial communities. Students with credit for BISC 475 under the title "Environmental Microbiology" may not take this course for further credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

The lecture will introduce and build on concepts like growth and kinetics, metabolism, and ecology, and look at how microbes influence the natural environment, and how they can be used in biotechnological applications.

 

The lab will familiarize students with methods for analysing microbial communities, and the associated data analysis including qPCR, flow cytometry and 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. This will involve training in and use of R programming.

Students who have completed BISC 475 with the title Environmental Microbiology may not take this course for further credit.

 

Grading

  • Midterm exam: 25%
  • Final exam: 35%
  • Lab: 30%
  • Participation: 10%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

There is no official course textbook. Readings will be assigned from a variety of sources including textbooks and primary literature.

RECOMMENDED READING:

Recommended readings/ course resources include Brock Biology of Microorganisms 15th Ed. and Environmental Microbiology: From Genomes to Biochemistry, E. Madsen 2nd Ed (available in reserves at the library).


REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity website http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating. Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the university community. Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the university. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the university. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.