Enhancing the Microbial Ecology Curriculum: An Integrated Approach to Undergraduate Instruction in Biology

9452399 Carrick This project is designed to enhance the undergraduate instruction in biology by integrating microbial ecology into the subject matter of three courses. Inclusion of microorganisms in the study of biology is important since they contribute significantly to the formation and decomposition of organic matter, in particular biological-mediated oxidation and reduction of carbon. Emphasis is therefore in microbial ecology and involves 1) identification and quantification, 2) trophic structure, 3) growth and metabolism (light, temperature, nutrients). Unifying ecological principles are also being demonstrated and compared with more complex biological systems that are often difficult to study in the time allotted for most class laboratories (3-4 hours). In addition, field investigations cultivate student appreciation for some environmental realities that need to be taken into account when designing and interpreting experiments in ecology.