Crop and Soil Sciences > Degree Programs and Courses > Soil Science Courses > Soils 512

Soils 512 - Environmental Soil Microbiology

  • Instructor: Mary Ann Bruns
  • Credits: 3
  • Semesters Offered: Spring of odd-numbered years
  • Texts:
  • Prerequisite: two years of chemistry and MICRB 400 , B M B 401 , A B E 408 , or equivalent
  • Syllabus: Link to PDF file.

Course Description

Biology and ecology of microorganisms in terrestrial environments; microbiological and molecular analysis methods; microbial processes in carbon and nitrogen cycling.

Environmental Soil Microbiology (SOILS 512) examines the major groups of microorganisms and their processes and interactions in terrestrial systems, with an emphasis on carbon and nitrogen cycling. Students will obtain an overview of the biology, ecology, and functions of bacteria, archaea, and fungi in soils, rhizospheres, sediments, and organic wastes. This course is intended for students interested in spatial and temporal distribution and activities of microorganisms in the environment, as well as in appropriate methods for analyzing microbes in environmental samples. Course format will consist of two weekly lectures, each followed by a 25 -min discussion period. Class discussions will include exercises and reviews of recent literature on classical and molecular soil/environmental microbiology. Grading will be based on participation in class discussions (20%), two midterm exams (20 % each), one final take-home exam (20%), and a 10-page research proposal to be presented to the class in late April (20%). SOILS 512 will support interdisciplinary training of graduate students in Soil Science as well as in other disciplines of the College of Agricultural Sciences, especially Plant Pathology, Horticulture, Entomology, and Agricultural and Biological Engineering. Graduate students in the Intercollege Graduate Degree Program in Ecology (IGDPE), College of Earth and Mineral Sciences, Eberly College of Science, and College of Engineering also will find this course useful when undertaking research on systems involving microorganisms (e.g., biogeochemistry, plant or animal systems, or environmental engineering). Course will be offered every other spring semester with an anticipated enrollment of 20 students per class.