GE/BI 246 Microbial Symbiosis (2012)

Microbial symbiosis is becoming increasingly recognized as a widespread and influential phenomenon in nature, driving evolutionary innovation, organismal development, niche expansion, and novel metabolic capabilities. In this course we will explore some of the diverse ways in which symbioses between microbes, animals, plants and viruses have altered and influenced the environment around us.   Examples of topics for discussion include: evolutionary trajectories of pathogens and symbionts, the role of beneficial microbes in conferring disease resistance and tolerance to extremes in the environment, defensive symbioses, nutritional mutualism, direct electron exchange and syntrophic partnerships.                                           -The course format will be to meet once a week for 2 hours to discuss 1 or 2 papers on a specific topic.  Enrolled students will be responsible for researching and leading the discussion of one paper during the quarter.