Online version of BMS 407. Societal and technological impact of the invisible microbial world on our lives and on the planet. Weekly extra-class activities enable students to use the scientific method of inquiry to explore topics like bacteria that use sunlight to live or the use of bacteria in genetic engineering. Presents germs from different perspectives: as living organisms, as human enemies or friends, and as represented in newspapers or on TV. Especially useful for people with microphobia. No credit for BMS or Biology majors. Special fee.