An introduction to the invisible world of microbes and microorganisms and their impact on human life and ecosystems. Laboratory will be an opportunity for science and non-science students to learn the scientific method while they participate in citizen or crowdsourced science and contribute to scientific knowledge. Vaccines, antibiotics, and other topics will be presented. Special fee.

This course includes a spring break trip abroad investigating living organisms in their natural habitat. Students will participate in pre-trip seminars on the country, local flora, fauna and habitats they will visit. Students will design a project to integrate their personal interests and objections with in-country investigation. Post-trip seminar will focus on preparation of project and its presentation. Prereq: BIOL 413 and 414, or BIOL 411 and 412. May be repeated if the spring break trip is to a different country. Special Fee.

Advanced students with microbiology experience will participate in a research project focused on the discovery of novel antibodies from soil bacteria. Each student will work with faculty to generate hypotheses and carry out one or more short antibiotic discovery and/or antibacterial chemical experiments. Satisfies the Advanced Microbiology requirement for Biotechnology majors. Prereq: (BMS 503 with a minimum grade of C- and BMS 504 with a minimum grade of C-) or BSCI 450 with a minimum grade of C-. No credit earned if previously taken BSCI 797/Antibiotic Discov Research and BSCI 798/Antibiotic Discovery. Special Fee.

Students assist in teaching labs in undergraduate courses supervised by the lab coordinator/instructor. Responsibilities include facilitating lab endeavors, giving a presentation, and writing a report. Prereq: permission.