Temple University 3 credits BIOL
Microbial Ecology is an interdisciplinary course that applies ecological theory to the study of microorganisms and their interactions within the environment. This course will explore the ecological principles governing microbial communities, focusing on how microorganisms interact with each other and with their physical and biotic surroundings. Topics will include the roles of microbes in nutrient cycling, primary production, and ecosystem functioning, as well as their impact on biodiversity via microbial symbiosis and ecosystem stability. Students will learn about the dynamics of microbial communities using concepts such as niche theory, competition, mutualism, succession, and ecosystem services. By examining microbial processes through the lens of ecological theory, students will gain an understanding of how microbes shape ecosystem functions on both a local and global scale. Case studies will cover microbial communities in soil, water, the human microbiome, and extreme environments. Special attention will be given to the mechanisms underlying microbial interactions, their response to environmental stressors, and how microbial communities contribute to ecological resilience.
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