Microbial ecology is a rapidly evolving discipline that is transforming our understanding of microbiology, ecology and ecosystem science. Molecular approaches to the study of microbial communities have revealed previously unknown microbial diversity and microbial functions.

We are accumulating data on the microbial world around us at an exponential rate. Ecological theory offers a framework for these data, allowing us to better understand microbial communities and their interactions with physical, chemical, and biological aspects of their environments.

Application of ecological theory to microbial population and community data will provide organization, structure, mechanistic insight and predictive power with practical value for addressing major challenges in disciplines ranging from ecosystem ecology to health sciences.

This course will include discussion of ecological concepts and principles in the context of microbial communities.

Course topics include:

• mutualism
• competition
• species interactions
• succession
• disturbance ecology
• food webs, trophic interactions
• community assembly
• spatial and temporal variation

Readings in classical ecological theory will provide a foundation for discussion and interpretation of modern microbial ecology.

The format for this course will primarily be student-led discussion.

Instructor:
Angela Kent

Suggested text:
Community Ecology
Peter J. Morin
(This text is not required, however, we will refer to this text during the semester. A copy will be on
reserve at the ACES library.)

Class location and time:
N-527 Turner Hall
6:00-7:30 PM Mondays

CRN: 30590
1 credit