BIOMI 1100

Locker Rooms, Kitchens and Bedrooms: The Microbiology of College Life

Course Description

Course information provided by the 2025-2026 Catalog.

Microbial habitats are literally everywhere on a college campus - and college students interact with microorganisms daily. From the athlete locker room, to the kitchen, to the bathroom, to between the sheets, college students are exposed to a plethora of microorganisms that are benign, beneficial, and pathogenic. The goal of this course is for students to learn about microbiology and microbial ecology as it relates to them - in the college campus environment. Students will learn about viruses, bacteria, eukarotes and metazoans that cause common illnesses (i.e. gastroenteritis, influenza and STDs), the microbially-driven elemental cycling of alcohol production, and ecology of microorganism that spoil food. Students will take away a practical understanding of the microorganisms that they can apply to their own lives. This course is suitable for non-life sciences majors.

Distribution Requirements (BSC-AG, BIO-AG, OPHLS-AG), (BIO-AS)

Last 4 terms offered (None)

Outcomes REF-FA25

• Demonstrate an understanding of core concepts of microbiology, including the evolution and diversity of microbes; cell structure and function; pathogenic and non-pathogenic lifestyles; and the role of microbes in human health and the built environment.
• Recognize the differences between pathogens, opportunists, and non-pathogenic microorganisms and have an appreciation for their roles in the college campus environment.
• Describe how microorganisms facilitate major biogeochemical cycles in natural and agricultural habitats.
• Apply the scientific method, as well as use objective observation and empirical measurement to evaluate alternative ideas concerning the underlying principles that govern biological, physical and chemical processes.
• Explain fundamental concepts of microbiology, both in written and in oral format.

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