BIO 371: Microbial Eukaryotes
Term: Spring 2015
Instructor: Judith Wopereis
Description of course: Students observe the great diversity of microorganisms present in different habitats. As an introduction, students sample microbes associated with specific plants plus microbes present across the gradients of temperature and moisture within the Lyman Plant House. Emphasis is on completion of a research project. As part of this project, students collect samples from a vernal pond and learn about the change in microbial community over time. Microscopy and molecular techniques are used to examine organisms and communities. A one-hour weekly lab meeting is scheduled in addition to the three-hour lab period. BIO 370 must be taken concurrently.
BIO 370 description: This course focuses on the origin and diversification of microorganisms, with emphasis on eukaryotic lineages. The first weeks of lecture cover the basics of evolutionary analysis, and the origin and diversification of bacteria and archaea. From there, we focus on the diversification of eukaryotes, with specific lectures on topics such as microbes and AIDS, and the origins of plants, animals and fungi. Evaluation is based on a combination of tests, discussion and an independent research paper. Prerequisite: BIO 152 or 154. Laboratory (BIO 371) is recommended but not required.
Instructor: Laura Katz
#1
Scanning Electron Micrographs of microbial eukaryotes.
#1: SEM image of a ciliate isolated from a vernal pond. Sample prepared by Olivia (SC ’17), Monica (SC’17) and Mario (Research Fellow).
#2: SEM image of an amoeba isolated from a freshwater resource at The Ada and Archibald MacLeish Field station. Sample prepared by Thea (’17), Chloe (’17), Cynthia (SC ‘16)
#3: SEM image of a diatom isolated from a freshwater resource at Fitzgerald lake Conservation Area. Sample prepared by Katharine (SC ’15), Elena (SC ’16) and Michelle (SC ’15).
#4: SEM image of a ciliate isolated from a fresh water stream. Sample prepared by Evelyn (SC ‘16), Chip (SC’16) and Anna (SC’17).