BIOMI 2900

General Microbiology Lectures

Course Description

Course information provided by the 2025-2026 Catalog.

Comprehensive overview of the biology of microorganisms, with emphasis on bacteria. Topics include microbial cell structure and function, physiology, metabolism, genetics, diversity, and ecology. Also covers applied aspects of microbiology such as biotechnology, the role of microorganisms in environmental processes, and medical microbiology.

Prerequisites one semester of introductory biology (or AP biology) and one semester of chemistry, (or AP Chemistry).

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

Last 4 Terms Offered 2026SP, 2025FA, 2025SU, 2025SP

Learning Outcomes

• Explain the defining characteristics of the major groups of microorganisms and viruses, and their functional roles in human and environmental systems.
• Explain core concepts relating to microbial cell structure and function, microbial growth and physiology, and microbial evolution and systematics.
• Explain microbial transformations of energy and matter as they relate to microbial growth and biogeochemical processes.
• Explain how microbes manage genetic information, its expression, storage, exchange, and evolution.
• Explain how microbial adaptations facilitate their function in diverse habitats including human hosts.
• Apply microbiological principles and models in a scientific framework to analyze and solve diverse biological problems that relate to human health and the environment.
• Critically evaluate information about microbiology from various sources.

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