Microbiology: An Introduction to the World of Bacteria and Archaea

Microbes are amazing! Bacteria and archaea outnumber macro life such as ourselves and can be found in every ecosystem on Earth. This eight-week course will introduce learners to the fascinating study of bacteria and archaea and give them a foundational understanding of microbiology. Topics will include basic cell biology, morphology, classification and evolution, reproduction, ecosystem function, photosynthesis, decomposition, and human interactions. 

This course will focus on bacteria and archaea, but we will also briefly discuss protozoa and fungi. We will approach microbiology from an ecological perspective, not medical. 

We will investigate questions such as:

What kinds of microbes are there?
What are the differences between bacteria and archaea?
Are all microbes bad?
How have microbes coevolved with animals?
Why are microbes important to Earth’s ecosystems?

This is a highly interactive course. Students will learn through an image and video filled presentation and discussion. Students’ participation and questions are regularly encouraged. Classes are designed to encourage learner engagement and follow their curiosity. 

We will use many beautiful images and videos of microbes under the microscope as well as illustrations. 

Week One: Introduction
Week Two: Bacteria
Week Three: Archaea
Week Four: Producers
Week Five: Decomposers
Week Six: Soil
Week Seven: Human Uses and Pathogens
Week Eight: Microbiome

There is no prerequisites for this course, just a love of learning and curiosity about the living world.