
Spirochaeta americana, a bacterial microorganism that thrives in harsh climates. (Image courtesy of Science @ NASA.)
Instructor(s)
Prof. Martin Polz
MIT Course Number
1.89
As Taught In
Fall 2004
Level
Graduate
Course Description
Course Features
Course Description
This class provides a general introduction to the diverse roles of microorganisms in natural and artificial environments. It will cover topics including: cellular architecture, energetics, and growth; evolution and gene flow; population and community dynamics; water and soil microbiology; biogeochemical cycling; and microorganisms in biodeterioration and bioremediation.