CBMS215 Microbiology
A MESSAGE FROM THE UNIT CONVENOR
Welcome to Microbiology. Microbiology covers a broad area of Cell Biology, from bacterial cells to human cells.
In CBMS215 you will be introduced to the fascinating diversity of cells. Despite the small size of individual microorganisms, microbial biomass exceeds that of all plants and animals and is a crucial component of all ecosystems.
The course covers topics as diverse as epidemic diseases and the biogeochemical cycles that sustain life on earth. Microorganisms define the limits of where life is possible on the planet. For example, different microorganisms thrive in environments ranging from your fridge to boiling sulpher springs, from concentrated acidic environments to highly caustic and from almost pure water to saturated salt solutions.
Microorganisms are also the basis of multi-billion dollar industries, such as pharmaceuticals, alcoholic beverages, baking, industrial enzymes, dairy, and many others.
The unit will be coordinated by Dr Martin Slade and will have guest lectures from Prof Helena Nevalainen.