Research into the Microbial World introduces students to the invisible world of microbes and microorganisms and their impact on human life and ecosystems. The course focuses on the various types of microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, protists), the role of microbes within scientific technologies, the microbial antibiotic resistance crisis, the role of normal microbiota in the maintenance of health and ecosystems, and the search for novel antibiotics from soil microbes. Laboratory gives science and non-science students an opportunity to learn microscopy, aseptic technique, growing microorganisms, and the scientific method. Students participate in biomedical research, potentially identifying novel antibiotics from soil and fungal samples. No prior laboratory or scientific skills are required. (Students must also register for BIOL 110LW)