ESGN 596
Environmental Biotechnology
(Geomicrobiology)
Spring 2008
Instructor: John
R. Spear, Ph.D.
Office Hours: by appointment
Office Location: Coolbaugh Hall, Room 252
Office Phone: (303) 273-3497
e-mail: jspear@mines.edu
Syllabus (pdf)
Assignments
Midterm Solutions
Readings
Course notes
Previous Midterms
Course Description
This course is a graduate-level course that will explore the activity of microorganisms in modern and ancient geochemical environments. We will particularly focus on modes of microbial metabolism that are sustained by inorganic redox reactions, and their relevance to Early Life, Life in the Deep Biosphere, and Life in Extreme Environments (including Astrobiology). We will also investigate known mechanisms of microbial mineral dissolution and biomineralization. These topics are addressed in lecture format, small-group exercises, and in-depth discussion of current literature. Graduate level course: for Geosciences, Engineering, Chemistry and Biology students. At least some undergraduate background in chemistry or geochemistry is strongly suggested; ESGN 586 is a prerequisite.
Tentative Course Content
Microbial Energetics, Life at the "extreme" or limit; life in chemical gradients; microbial Fe and S cycles; microbial respiration of minerals and metals; hydrogen-based ecosystems; the Subsurface biosphere; early Earth; biosignatures; life in biofilms; microbial weathering reactions and biomineralization.
Assignments (pdf)
Midterm Solutions (pdf)
Exam 1 Solutions
Final Reading Review/Study Guide
Readings
Nealson
Spear
Sahl
Cappitelli #1
Cappitelli #2
Cappitelli #3
Gomes
Amend, GSAT
Extrasolar Methane Paper 1
Extrasolar Methane Paper 2
NSF Report
Kuhlman, Varnish, AEM '06
Perry, Varnish, Geology '06
Taylor, Varnish, MicroEcol '83
Mojzsis 1996
Mojzsis 2001
Mojzsis 2002
Harrison 2005
Harrison 2006
Karthikeyan '02
Lengke '06
Lovley '06
Lovley '01
Newman and Banfield '02
Perry, Varnish '06
Reith '07
Reith '06
Taylor, Varnish '83
Valley Comment
COURSE
NOTES (pdf)*
Lecture 1
Lecture 2
Lecture 3
Lecture 4
Lecture 5
Lecture 6
Lecture 7
Lecture 8
Lecture 9
Lecture 10
Special Topic - Astrobiology
Special Topic - Gold
Previous Midterms
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