Everything is Everywhere: Environmental Microbiomes
BIOL 320
Spring 2026
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01
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In 1934, the ubiquity and diversity of microbial life led Baas Becking to hypothesize that "everything is everywhere but the environment selects." Despite being proposed over 90 years ago, this hypothesis continues to motivate cutting-edge research elucidating the adaptations that microbes have evolved in environments all over the world. In this class, we will address this hypothesis by sampling, sequencing, and analyzing local microbial communities (i.e., environmental microbiomes). Students will gain hands-on experience formulating their own scientific questions, collecting samples from the environment, extracting DNA, and assembling novel metagenomes using bioinformatics methods. Key concepts in microbial genomics, evolution, and ecology will be covered through mini-lectures, primary literature, and group discussion. The class will culminate with students authoring a draft scientific manuscript. Students should have familiarity with advanced concepts in microbiology, evolution, or ecology as evidenced by completion of any one of the required prerequisite classes. |
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| Credit: 1 |
Gen Ed Area Dept:
NSM BIOL |
| Course Format: Laboratory Course | Grading Mode: Graded |
| Level: UGRD |
Prerequisites: BIOL210 OR BIOL214 OR BIOL215 OR BIOL216 OR BIOL217 OR MB&B231 |
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Fulfills a Requirement for: (Biology) |
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Past Enrollment Probability: Not Available |
| SECTION 01 |
Major Readings: Wesleyan RJ Julia Bookstore
Primary literature
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Examinations and Assignments:
Quizzes, pre-lab assignments, post-lab reflections, draft manuscript. |
Additional Requirements and/or Comments:
Some class sessions will be held in Exley 91. Instructor will provide additional details. |
| Instructor(s): Arevalo,Phil Times: ...W... 01:20PM-04:10PM; Location: TBA |
Permission of Instructor Required
Enrollment capacity: 14 | Permission of instructor approval will be granted by the instructor during pre-registration through the Electronic Portfolio. Click "Add to My Courses" and "To request a POI electronically, click here" to submit your request. |
| Drop/Add Enrollment Requests | | | | | |
| Total Submitted Requests: 0 | 1st Ranked: 0 | 2nd Ranked: 0 | 3rd Ranked: 0 | 4th Ranked: 0 | Unranked: 0 |
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