EIS524

034333

This course will provide an overview of the diverse ways bacteria symbiotically interact with nematodes. Basic topics and lesson plans will cover nematode biodiversity, mutualistic and pathogenic phases of bacteria that live within these nematodes, basic molecular biology techniques (i.e. DNA extraction, and PCR), nematode collection/sampling, and evolutionary analysis skills. The course will emphasize on activities and experimental systems that can be used easily in the classroom to teach several basic biological principles. A set of integrated laboratory exercises that will use entomopathogenic nematodes and their symbiotic bacteria (Steinernema/Xenorhabdus and Heterorhabditis/Photorhabdus) as a model system will be considered to teach biodiversity (nematode and microbial), basic molecular methods (i.e. DNA extraction, PCR, gel electrophoresis), bioinformatics, and molecular evolution (phylogeny using DNA sequences). These exercises will give emphasis to activities and experimental systems that can be used easily and inexpensively in the classroom to teach basic biological principles.

GRD - Regular Grades A, B, C, D, E

Graduate

Any general biology course or consent of instructor.