Symbiosis

Course Description

Symbioses are intimate associations involving two or more species. Symbiotic associations are widespread in nature and we can expect to find them in every type of ecological niche. This course will cover the diversity of symbiotic interactions that exist between both microbes and fungi and various eukaryotic hosts, including plants, animals, and protists, as well as other microorganisms. This course will also include writing, presenting, and reviewing published work on various symbioses. Prerequisite: BIO 330 and BIO 392.

Syllabus

Student Learning Outcomes, Goals, Objectives:

Students successfully completing this course will be able to:

  • Identify and categorize different symbiotic relationships,

  • Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of symbiosis in animal health,

  • Understand general mechanisms that facilitate symbiotic relationships,

  • Interpret primary literature and draw conclusions based the data presented,

  • Demonstrate critical thinking skills,

  • Develop, practice, and demonstrate skills in presentation and science communication,

  • Write and present in genres appropriate to the disciplines of the primary subject matter of the course.

Course Grading Information:

Activity/Performance Measure

Percentage/Points

Participation

35%

Term paper

50%

Paper Summaries

5%

Science Communication

10%

Grading Scale

Percentage

Letter Grade

>90%

A

88-89.99%

A-

85-87.9%

B+

80-84.9%

B

78-79.9%

B-

75-77.9%

C+

70-74.9%

C

68-69.9%

C-

60-67.9%

D

<59.9%

F

Attendance/Participation:

Students are expected to be present for each class session and participate in discussions. To get full participation points, students are expected to contribute substantially to in-class discussions. This applies to both the discussions on book chapters and participating in working groups.

Course Materials Purchased by the Students:

I Contain Multitudes: The Microbes Within Us and a Grander View of Life Author: Ed Yong

Scholarly Perspectives

This course engages diverse scholarly perspectives to develop critical thinking, analysis, and debate and inclusion of a reading does not imply endorsement.