1. Describe basic similarities and differences among the various types of microorganisms: viruses, bacteria, archaea, protists, fungi, and parasitic worms. 2. Understand principles of microbial genetics and how microbes can change or be changed. 3. Give examples of microbes used in food production. 4. Describe ways in which microbes both positively and negatively impact the environment in terms of nutrient cycling, greenhouse gas production and reduction, harmful substance breakdown, and clean water availability. 5. Understand the differences among plastic materials and explain why microbes cannot break them down easily. 6. List the main features and functions of the immune system and explain the basis for vaccination. 7. Understand basic principles of infectious diseases, how they are spread, and how to prevent them. 8. Outline the basic reasons for vaccine hesitancy, and discuss the risks and benefits of vaccination.

1. Microbiology open source textbook from Openstax (ISBN-13: 978-¬1-¬938168-¬14-¬7; https://openstax.org/details/books/microbiology)
2. TED and TEDx online talks
3. Additional articles, case studies, and web sources provided by instructor through learning management system (LMS)
4. Please bring a device (laptop or tablet) to class each day