Course Description

This project-based course allows students to apply laboratory and field techniques in microbiology to study water and waterborne contaminants. Students develop a unique field-based project, conduct literature reviews, learn relevant techniques, develop and test hypotheses, analyze data, and present results. Topics include water quality, environmental microbiology, water, and wastewater.

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Athena Title

Water and Health Research

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Prerequisite

Permission of department

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Semester Course Offered

Offered fall

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Grading System

A - F (Traditional)

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Student learning Outcomes

• Students will be able to identify topical areas of interest within the context of water quality and health.
• Students will be able to critically evaluate peer-reviewed literature.
• Students will be able to use materials and equipment commonly employed in water and health research labs.
• Students will be able to develop and implement a field-based sampling strategy for water quality.
• Students will be able to analyze results of lab tests.
• Students will be able to present and communicate primary research findings.

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Topical Outline

• Water quality and disease
• Waterborne pathogens
• Water policies regulations
• Microbial indicators and tools for assessing risk associated with water
• Biosafety levels and lab safety
• Aseptic technique
• Detection assays for pathogens and indicators
• Data analysis
• Visualization techniques
• Presentation of results and findings

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Institutional Competencies Learning Outcomes

Analytical Thinking

The ability to reason, interpret, analyze, and solve problems from a wide array of authentic contexts.

Communication

The ability to effectively develop, express, and exchange ideas in written, oral, interpersonal, or visual form.

Critical Thinking

The ability to pursue and comprehensively evaluate information before accepting or establishing a conclusion, decision, or action.

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