3 credits
Spring 2026 Lecture Upper Division
Soils are complex ecosystems that host a diverse array of organisms, which interact with and respond to their environment. This course explores the ecology, evolution, and functions of soil microbes, with a particular focus on their interactions with plants. Through this course, students will gain an understanding of the metabolic processes and life-history strategies of archaea, bacteria, fungi, and viruses in soil, root, and rhizosphere compartments. Students will also survey the microbiomes of diverse soil ecosystems, such as forests, agroecosystems, and grasslands, and learn principles of soil microbiology and biogeochemistry. In addition, students will acquire practical knowledge about the methods used for characterizing microbes in soil and plant systems.
Learning Outcomes1Demonstrate understanding of the ecology and physiology of major groups of bacteria, archaea, fungi, and viruses found in soils, the rhizosphere, and roots.
2Compare and contrast soil and rhizosphere microbiomes, and their differences between the managed versus natural ecosystems.
3Use verbal and basic mathematical descriptions to explain theories related to microbial growth, survival, and symbioses.
4Predict the occurrence of microbial processes and soil conditions that govern the cycling of carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, sulfur, and metals in soils and relate this knowledge to ecosystem functions.
5Envision potential applications for soil and root-borne microbes in natural resource management, such as agriculture, forestry, and soil conservation.
6Apply knowledge of plant-microbe interactions to develop hypotheses, design experiments, and select appropriate study methods.
7Recognize and select appropriate resources and tools to effectively analyze microbiome data.
Prerequisites
Restrictions
made by Purdue students.