This course explores the ongoing research on different aspects of microbial communication and development including certain social phenomena like quorum sensing, biofilm development, and swarming motility. Readings are from the primary literature.

Microbes respond to and process external signals from neighboring cells whether they are of bacterial, plant, or animal origin. This intercellular communication has been found to mediate the regulation of diverse metabolic reactions and processes such as antibiotic production, pathogenesis, sexual conjugation, sporulation, and differentiation. The study of microbial communication and development has the potential to secure advances in our ability to control microbial processes to our benefit.

Course requirements will include frequent quizzes, class participation, and two writing assignments. The class will typically consist of discussing primary literature and active learning techniques will be utilized.

The course is intended primarily for Microbiology and CMB concentrators, as well as first-year graduate students.

The class will have two ninety-minute weekly meetings. There will be a mixture of lecture, discussion, and student participation.