Summer Microbiology and Research Training Program Course Announcement
Summer Microbiology and Research Training Program (SMaRT)
NSF Microbial Observatories on Marine Sponges
Institute of Marine and Environmental Science (IMET),
University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science
June 22 - July 1, 2011 at IMET, Baltimore.
This intensive, project-oriented course will be taught at the Institute of Marine and Environmental Science, University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, Baltimore (UMCES@IMET), with participation by faculty from Indiana University. The course is for Undergraduate Students with a strong interest and some familiarity with microbiology. This NSF-funded course is targeted to students from groups traditionally underrepresented in science.
Ten day intensive training in microbiology and molecular microbial ecology will be given. Teaching and hands-on research will focus on microbes in sponges although the principles and skills covered will be generally applicable in microbiology. Students will isolate microbes from sponges, identify isolates by 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing, extract total DNA from sponges and perform PCR on this DNA to amplify microbial genes. A major focus is the detection of signaling compounds from microbes. Microscopy and fluorescence in situ hybridization will also be covered.
Course Tuition and $500 stipend is paid by NSF. Where possible, students should make their own accommodation arrangements in Baltimore. Funds may be available to provide accommodation to a limited number of students.
Application Deadline April 4, 2011
Course Faculty:
Russell T. Hill, Ph.D., UMCES@IMET
Clay Fuqua, Ph.D., Indiana University
Questions? Contact Russell Hill at hill@umces.edu or 410-234-8883.