Microbial Metabolism

We study the organizing principles of microbial metabolism, which drives fluxes of small molecules to provide energy and resources. The logic and modular architecture of pathways is introduced using foundational biochemistry in conjunction with thermodynamics and kinetics. We quantitatively model the interplay between pathway fluxes and fitness using examples of chemotrophic, lithotrophic, and photosynthetic microbes from diverse habitats and communities. The course is primarily taught in a "flipped" format with video tutorials followed by in-class discussions and group projects.