Course Announcement (PowerPoint 2.2MB Jan5 06) (Summer 2006):

Summer Microbiology and Research Training Program (SMaRT)-


Created by George Rice, Montana State University


NSF Microbial Observatories on Marine Sponges (MOMS)

  • Course for Undergraduate Students interested in microbiology.
  • Targeted to students from traditionally underrepresented groups.
  • Ten days of intensive training in microbiology and molecular microbial ecology, with an emphasis on studying microbes in sponges.
  • 10th to 19th July 2006 at COMB, Baltimore.
  • Tuition and $500 stipend paid by NSF Microbial Observatories.
  • Application Deadline 14th April, 2006.


See more course details. (Microsoft Word 25kB Jan5 06)


This intensive, project-oriented course will be taught at the Center of Marine Biotechnology (COMB), University of Maryland Biotechnology Institute, Baltimore, with participation by scientists 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 (rDNA) sequencing, extract total DNA from sponges and perform PCR on this DNA to amplify microbial genes. Microscopy, fluorescence in situ hybridization and detection of signaling compounds from microbes will also be covered.
 

Sponge Microciona prolifera (RedBeard Sponge) in the Chesapeake Bay.
Center of Marine Biotechnology (COMB)
University of Maryland Biotechnology Institute
701 East Pratt Street, Suite 236
Baltimore MD 21202
With participation by Indiana University 



Course Faculty
Feng Chen, Ph.D., chenf@umbi.umd.edu
Clay Fuqua, Ph.D., cfuqua@indiana.edu
Russell T. Hill, Ph.D., hillr@umbi.umd.edu 

Download application form. (Microsoft Word 30kB Jan5 06)