Educational Materials

Feature Research Paper

Considering the Microbial Components of Social, Environmental, and Health Justice

This publication by Megan Carney, University of Arizona from the MSE group explores the intricate relationships between microbial science and social equity. The authors discuss how understanding microbial functions can contribute to addressing broader social and environmental issues, offering a unique perspective on the potential for microbial systems to influence health justice and policy-making.

This paper is ideal for use in upper-level undergraduate and graduate courses discussing microbiology, environmental science, or social justice. It provides a comprehensive overview that can help students and researchers understand the broader implications of microbial research in societal contexts.

Key Points:

  • Analysis of microbial interactions with social and environmental factors.
  • Discussion on how equity can be integrated into microbial and environmental research.
  • Suggestions for leveraging microbiome science to inform policy and advocate for social change.

Access: The full paper is available at mSystems, providing detailed insights and recommendations for future research and policy.

Including this paper in your educational materials section not only highlights significant research conducted by the MSE group but also serves as a valuable academic resource for those interested in the intersections of science, society, and sustainability.

Feature Lesson Plan

Microbes and Social Equity Course

The "Microbes and Social Equity" course, taught by Dr. Sue Ishaq at the University of Oregon Honors College in Summer 2019, delves into the significant role microbes play in social equity issues. This educational package offers a thorough investigation into microbial ecology and its interaction with human activities and societal systems.

Educational Aims and Structure

  • Fundamentals of Microbial Ecology: Introduces students to basic concepts, historical insights, and current technologies, providing a solid foundation in microbial ecology.
  • Critical Engagement: Enhances students' abilities to critically review scientific literature, distill findings, understand limitations, and develop robust science communication skills through written assignments and class discussions.
  • Collaborative Research Project: Central to the course is a group project where students co-author a perspective piece intended for publication, providing a practical experience in scientific writing and publication.

Resource Accessibility

  • Course Materials: Detailed syllabus, lecture notes, reading lists, and assignments are compiled comprehensively for educators to adapt and integrate into their own curricula. These resources are designed to be flexible and applicable across various educational settings, from high school classes to university lectures.
  • Interactive Components: The course includes discussions, guest lectures, and a collaborative final project, all structured to foster an interactive and engaging learning environment.

For educators interested in utilizing these resources, detailed course materials including the syllabus and all related presentations are available for download. These can be accessed to enrich your own teaching materials and to provide a comprehensive educational experience on the intersections of microbiology and social equity.

Access the Course Materials Here

Utilization and Impact

This course is ideal for educators in the fields of environmental science, microbiology, public health, and social sciences. It offers valuable insights and materials that can be directly applied in educational settings to explore complex scientific topics through the lens of social equity. The course encourages a multidisciplinary approach to education, inviting students and educators to consider broader societal impacts of scientific research.

Further Information and Support

For further details or to discuss potential collaborations and adaptations of the course materials, please feel free to visit our [contact us] page.