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Subject offerings of new and developing areas of knowledge in agricultural and biological engineering intended to augment the existing curriculum. See Class Schedule or departmental course information for topics and prerequisites. Course Information: 1 to 4 undergraduate hours. 1 to 4 graduate hours. May be repeated in the same or separate terms if topics vary to a maximum of 16 hours.

Title: A Molecular Survey of Photosynthetic Diversity Nature has evolved distinct and elaborate ways to capture energy from the sun and to convert that energy into chemical form. Photosynthetic organisms achieve this feat through molecular mechanisms designed to optimize light harvesting, photoprotection, and carbon fixation in their native environments. This course explores the common themes of these mechanisms, as well as features unique to diverse photosynthetic lineages represented in the tree of life. By expanding our understanding of how different organisms use the resources available in their environments, we can begin to design and adapt these solutions to new engineered scenarios, like artificial growth environments for plants and algae.