INTRODUCTION
This module will focus on readings from Chapters 4, 5, and 6 in Wiedemeier along with numerous web-based tutorials. We will begin by looking at basic biological and chemical concepts which describe biochemical transformation of organic compounds in general and organic contaminants in specific. These concepts include requirements for biotransformation, microbial cell structure and function, oxidation-reduction potential, biodegradation kinetics and bioavailability. Once these basic principals have been covered we will concentrate on the applying them to the bioremediation of environmental contaminants including petroleum hydrocarbons and chlorinated organics.