Microbiology for the Non-Biologist

Some microorganisms will make you sick and some will gum up the treatment works, yet others are beneficial. Learn how to tell the good from the bad!

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Course Status Notice – Not Scheduled

We do not have an offering of this course scheduled at this time. Please join our email list to be notified when the next offering is scheduled!

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Course Details

Course Name: Microbiology for the Non-Biologist
Course Code: EO0101WA25
Date of Most Recent Offering: April 29, 2025

Date: April 29, 2025 UPDATE FOR NEXT OFFERING
Time: 8:30 am – 3:30 pm EDT UPDATE FOR NEXT OFFERING

Location: Online UPDATE FOR NEXT OFFERING
Format: Live, instructor-led UPDATE FOR NEXT OFFERING

Registration Fee: $290 per person UPDATE FOR NEXT OFFERING
Multi Person Discount Fee: $240 per person (2 or more registrants) UPDATE FOR NEXT OFFERING
NJLWO Discount Fee: $145 per person (T-W-VSWS Licenses Only) UPDATE FOR NEXT OFFERING

Registration Closes: April 24, 2025 UPDATE FOR NEXT OFFERING

Paying with a check, money order, or purchase order?
Payments should be made out to: Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
Checks and money orders should be mailed to: Office of Continuing Professional Education, Attn: Registration Dept., 102 Ryders Ln, New Brunswick, NJ 08901-8519
Purchase Orders can be mailed to the address above or electronically sent to registration@njaes.rutgers.edu.

Course Overview

This innovative, fun, one-day class will bring the science of microbiology to an everyday, understandable level. The information presented is useful for people who treat drinking water, wastewater, contaminated soils/materials or have public health responsibilities. This class will introduce participants to the physiology, characteristics, nomenclature, and taxonomy of microorganisms, including those found in drinking water and wastewater. Related regulatory programs and control techniques will also be discussed.

  • Bacteria, Viruses, Fungi, Algae, and Protozoa
  • Indicator Organisms
  • The Microbiology of Water and Wastewater Systems

Who Should Attend?

The information presented in this class is useful for people who treat drinking water, wastewater, contaminated soils/materials, or have public health responsibilities. Past participants have included:

  • DPW Directors
  • Environmental Health and Safety Compliance Professionals
  • Environmental Scientists
  • Field Operation Supervisors
  • Laboratory Analysts and Managers
  • Operations Mechanics
  • Sewer Supervisors
  • Utilities Managers
  • Water Quality and Environmental Compliance Specialists
  • Water and Wastewater Operators

Meet Your Instructor

Headshot of instructor Craig Phelps

Craig D. Phelps, Ph.D.

Dr. Phelps is an Associate Teaching Professor in the Department of Environmental Sciences School of Environmental and Biological Sciences at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey.

Student Reviews

Most useful part of the course: “Visually seeing the different microorganisms; it will help me identify them when I look at them with our instruments.”

– Past Participant

“Very informative and interesting.”

– Past Participant

“[I learned] How to tell sludge age by microorganisms present in wastewater.”

– Past Participant

Continuing Education Credits

The most recent offering of Microbiology for the Non-Biologist was approved for 6 contact hours and the following credits from professional organizations. We will reapply for similar credits the next time the course runs, but we cannot guarantee credit approval for future offerings.

The Microbiology for the Non-Biologist course is approved for 0.6 Rutgers CEUs (6 contact hours), as well as the following credits from professional organizations.

State of New Jersey map iconNew Jersey

NJ Certified Public Works Managers (CPWM): 6 Technical Contact Hours

NJ Drinking Water and Wastewater Operators: 6 TCHs (Approval #01-010106-30)

NJ Professional Engineers: 6 Continuing Professional Competency (CPC) Credits

State of Pennsylvania map iconPennsylvania

PA Drinking Water and Wastewater Operators: 6 Recertification Hours

Meals

Place setting icon with napkin, plate, fork, and knifeNo breakfast will be provided. Lunch will be available for pre-registered attendees only.

NOTE: If you have any dietary restrictions or food allergies, please alert us at least one (1) week in advance of the course start date so that we can make reasonable accommodations. We cannot guarantee accommodations for special requests made after that time.

Course Requirements and Policies

electronic devices iconTechnology Requirements

This online course will be delivered via Zoom.

Equipment you will need to access this training:

  • Laptop or desktop computers are required for this class.
  • A microphone is required.

 A week before the start date of class, you will receive an email from Judith Joshua with more details on the class.

email iconEmail Requirement

A unique email address is required for each registrant to register and access our courses.

  • If this is your first time registering with us, please provide your own unique email address when registering; do not provide an email address that you share with co-workers.
  • If you have previously taken classes with us and have used an email address that you share with your co-workers or supervisor, your account must be updated with a unique email address. To do this, please send an email to us at registration@njaes.rutgers.edu stating that your email address needs to be changed and include:
    • Your full name
    • The shared email address that needs to be changed
    • Your unique email address
    • A phone number where you can be reached if we have any questions

x icon with circle around itCancellations and Substitutions

A $75 cancellation fee applies for this course. Substitutions are permitted. View our cancellation policy.

Attention U.S. Veterans

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This course is approved by the New Jersey State Approving Agency for Veterans Training for educational benefits through the GI Bill®. Learn more.

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.

Program Questions? We’re Here to Help!

If you have any questions about Microbiology for the Non-Biologist, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.

Headshot of Judith Joshua, administrative assistant

Administrative Assistant: Judith Joshua
848-932-7483 
judith.joshua@rutgers.edu

For registration assistance, please contact our Registration Department at 848-932-9271, option 2 or email registration@njaes.rutgers.edu.

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Maintaining Water Quality in the Distribution System

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