Unit Objectives
 

 Module 4 Unit Objectives

1. Students will be able to explain the differences between diffusive and convective transport and discuss where in a biofilm each is important.
    
2. Students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the formulas for calculating diffusive penetration times for non-reacting solutes and will be able to perform calculations based on these formulas.
    
3. Students will be able to explain how diffusive penetration times change with changes in biofilm thickness.
    
4. Students will be able to identify the assumptions implicit in calculating diffusive penetration times.
    
5. Students will be able to estimate the effective diffusion coefficient of a solute in a biofilm.
    
6. Students will be able to explain how chemical gradients in biofilms contribute to their diverse ecology.
    
7. Students will be able to interpret biofilm phenomena in terms of reaction-diffusion interactions.
    
8. Students will be able to calculate the penetration depth of a reacting solute in a biofilm.
    
9. Students will be able to explain the impact of biofilm structural heterogeneity and water channels in particular on the transport of dissolved species in biofilms.
    
10. Students will recognize the possibility that there are mechanisms other than diffusion determining the unique properties of biofilms.