Participants in Wartburg College’s Keep on Learning course in March will go under microscope.

Dr. Stephen Main, Wartburg professor emeritus of biology, will focus on “Microscopic Life: It’s As Exciting as Outer Space — and Much Closer” on four consecutive Thursday mornings, March 1, 8, 15 and 22.

Main has conducted extensive research on freshwater and marine algae. He completed his bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Valparaiso University and earned a Ph.D. degree from Oregon State University.

Microscopic images will illustrate his presentations, and participants will see demonstrations of light and scanning electronic microscopy. He will discuss diatoms, the rest of the microscopic food web, and respecting the microbes in control, covering geochemical cycles, disease, pollution and other issues.

The Keep on Learning sessions in the Heritage Room of Saemann Student Center begin with coffee at 9 a.m., followed by the presentation from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Parking is available near Saemann Student Center for those entering campus on Wartburg Boulevard.

Pre-registration is not required, and a $30 fee is payable at the second class.

The Wartburg Alumni and Parent Relations Office coordinates Keep on Learning with the assistance of a volunteer committee. For more information call 319-352-8491 or e-mail alumni@wartburg.edu.