This major emphasizes the
study of plants from the molecular genetic to organismal
levels. Lower division courses provide a foundation in biological
and physical sciences as preparation for advanced study at the upper
division level. Laboratory classes accompany most course offerings, that
focus further on the subject matter and introduce students to the latest
techniques in genetics and plant biology. The Department offers many
varied research opportunities in departmental research laboratories to
further enhance students' exposure to the exciting and growing field of
Genetics and Plant Biology.
This major emerged in 2001 in response to the growing
demand for highly trained Microbiologists. The major emphasizes the study
of the most dominant life form on earth, microbes. Faculty and students
study Bacteria, Fungi, Algae, Protozoa and Viruses and their
interactions with their environment and other organisms. As with the
Genetics and Plant Biology major, this Department offers many research
opportunities.
Career opportunities for Genetics and Plant Biology or Microbial Majors
Both majors attract students interested in competing
for research positions in government, industry and academia; pursuing
medical, veterinary, or other health related professional education;
contemplating post-graduate education in biology;
or considering teaching biology at the secondary school level.
Students also pursue a myriad of career opportunities beyond this list.
Outstanding teaching
Faculty in the Department have an
outstanding teaching record for these majors. For example, on May 17, 2005
Professor John Taylor received the College of Natural Resources Distinguished
Teaching Award, presented by the College to
acknowledge the efforts of faculty members who have excelled in
undergraduate teaching and made significant contributions to the
teaching mission of the College. Several other PMB faculty have won
teaching awards.
Graduate Programs
This program trains students in modern research areas of plant or microbial
biology.
An advisor works with each student to design an individual course of study,
tailored to the graduate's interests and career goals. Each graduate program
features a set of core core courses, an introductory seminar, and additional
special topic courses and seminars in areas of faculty specialties. The
Department has research expertise in the following areas: molecular,
cellular, genetic, biochemical, physiological, developmental, and structural
biology; microbial biology; and plant microbe interactions.
This department provides each
student with a breadth
of understanding of microbial biology from the molecular to the cellular
levels of organization; and the interactions of microbes, beneficial and
pathogenic, with other organisms. View more information about this program
at
Graduate Group in Microbiology.
This department trains students
in modern research areas of plant biology concentrating in molecular, cellular,
genetic, biochemical, physiological, developmental, and structural biology;
as well as plant microbe interactions.
