Many faculty members from diverse departments form the Graduate Group in Microbiology (GGM), administered by the Department of Plant and Microbial Biology. The discipline of microbiology at UCB encompasses biochemistry, physiology, molecular biology, genetics, cell biology, developmental biology, pathogenesis, ecology, and evolution. GGM provides access to these diverse disciplines through an integrated program of study oriented towards each student's special interests, and awards the Ph.D. degree in Microbiology at Berkeley.

GGM intends to develop in each student an understanding of microbial biology from the molecular to the cellular organization levels, and of beneficial and pathogenic microbes' interactions with other organisms. GGM faculty encourage students to develop critical and creative thinking, organizational and communication skills.

GGM students experience the excitement of discovery in fundamental and applied research, and the satisfaction of teaching in the classroom. Upon graduation the students should have the skills to establish innovative and effective research and teaching programs in academic, industrial or government environments.