All complex life on Earth is dependent on plants for food and oxygen, and microbes are by far the most abundant organisms. The Plant and Microbial Biology major gives students the flexibility to study all aspects of the plants, fungi, and bacteria that arguably impact human lives more than any other life forms. Coursework and research opportunities range from genomics, cell biology, and physiology to taxonomy, evolution, and ecology. Students can focus their studies on plants, microbes, or the interactions between the two, such as symbiotic or pathogenic relationships.
In this major, you will explore...
- How plants, fungi, and/or bacteria work. Learn how these organisms harness and use energy to grow, respond to changing environments, and communicate with one another.
- Flexible interdisciplinary knowledge. Depending on your interests, the major allows you to gain a broad foundation in genomics, cell biology, physiology, taxonomy, evolution, and ecology, offering the opportunity to gain a comprehensive understanding of plants, fungi, and bacteria in different contexts.
- Real-world impact. Explore how to solve real-world problems, such as how to make agriculture more sustainable, develop new medicines, improve ecosystem health, and harness microorganisms to make fuels and fertilizers.
- Diverse career paths. Plant and Microbial Biology graduates enter careers in agriculture, biotechnology, environmental conservation, pharmaceutical development, medicine, and many others thanks to the versatile skillset developed in the program.
- Authentic research opportunities. Plant and Microbial Biology students engage in cutting-edge research with award-winning faculty, exploring everything from microbial genomics to plant physiology, which is essential for addressing global climate, food, energy, and biotechnological challenges. All undergrads in this major are guaranteed experience in a research laboratory.
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Academic program and major requirements
Director of Undergraduate Studies: Dr. Yaniv Brandvain | 612-624-4375 | [email protected]