The Department of Microbiology has merged with the Department of Plant Biology. The new name of the expanded department is the Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics. The department participates in the teaching and advising of three specialization areas of the interdepartmental major in Biological Sciences.
Microbiology is a field fundamental to all of biology.
Specialization in the field encompasses not only study of the fundamental processes of bacteria, but also the examination of animal, plant, and bacterial viruses, as well as animal and plant defense systems that counter infection and invasion of microorganisms. Microbiology, including the sub-fields of virology and immunology, continues to be at the forefront. Microbiological principles are being applied in ecology, biotechnology, medicine, agriculture, and the food industry. The Plant Biology specialization area is designed with a diverse range of career possibilities for students in plant biology and plant protection. The department offers instruction in the fields of physiology, molecular biology, pathology, ecology, taxonomy, genetics, mycology, nematology, virology, and evolutionary plant biology.