UGA Bulletin Logo

Plant Microbiology


Course Description

Small organisms, big concepts. Students will learn core biology concepts with plant-associated microbes providing a useful framework. Topics include microbial diversity, genetics, evolution, disease, symbiosis, and the microbiome in the context of plants. The progression of microbial scientific ideas and the impacts of plant-associated microbes on society will also be discussed.


Athena Title

Plant Microbiology


Non-Traditional Format

This course will be taught 95% or more online. Content will be provided through a series of recorded presentations and videos. Online asynchronous quizzes and exams will be used for assessment.


Semester Course Offered

Offered summer semester every odd-numbered year.


Grading System

A - F (Traditional)


Course Objectives

• Students will be able to accurately explain core biology and microbiology concepts to their peers in simple terms. • Students will be able to list key similarities and differences between eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells. • Students will be able to describe how prokaryotes pass genetic information vertically and horizontally and the effect on their evolution. • Students will be able to describe how microbe interactions with the plant immune system and the environment determine disease outcomes. • Students will be able to explain examples of how plant-associated microbes impact society.


Topical Outline

• Microbial diversity and ubiquity • Cellular and sub-cellular structure • Information flow and central dogma • Prokaryotic metabolism, physiology, and replication • Prokaryotic evolution, genetics, and genomics • Plant-microbe interactions • Plant microbial ecology/microbiome • The global and societal impacts of plant-associated microbes


General Education Core

CORE II: Life Sciences

Syllabus