This course is designed for undergraduate students interested in the interactions between plants and diverse microorganisms, ranging from beneficial to harmful. The course covers fundamental concepts of cell and molecular biology that underlie these interactions. Additionally, it explores their impact on plant health and biotechnological innovations.
Athena Title
Plant-Microbe Interactions
Prerequisite
(BIOL 1108 and BIOL 1108L) or (BIOL 2108H and BIOL 2108L) or permission of department
Semester Course Offered
Offered fall
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Student Learning Outcomes
Students will develop a solid understanding of plant-microbe interactions by identifying and classifying major microbes and examining their effects on plant health, biotechnology, and society.
Students will introduce key research methods and tools, including genetic transformation and GFP technology, for studying plant-microbe interactions.
Students will improve critical thinking by analyzing data, solving problems, and proposing new approaches to plant-microbe interactions.
Students will connect course material to real-world examples and case studies to deepen understanding and practical application.
Students will identify and classify different types of plant-associated microbes and explain how they interact with plants.
Students will explain the gene-for-gene model and predict outcomes in host-pathogen interactions.
Students will apply knowledge of plant-microbe interactions to develop strategies for improving plant resistance.
Students will analyze data on plant-microbe interactions and communicate findings clearly in both written and oral formats.
Topical Outline
Overview of plant-microbe interactions
Concepts and tools for studying plant-microbe interactions
Cellular and molecular biology of plants and microorganisms
Interactions between plants and diverse microbes, including viruses, bacteria, fungi, and oomycetes
Plant immunity
Microbial effector molecules
Case studies on biotechnological innovations inspired by plant-microbe interactions, such as Agrobacterium-mediated genetic engineering, genome editing, and the development of novel medicines
