Plant Pathology

Plant Pathology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Paul Williams (left), professor in the Department of Plant Pathology, shows a recycled bottle compost system to students in the UW GreenHouse Learning Community. (Photo by Bryce Richter / UW-Madison)

Advisors: Sara Rodock (608-262-9926, rodock@wisc.edu). Schedule appointments online to meet with Sara. Departmental Office: 284 Russell Labs (608-262-1410) http://www.plantpath.wisc.edu

Field of Study: Plant pathology integrates the fields of botany, molecular biology, microbiology, ecology, biochemistry, genetics, and crop production to understand, prevent, and combat plant diseases.

Possible Careers: Research scientists or technical support position in an academic, government and industry labs; crop consultant;researcher in foreign service; positions in agribusiness sales and marketing; professor/teacher; physician; veterinarian.

Special Opportunities & Additional Information

  • First-Year Interest Group (FIG) available to entering freshmen (Global Food Security: the Real Hunger Games)
  • There are excellent employment opportunities for majors with a bachelors degree.
  • All majors participate in a research experience in a research lab or in our diagnostic clinic.

Selected Required Coursework for the B.S. Degree: Plant Microbe Biology Track

  • Intro Biology: Biology 151/152 (preferred); or Botany 130 and Zoo 101/102; or Biocore
  • Math: Math 211, 217, or 221. Math 222, Stats 301, or 371 also required.
  • General Chemistry: Chem 103/104 or 109
  • Organic Chemistry: Chem 341/342 or Chem 343/344/345
  • Physics: Physics 103/104; or Physics 201/202; or Physics 207/208
  • Statistics: Math 222, Stats 301, or 371 also required.

Selected Required Coursework for the B.S. Degree: Plant Health and Industry Track

  • Intro Biology: Biology 151/152 (preferred); Botany 130 and Zoo 101/102; or Biocore
  • Math: 112 & 113, 114, or 171
  • General Chemistry: Chem 103/104 or 109
  • Organic Chemistry: None
  • Physics: Physics 103, 201 or 207
  • Statistics: None