Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology

Our mission is to conduct leading-edge research on plant diseases and plant-microbe interactions that directly and indirectly impact the ability to feed the world; human and animal health; environmental stewardship and sustainability. The department educates and prepares leaders in the STEM fields of plant and environmental health through a creative and challenging educational environment that integrates scholarship, fundamental knowledge and experiential learning. The mission also includes conveying information relevant to society through effective outreach and services that address plant health, food safety and environmental health to the citizens of Texas, the United States and the world.

An extension of this mission is to train the next generation of environmental professionals by providing both the analytical and biological understanding to successfully protect the environment while promoting economic vitality.

Bioenvironmental Sciences (BESC)
Environmental Studies (ENST)
Plant Pathology (PLPA)

Bioenvironmental Sciences (BESC)

BESC 201 Introduction to Bioenvironmental Sciences

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. A broad survey of environmental science with an emphasis on scientific literacy, current events, global and international issues and historic context.

BESC 203 Microbiomes and Their Environment

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Fundamentals of microbiomes; emphasis of interactions between microbiomes and their environments; assessment of impacts of microbiome functions on human, animals, plants and environmental processes; consideration of social and legal implications of microbiome engineering.

BESC 204 Molds and Mushrooms: The Impact of Fungi on Society and the Environment

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Introduction to the fungi and the impact these organisms have on society and the environment; includes life cycles of fungi; classification schemes, pathogens of plants, animals and humans, fungi in food production; toxic fungi and the law, and others.

BESC 285 Directed Studies

Credits 1 to 4. 1 to 4 Other Hours. Individually supervised research or advanced studies for lower-division undergraduate students to independently investigate special problems not available in existing courses. Prerequisite: Approval of instructor in consultation with departmental advisor.

BESC 291 Research

Credits 1 to 4. 1 to 4 Other Hours. Research conducted under the direction of faculty member in bioenvironmental sciences. May be repeated 3 times for credit. Prerequisites: Freshman or sophomore classification and approval of instructor.

BESC 311 International Perspectives on Environmental Issues

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Role of the United Nations and other institutions that promote international cooperation toward sustainable development goals; influence of cultural views on critical thinking about environmental issues, including population, water and agriculture, biodiversity and energy. Prerequisite: Junior classification or approval of instructor; must attend two mandatory pre-departure meetings.

BESC 314 Pathogens, the Environment and Society

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. The impact of microorganisms (bacteria, fungi and viruses) on the development of modern culture and society; the role pathogens played in the history of mankind and the influence of the changing environment on emerging diseases. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification.

BESC 320 Water and the Bioenvironmental Sciences

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Critical understanding of salient issues relating to fresh water as a limited and important bioenvironmental resource. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification.

BESC 357 Biotechnology for Biofuels and Bioproducts

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. This course explores the scientific and technological foundations of bioenergy. Students will critically analyze feedstocks across the three major generations of biofuels, assessing their unique characteristics, applications and limitations. Key enabling technologies — including pretreatment methods, fermentation processes and conversion pathways — are examined in depth. The course covers topics such as ethanol, biodiesel, biogas, biohydrogen and other emerging biofuels and bioproducts, reinforced through case studies and applied quantitative analyses of yield and productivity. Broader discussions and projects highlight recent advances in bioenergy research and the integration of biorefinery concepts, preparing students to critically assess the challenges and opportunities of the field. Prerequisites: BESC 201 and junior or senior classification.

BESC 367 U.S. Environmental Regulations

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. This course provides an overview of the U.S. legal infrastructure regulating environmental impacts. Students will explore core legal and scientific terminology, historical developments and the core role of the EPA. Major regulations of key statutes addressing air and water quality, waste management, hazardous substances, energy and natural resources are examined in detail. Emphasis is placed on the rationale behind environmental regulations and the regulatory process. Additional topics include the role of science in shaping policy and the influence of international agreements and environmental justice. Through case studies and projects, students evaluate the effectiveness of environmental regulations in addressing real-world challenges. Prerequisites: BESC 201, ENSS 105 or RWFM 308.

BESC 401 Bioenvironmental Microbiology

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. The interactions of microorganism in diverse environments; applied aspects of microbial interactions in the environment, their effects on the environment, and potential use to solve environmental problems. Prerequisites: CHEM 222 or CHEM 227; or approval of instructor.

BESC 402 Microbial Processes in Bioremediation

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. This course introduces the fundamental principles and applications of bioremediation as a sustainable approach to managing contaminated environments. Students will investigate common and emerging environmental contaminants, the critical factors influencing microbial activity, and conduct an in-depth analysis of the microbial metabolic pathways involved in contaminant degradation. Both in-situ and ex-situ bioremediation technologies are explored, alongside complementary physicochemical remediation processes. Through real-world case studies and applied projects, students evaluate recent advances in bioremediation pathways and innovative technologies. By the end of the course, students will be equipped with the necessary knowledge and analytical skills to evaluate effective strategies for environmental restoration. Prerequisite: CHEM 222 or CHEM 227.

BESC 403 Sampling and Environmental Monitoring

Credits 3. 2 Lecture Hours. 3 Lab Hours. This course integrates the principles and practices of environmental sampling and monitoring, focusing equally on theory and hands-on application. Students will examine the fundamentals of environmental monitoring and data analysis, pollutant chemistry, regulatory frameworks and Phase I Environmental Site Assessments. Building on this foundation, the course delves into sampling approaches and methodologies for environmental analysis using both in-situ and ex-situ analytical techniques. A dedicated laboratory component provides essential hands-on experience through projects that reinforce concepts, good laboratory practices, quality control and data interpretation. The course culminates with comprehensive capstone experiences, enabling students to apply their knowledge to real-world environmental challenges. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification or approval of instructor.

BESC 411 Environmental Health and Safety Compliance

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. 1 Lab Hour. Investigation of various Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) practices necessary for compliance with state and federal regulations; reinforcement of real-world understanding; tour several regulated facilities on campus and learn about the particular TAMU-EHS compliance management strategies for each (utilities, underground storage tanks, wastewater treatment and hazardous waste facility). Prerequisite: BESC 367 or similar regulation intensive course and approval of instructor.

BESC 421 Bioenvironmental Project Planning and Management

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Management processes for managing projects in academic, government or industry settings; exploration of projects that are hypothesis driven, exploratory and product-driven; critical communication planning, meeting stakeholders and sponsors expectations and ensuring regulatory compliance; emphasis on project management life cycle, managing change, communication planning and the work environment. Prerequisite: BESC 201; junior or senior classification or approval of instructor.

BESC 431 Bioenvironmental Data Analysis

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Data management, analysis and interpretation specifically for bioenvironmental research purposes; development of skills required to draw conclusions from data, specifically the types of data relevant to studying the interface of biological and environmental processes; exposure to and development of presentation skills in communicating results and conclusions that rely on interpretation and assumptions. Prerequisites: BESC 201; STAT 201, STAT 302 or STAT 303.

BESC 481 Seminar

Credit 1. 1 Lecture Hour. Capstone course for topics in bioenvironmental sciences; critical analysis of environmental issues through written themes and presentations. May be taken three times for credit. Prerequisites: BESC 201 and senior classification in BESC major.

BESC 484 Field Experience

Credits 1 to 4. 1 to 4 Other Hours. An on-the-job supervised experience program conducted in the area of the student's specialization. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification or approval of department head.

BESC 485 Directed Studies

Credits 1 to 4. 1 to 4 Other Hours. Special problems for advanced undergraduates to permit study of subject matter not available in existing courses. Prerequisite: BESC 201 or approval of instructor.

BESC 489 Special Topics in...

Credits 1 to 4. 1 to 4 Lecture Hours. 1 to 4 Lab Hours. Selected topics in an identified area of bioenvironmental sciences. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: BESC 201 or approval of instructor.

BESC 491 Research

Credits 1 to 4. 1 to 4 Other Hours. Research conducted under the direction of faculty member in bioenvironmental sciences. May be repeated 3 times for credit. Registration in multiple sections of this course are possible within a given semester provided that the per semester credit hour limit is not exceeded. Prerequisites: Junior or senior classification and approval of instructor.

Environmental Studies (ENST)

ENST 291 Research

Credits 1 to 4. 1 to 4 Other Hours. Research conducted under the direction of faculty member in environmental studies. May be repeated 2 times for credit. Prerequisites: Freshman or sophomore classification and approval of instructor.

ENST 491 Research

Credits 1 to 4. 1 to 4 Other Hours. Research conducted under the direction of faculty member in environmental studies. May be repeated 3 times for credit. Registration in multiple sections of this course are possible within a given semester provided that the per semester credit hour limit is not exceeded. Prerequisites: Freshman or sophomore classification and approval of instructor.

Plant Pathology (PLPA)

PLPA 291 Research

Credits 1 to 4. 1 to 4 Other Hours. Research conducted under the direction of faculty member in plant pathology. May be repeated 3 times for credit. Prerequisites: Freshman or sophomore classification and approval of instructor.

PLPA 301 Plant Pathology

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Introduction to fundamental principles of plant pathology; diagnosis, cause and control of plant diseases. Prerequisites: BIOL 113, BIOL 101, or BIOL 111.

PLPA 303 Plant Pathology Laboratory

Credit 1. 2 Lab Hours. Isolation, identification of plant pathogens and clinical diagnosis and control of plant diseases. Prerequisite: PLPA 301 or registration therein.

PLPA 334 Turfgrass Pathology

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours. Recognizing important turfgrass disease problems, understanding of biological mechanisms associated with the disease progress and learning of disease management strategies. Prerequisites: Junior or senior classification or approval of instructor.

PLPA 485 Directed Studies

Credits 1 to 4. 1 to 4 Other Hours. Special problems for advanced undergraduates to permit study of subject matter not available in existing courses. Prerequisites: PLPA 301 and prior approval of instructor or department head.

PLPA 489 Special Topics in...

Credits 1 to 4. 1 to 4 Lecture Hours. Selected topics in an identified area of plant pathology. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: PLPA 301 or approval of instructor.

PLPA 491 Research

Credits 1 to 4. 1 to 4 Other Hours. Research conducted under the direction of faculty member in plant pathology. May be repeated 3 times for credit. Registration in multiple sections of this course are possible within a given semester provided that the per semester credit hour limit is not exceeded. Prerequisites: Junior or senior classification and approval of instructor.

Antony Babu, Sanjay, Associate Professor
Plant Pathology & Microbiology
PHD, Newcastle University, 2008

Arreola Vargas, Jorge, Instructional Assistant Professor
Plant Pathology & Microbiology
PHD, Instituto Potosino de Investigación Científica y Tecnológica, San Luis Potosí, Mexico, 2014

Chappell, Thomas M, Associate Professor
Plant Pathology & Microbiology
PHD, Duke University, 2010

Edwards, Joseph Andrew, Assistant Professor
Plant Pathology & Microbiology
PHD, University of California, Davis, 2017

Gonzalez, Carlos F, Professor
Plant Pathology & Microbiology
PHD, University of Nebraska at Lincoln, 1978

He, Baoye, Assistant Professor
Plant Pathology & Microbiology
PHD, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 2015

Kolomiets, Mikhailo V, Professor
Plant Pathology & Microbiology
PHD, Iowa State University, 1998

Magill, Clint W, Professor
Plant Pathology & Microbiology
PHD, Cornell University, 1969

Shaw, Brian D, Professor
Plant Pathology & Microbiology
PHD, Cornell University, 2000

Shim, Won Bo, Professor
Plant Pathology & Microbiology
PHD, Purdue University, 2000

Stoddard, Kati L, Instructional Professor
Plant Pathology & Microbiology
PHD, University of North Texas, 2012

Verchot, Jeanmarie, Professor
Plant Pathology & Microbiology
PHD, Texas A&M University, 1995

Wilkinson, Heather H, Professor
Plant Pathology & Microbiology
PHD, Binghamton University, 1996

Zhang, Xu, Assistant Professor
Plant Pathology & Microbiology
PHD, Ghent University, 2019