IX. Graduate Programs
Plant Agriculture
Courses
Plant Genetics and Breeding
| PLNT*6100 Advanced Crop Breeding F [0.50] |
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| The practical consideration of genetic theory and biological limitations to improving plant populations and developing cultivars will be discussed. Current and emerging breeding methodologies and sources of variation used to achieve plant breeding goals will be examined through lectures, paper discussion, site visits and invited talks. |
| PLNT*6130 Corn Breeding W [0.25] |
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| Principles of corn breeding with emphasis on germplasm enhancement and methods of improving breeding populations as sources of inbred lines for hybrid programs and for direct use as improved varieties. (Offered in even years) |
| PLNT*6150 Plant Breeding -The Profession W [0.25] |
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| The course will address professional aspects of plant breeding including: legal/regulatory issues, ethical issues related to germplasm, and rights and responsibilities related to intellectual property under UPOV and World Patent Organization conventions. (Offered in odd years) |
| PLNT*6160 Quantitative Genetic Variation in Crop Populations W [0.25] |
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| Fundamentals of quantitative genetics. Topics will include gene and genotype frequencies, forces affecting equilibrium, small population size, inbreeding, means, variances, covariances and resemblance among relatives. Lecture topics will be expanded through discussion of classic and current papers. (Offered in even years) |
| PLNT*6250 Colloquium in Plant Genetics and Breeding U [0.25] |
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| An open discussion course designed to review and critically analyse contemporary issues in plant genetics and breeding. |
| PLNT*6260 Advanced Crop Genetics W [0.50] |
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| A lecture and discussion course on some of the recent advances in genetics as they pertain to crop improvement. Topics will include: the molecular basis of selected agronomic traits, molecular marker assisted selection, isolation of plant genes and plant transformation systems. |
| PLNT*6500 Applied Bioinformatics W [0.50] | |
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| The goal of this course is to provide an introductory understanding of the databases and methods used in computational molecular biology research. Topics covered will include: reviewing major molecular databases and their structures, constructing sequence alignments, constructing phylogenics, and finding motifs and genes in biological sequences. Lab sessions will include an introduction to Unix and Perl for the biologist and hands-on use of several molecular data analysis programs. | |
| Prerequisite(s): | Undergraduate level statistics class (such as STAT*2040 or STAT*2100) and undergraduate level molecular biology class (such as MBG*2020). |
Plant Physiology and Biochemistry
| PLNT*6010 Physiology of Crop Yield W [0.50] | |
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| This course covers factors affecting biomass production and yield, with primary focus on phenomena measured at the whole canopy scale. Yield-limiting abiotic stresses (temperature, water deficit, nutrient deficiency) are considered in detail, as are technical aspects of intrumentation used in crop physiology research. (Offered annually) | |
| Prerequisite(s): | PBIO*3110 or permission of instructor |
| PLNT*6110 Postharvest Physiology W [0.50] |
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| Discussion of the physiological effects of controlled and supplemental environments or treatments on horticultural crops. Emphasis is on current problems and research. (Offered in odd years) |
| PLNT*6220 Advanced Studies in Pomology W [0.50] |
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| Discussion of current problems and research on fruit crop production and physiology. (Offered in even years) |
| PLNT*6230 Colloquium in Plant Physiology and Biochemistry U [0.25] |
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| An open discussion course designed to review and critically analyze contemporary issues in plant physiology and biochemistry. |
| PLNT*6290 Physiological Genetics of Higher Plants F [0.50] |
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| A lecture and discussion course examining classical and molecular genetic investigations for understanding the genetic basis and regulation of physiological processes in plants. (Offered in odd years) |
| PLNT*6320 Metabolic Processes in Crop Plants F [0.50] | |
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| A comprehensive examination of the metabolic mechanisms and versatility whereby autotrophic organisms sustain themselves. Emphasis will be placed on our current understanding of the regulation and integration of metabolic processes in plants and their physiological and agricultural significance including available research methodologies. | |
| Prerequisite(s): | one undergraduate course in biochemistry |
| Restriction(s): | no auditing without permission of Instuctor |
Crop Production Systems
| PLNT*6240 Colloquium in Crop Production and Management U [0.25] |
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| An open discussion course designed to review and critically analyze contemporary issues in crop production and management. |
General
| PLNT*6050 Principles and Application of Plant Tissue Culture F [0.50] |
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| The course involves lecture and discussions of fundamental and applied aspects of plant tissue culture. Topics will include the role of tissue culture in understanding plant development, physiology and genetics, and its commercial applications in horticulture and forestry. (Offered in odd years) |
| PLNT*6080 Plant Disease Epidemiology and Management F [0.50] |
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| Epidemiology and management of plant diseases caused by fungi, viruses, and bacteria. (Offered in alternate years.) |
| PLNT*6170 Statistics in Plant Agriculture W [0.50] |
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| The application of statistical techniques to research in plant agriculture. SAS will be the software used to perform data analysis. Emphasis will be placed on statistical principles, the design of experiments, the testing of hypotheses, and communication of findings to other scientists. |
| PLNT*6400 Seminar F,W [0.25] |
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| All graduate students present a departmental seminar on their research proposal no later than the second semester. Each student is expected to participate in the seminars of colleagues and faculty. |
| PLNT*6450 Plant Agriculture International Field Tour U [0.25] | |
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| A field course designed to increase student's knowledge of primary field and animal agricultural production systems. To explore the environmental and political issues related to international agriculture and to understand the role of agri-business in the rural economy. | |
| Restriction(s): | CROP*4260 if PLNT*6450 is field tour to mid-west USA |