IX. Graduate Programs

Plant Agriculture

Courses

Plant Breeding and Genetics

PLNT*6100 Advanced Plant Breeding I W [0.50]
The practical consideration of genetic theory and biological limitations to improving plant populations and developing cultivars are discussed. Current and emerging breeding methodologies and sources of variation used to achieve plant breeding goals are examined through lectures, paper discussion, site visits and invited talks.

PLNT*6160 Advanced Plant Breeding II W [0.50]
Fundamentals of quantitative genetics. Topics include gene and genotype frequencies means, variances, covariances and resemblance among relatives. Lecture topics are expanded through discussion of classic and current papers. (Offered in odd numbered years)

PLNT*6250 Colloquium in Plant Genetics and Breeding U [0.25]
An open discussion course designed to review and critically analyse contemporary issues in plant genetics and breeding.

PLNT*6260 Advanced Plant Genetics I F [0.50]
A lecture and discussion course examining the underlying principles of genetics and the recent advances in plant genetics. Topics include: structure of the genome, experiments to measure and experimentally describe phenotypes, population structures, and molecular basis of inheritance of a phenotype.

PLNT*6290 Advanced Plant Genetics II W [0.50]
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 even-numbered years)

PLNT*6340 Plant Breeding F [0.50]
This course examines principles of plant breeding in self- and cross-pollinted crops. Additional topics include crop domestication, mating systems, heritability, gain from selection, disease resistance, polyploidy, marker assisted selection and government regulations.
Restriction(s):	MBG*4160

PLNT*6500 Applied Bioinformatics W [0.50]
The goal of this course is to provide an introductory understanding of the databases and methods used in computational molecular biology research. Topics include: reviewing major molecular databases and their structures, constructing sequence alignments, constructing phylogenics, and finding motifs and genes in biological sequences. Lab sessions 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 STAT2040 or STAT2100) and undergraduate level molecular biology class (such as MBG*2020).

PLNT*6500 Applied Bioinformatics W [0.50]

The goal of this course is to provide an introductory understanding of the databases and methods used in computational molecular biology research. Topics include: reviewing major molecular databases and their structures, constructing sequence alignments, constructing phylogenics, and finding motifs and genes in biological sequences. Lab sessions 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 Biochemistry and Physiology

PLNT*6010 Physiology of Crop Yield W [0.50]
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 instrumentation used in crop physiology research. (Offered annually)
Prerequisite(s):	PBIO*3110 or permission of instructor

PLNT*6110 Fruit and Vegetable Technology F [0.50]
The course is primarily intended to address science and technology aspects of fruits and vegetables, with specific reference to storage, packaging, quality, processing, products and ingredients, health regulatory properties and biotechnology issues. Methods of instruction include lectures and seminars. Students are evaluated during their seminar presentations, term papers and participation in discussions. (Offered in even-numbered years)

PLNT*6110 Fruit and Vegetable Technology F [0.50]

The course is primarily intended to address science and technology aspects of fruits and vegetables, with specific reference to storage, packaging, quality, processing, products and ingredients, health regulatory properties and biotechnology issues. Methods of instruction include lectures and seminars. Students are evaluated during their seminar presentations, term papers and participation in discussions. (Offered in even-numbered years)

PLNT*6230 Colloquium in Plant Physiology and Biochemistry U [0.25]
An open discussion course designed to review and critically analyze contemporary issues in plant physiology and biochemistry.

PLNT*6320 Metabolic Processes in Crop Plants F [0.50]
A comprehensive examination of the metabolic mechanisms and versatility whereby autotrophic organisms sustain themselves. Emphasis is 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

PLNT*6330 Metabolism of Natural Products in Plants W [0.50]
A comprehensive analysis of the metabolism and roles of natural products in plants. Emphasis is placed on the distinction between secondary and primary processes, and the composition, detection, and regulation of the biosynthesis, modification and turnover of natural products. Key research methodologies and the roles of natural products in abiotic and biotic stresses and their effects on human health are discussed. (Offered in even numbered years)

PLNT*6330 Metabolism of Natural Products in Plants W [0.50]

A comprehensive analysis of the metabolism and roles of natural products in plants. Emphasis is placed on the distinction between secondary and primary processes, and the composition, detection, and regulation of the biosynthesis, modification and turnover of natural products. Key research methodologies and the roles of natural products in abiotic and biotic stresses and their effects on human health are discussed. (Offered in even numbered years)

Crop Production Systems

PLNT*6240 Colloquium in Crop Production and Management U [0.25]
An open discussion course designed to review and critically analyze contemporary issues in crop production and management.

PLNT*6270 Agroecosystem Design and Function F [0.50]
This lecture-based course critically analyzes the agroecosystem in field crop, horticulture, turfgrass and greenhouse industries. Agroecosystem design is considered in relation to key components such as crop rotation and management of soil, nutrient and water supply. The significance of plant function, soil properties, and nutrient and water cycles to agroecosystem design are examined. Metrics of productivity and environmental sustainability serve to focus discussion on agroecosystem optimization.

PLNT*6270 Agroecosystem Design and Function F [0.50]

This lecture-based course critically analyzes the agroecosystem in field crop, horticulture, turfgrass and greenhouse industries. Agroecosystem design is considered in relation to key components such as crop rotation and management of soil, nutrient and water supply. The significance of plant function, soil properties, and nutrient and water cycles to agroecosystem design are examined. Metrics of productivity and environmental sustainability serve to focus discussion on agroecosystem optimization.

PLNT*6280 Invasive Plant Ecology in Natural and Agricultural Systems W [0.50]
This course focuses on the ecological principles that are important in understanding the potential for a plant species to become invasive. Students are able to use this knowledge to facilitate management of these species under field conditions. (Offered in odd years)
Prerequisite(s):	CROP4240 or BOT2100 or BOT*3120

General

PLNT*6080 Plant Disease Epidemiology and Management F [0.50]
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]
The application of statistical techniques to research in plant agriculture. SAS is the software used to perform data analysis. Emphasis is 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]
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.
Restriction(s):	Restricted to thesis-based students

PLNT*6450 Plant Agriculture International Field Tour U [0.25]
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):	CROP4260 if PLNT6450 is field tour to mid-west USA

PLNT*6800 Special Topics in Plant Science U [0.50]
A study of selected contemporary topics in plant science. Proposed course descriptions are considered by the Department of Plant Agriculture on an ad hoc basis, and the course is offered according to demand.

University of Guelph2013-2014 Graduate Calendar