Twin Cities campus

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Twin Cities Campus

Applied Plant Science B.S.

Agronomy & Plant Genetics
College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences
  • Students will no longer be accepted into this program after Fall 2013. Program requirements below are for current students only.
  • Students interested in this major should consider Plant Science or Food Systems depending on their interest area.
  • Program Type: Baccalaureate
  • Requirements for this program are current for Fall 2013
  • Required credits to graduate with this degree: 120
  • Required credits within the major: 73 to 82
  • This program requires summer terms.
  • Degree: Bachelor of Science
The applied plant science major provides options for a broad course of study in plant sciences, as well as options to concentrate more specifically within an area of individual interest. It provides a solid science background and integrates knowledge of science, environment, production and industry in preparation for continuing study in graduate school or careers in improvement of the quality and benefits of plants and plant products; industry, government, and universities as research scientists; agencies and organizations concerned with natural resource management; advisory, inspection and certification services; bio-safety and food security; related fields of biology and agricultural education. Students choose from three areas of emphasis: agroecology, plant improvement, and plant utilization.
Program Delivery
This program is available:
  • via classroom (the majority of instruction is face-to-face)
Admission Requirements
For information about University of Minnesota admission requirements, visit the Office of Admissions website.
General Requirements
All students in baccalaureate degree programs are required to complete general University and college requirements including writing and liberal education courses. For more information about University-wide requirements, see the liberal education requirements. Required courses for the major, minor or certificate in which a student receives a D grade (with or without plus or minus) do not count toward the major, minor or certificate (including transfer courses).
Program Requirements
All major requirements must be taken A-F (unless only offered S-N), and students must earn a grade of at least C-. Students develop a plan of study that fulfills the required science core (43-49 credits) and area electives (12-17 credits). Students enroll in a set of three common courses in their freshman year and a series of three integrative courses in each of the following three years. The last course in the series is the senior capstone course. After fulfilling CLE and major requirements, students should have between 15 and 22 credits available for electives.
Science Foundation Courses
PMB 2022 - General Botany (3.0 cr)
PHYS 1101W - Introductory College Physics I [PHYS, WI] (4.0 cr)
BIOL 1009 - General Biology [BIOL] (4.0 cr)
or BIOL 1001 - Introductory Biology: Evolutionary and Ecological Perspectives [BIOL] (4.0 cr)
AGRO 4005 {Inactive} [WI] (4.0 cr)
or PMB 3002 - Plant Biology: Function (2.0 cr)
PMB 3005W - Plant Function Laboratory [WI] (2.0 cr)
or PLSC 3005W - Introduction to Plant Physiology [WI] (4.0 cr)
CHEM 1061 - Chemical Principles I [PHYS] (3.0 cr)
  {Inactive} ( cr)
  {Inactive} ( cr)
CHEM 1065 - Chemical Principles I Laboratory [PHYS] (1.0 cr)
Major Courses
AGRO 1103 - Crops, Environment, and Society [ENV] (4.0 cr)
AGRO 1661W - Engaging Plant Science [WI] (2.0 cr)
AGRO 4660 {Inactive} (2.0 cr)
AGRO 4096W - Professional Experience Program: Internships [WI] (2.0 cr)
or AGRO 4094W - Undergraduate Directed Thesis Research [WI] (2.0 cr)
AGRO 3660 - Plant Genetic Resources: Identification, Conservation, and Utilization (3.0 cr)
Take 1 or more course(s) from the following:
· CFAN 1501 {Inactive} [TS] (3.0 cr)
· CFAN 3001 {Inactive} (3.0 cr)
· AGRO 3203W - Environment, Global Food Production, and the Citizen [GP, WI] (3.0 cr)
· AGRO 4103 {Inactive} [GP] (3.0 cr)
Program Sub-plans
Students are required to complete one of the following sub-plans.
Agroecology
Agroecology
SOIL 2125 - Basic Soil Science [PHYS, ENV] (4.0 cr)
BIOC 2011 - Biochemistry for the Agricultural and Health Sciences (3.0 cr)
or BIOC 3021 - Biochemistry (3.0 cr)
BIOL 3407 {Inactive} (3.0 cr)
or BIOL 3408W {Inactive} [WI] (3.0 cr)
or ESPM 3108 - Ecology of Managed Systems [ENV] (3.0 cr)
BIOL 4003 - Genetics (3.0 cr)
or GCD 3022 - Genetics (3.0 cr)
MATH 1031 - College Algebra and Probability [MATH] (3.0 cr)
or MATH 1142 - Short Calculus [MATH] (4.0 cr)
or STAT 3011 - Introduction to Statistical Analysis [MATH] (4.0 cr)
Electives
Take 17 or more credit(s) including 4 or more sub-requirements(s) from the following:
Take 1 or more course(s) from the following:
· AGRO 2501 - Plant Identification for Urban and Rural Landscapes (1.0 cr)
· ENT 5021 - Insect Biodiversity and Evolution (4.0 cr)
· ENT 5371 {Inactive} (3.0 cr)
· PMB 4321 - Minnesota Flora (3.0 cr)
· Take 1 or more course(s) from the following:
· AGRO 4505 - Biology, Ecology, and Management of Invasive Plants (3.0 cr)
· ENT 1005 - Insect Biology with Lab [BIOL] (4.0 cr)
· ENT 5211 - Insect Pest Management (3.0 cr)
· ENT 5341 - Biological Control of Insects and Weeds (3.0 cr)
· PLPA 2001 - Introductory Plant Pathology (3.0 cr)
·   {Inactive} ( cr)
·   {Inactive} ( cr)
· PLPA 5103 - Plant-Microbe Interactions (3.0 cr)
·   {Inactive} ( cr)
· PLPA 5480 - Principles of Plant Pathology (3.0 cr)
· Take 1 or more course(s) from the following:
· AGRO 3131 {Inactive} (3.0 cr)
· AGRO 4605 - Strategies for Agricultural Production and Management (3.0 cr)
· HORT 3131 - Student Organic Farm Planning, Growing, and Marketing (3.0 cr)
· HORT 5052 {Inactive} (3.0 cr)
· SOIL 3416 - Plant Nutrients in the Environment (3.0 cr)
· Take 1 or more course(s) from the following:
· AGRO 5321 - Ecology of Agricultural Systems (3.0 cr)
· ESPM 3221 - Soil Conservation and Land-Use Management (3.0 cr)
· ESPM 3612W - Soil and Environmental Biology [WI] (4.0 cr)
· HORT 5031 {Inactive} (3.0 cr)
· HORT 5032 {Inactive} (3.0 cr)
· HORT 5071 - Ecological Restoration (4.0 cr)
· PLPA 2001 - Introductory Plant Pathology (3.0 cr)
Plant Utilization
Plant Utilization
BIOC 3021 - Biochemistry (3.0 cr)
CHEM 2301 - Organic Chemistry I (3.0 cr)
CHEM 1062 - Chemical Principles II [PHYS] (3.0 cr)
CHEM 1066 - Chemical Principles II Laboratory [PHYS] (1.0 cr)
FSCN 3102 - Introduction to Food Science (3.0 cr)
STAT 3011 - Introduction to Statistical Analysis [MATH] (4.0 cr)
MATH 1142 - Short Calculus [MATH] (4.0 cr)
or MATH 1271 - Calculus I [MATH] (4.0 cr)
Electives
Take 12 or more credit(s) from the following:
· AGRO 4401 {Inactive} (4.0 cr)
· BBE 4744 - Engineering Principles for Biological Scientists (4.0 cr)
· BIOL 3407 {Inactive} (3.0 cr)
· EEB 3001 - Ecology and Society [ENV] (3.0 cr)
· FSCN 1102 - Food: Safety, Risks, and Technology [CIV] (3.0 cr)
· FSCN 1112 - Principles of Nutrition [TS] (3.0 cr)
· FSCN 4121 - Food Microbiology (3.0 cr)
· FSCN 4332 {Inactive} (3.0 cr)
· FSCN 4612W - Advanced Human Nutrition [WI] (4.0 cr)
· FSCN 5441 {Inactive} (2.0 cr)
· FSCN 5531 - Grains: Introduction to Cereal Chemistry and Technology (2.0 cr)
· HORT 5031 {Inactive} (3.0 cr)
· HORT 5032 {Inactive} (3.0 cr)
· HORT 5052 {Inactive} (3.0 cr)
· BBE 4001 - Chemistry of Biomass and Biomass Conversion to Fuels and Products [ENV] (4.0 cr)
or PMB 4516W - Plant Cell Biology: Writing Intensive [WI] (3.0 cr)
or PMB 4601 - Topics in Plant Biochemistry (3.0 cr)
or PMB 5516 {Inactive} (3.0 cr)
Plant Improvement
Plant Improvement
AGRO 4401 {Inactive} (4.0 cr)
BIOC 3021 - Biochemistry (3.0 cr)
CHEM 1062 - Chemical Principles II [PHYS] (3.0 cr)
CHEM 1066 - Chemical Principles II Laboratory [PHYS] (1.0 cr)
  {Inactive} ( cr)
CHEM 2301 - Organic Chemistry I (3.0 cr)
BIOL 4003 - Genetics (3.0 cr)
or GCD 3022 - Genetics (3.0 cr)
STAT 3011 - Introduction to Statistical Analysis [MATH] (4.0 cr)
MATH 1031 - College Algebra and Probability [MATH] (3.0 cr)
or MATH 1142 - Short Calculus [MATH] (4.0 cr)
Electives
Take 12 or more credit(s) from the following:
· BBE 3013 - Engineering Principles of Molecular and Cellular Processes (3.0 cr)
· BIOC 4025W - Laboratory in Biochemistry [WI] (2.0 cr)
· BIOC 4125 - Laboratory in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (3.0 cr)
· EEB 3001 - Ecology and Society [ENV] (3.0 cr)
· HORT 4071W - Applications of Biotechnology to Plant Improvement [WI] (3.0 cr)
· HORT 5031 {Inactive} (3.0 cr)
· HORT 5032 {Inactive} (3.0 cr)
· HORT 5052 {Inactive} (3.0 cr)
· PMB 5301 {Inactive} (3.0 cr)
· PMB 5412 - Plant Physiology and Development (3.0 cr)
· PMB 5514 {Inactive} (3.0 cr)
· PLPA 5103 - Plant-Microbe Interactions (3.0 cr)
· PLPA 5300 - Current Topics in Molecular Plant Pathology (1.0 cr)
· SOIL 2125 - Basic Soil Science [PHYS, ENV] (4.0 cr)
· PMB 4516W - Plant Cell Biology: Writing Intensive [WI] (3.0 cr)
or PMB 5516 {Inactive} (3.0 cr)
or PMB 4601 - Topics in Plant Biochemistry (3.0 cr)
or BBE 4001 - Chemistry of Biomass and Biomass Conversion to Fuels and Products [ENV] (4.0 cr)
Honors UHP
This is an honors sub-plan.
Students admitted to the University Honors Program (UHP) must fulfill UHP requirements in addition to degree program requirements. Honors courses used to fulfill degree program requirements will also fulfill UHP requirements. Current departmental honors course offerings are listed at: http://www.honors.umn.edu/academics/curriculum/dept_courses_current.html Honors students complete an honors thesis project in the final year, most often in conjunction with an honors thesis course, or with an honors directed studies or honors directed research course. Students select honors courses and plan for a thesis project in consultation with their UHP adviser and their departmental faculty adviser.
As part of their honors program, CFANS students complete CFAN 3100H; they must submit their project for this faculty-mentored honors experience to the honors committee for approval prior to registration.
 
More program views..
View college catalog(s):
· College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences

View sample plan(s):
· Agroecology Sample Plan
· Plant Utilization
· Plant Improvement
· Honors UHP Sample Plan

View checkpoint chart:
· Applied Plant Science B.S.
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PMB 2022 - General Botany
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Introduction to the biology of plants, algae, and fungi. Structure, growth, development, reproduction, diversity, and aspects of their ecology. Includes laboratory that focuses on structures in photosynthetic organisms and fungi as well as an introduction to physiology. prereq: One semester of college biology
PHYS 1101W - Introductory College Physics I (PHYS, WI)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: Phys 1101W/Phys 1107
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Fundamental principles of physics in the context of everyday world. Use of kinematics/dynamics principles and quantitative/qualitative problem solving techniques to understand natural phenomena. Lecture, recitation, lab. prereq: High school algebra, plane geometry, trigonometry; primarily for students interested in technical areas
BIOL 1009 - General Biology (BIOL)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: Biol 1009/Biol 1009H
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
A comprehensive introduction to biology - includes molecular structure of living things, cell processes, energy utilization, genetic information and inheritance, mechanisms of evolution, biological diversity, and ecology. Includes lab. This comprehensive course serves as a prerequisite and requirement in many majors.
BIOL 1001 - Introductory Biology: Evolutionary and Ecological Perspectives (BIOL)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: Biol 1001/Biol 1001H/Biol 1003
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
A one-semester exploration of the genetic, evolutionary, and ecological processes that govern biological diversity from populations to ecosystems. We explore how these processes influence human evolution, health, population growth, and conservation. We also consider how the scientific method informs our understanding of biological processes. Lab. This course is oriented towards non-majors and does not fulfill prerequisites for allied health grad programs.
PMB 3002 - Plant Biology: Function
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Typically offered: Every Spring
This course explores a range of plant physiological processes, including how plants make and use food; acquire and use minerals; transport water and nutrients; and regulate growth and development in response to hormones and environmental cues, such as light quality. While this course is paired with the PMB 3005W Plant Function Laboratory, the courses do not need to be taken together or in a specific order. prereq: [1002 or 1009 or 2003 or equiv], [CHEM 1011 or one semester chemistry with some organic content]
PMB 3005W - Plant Function Laboratory (WI)
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Typically offered: Every Spring
In this lab course, students will use a variety of biological techniques to study plant structure and anatomy, plant physiology, cell biology, and plant growth. This includes topics related to climate change, plant adaptation, crop domestication, and genetic engineering. Includes hands-on laboratory activities and writing focus. While this course is paired with the PMB3002 lecture course, the courses do not need to be taken together or in a specific order. Prereq: BIOL 1009, BIOL 2003, or equiv.
PLSC 3005W - Introduction to Plant Physiology (WI)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Every Spring
Introduction to physiological basis for effects of environment on plant growth/development. How to produce optimal plant growth. Experimental technique, data analysis, scientific writing. Lecture, readings, lab. Prerequisites: Biol 1009 or Hort 1001 and BioC 3021 or Hort 2100 or BioC 2011
CHEM 1061 - Chemical Principles I (PHYS)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: Chem 1061/ 1071/H/ 1081
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Atomic theory, periodic properties of elements. Thermochemistry, reaction stoichiometry. Behavior of gases, liquids, and solids. Molecular/ionic structure/bonding. Organic chemistry and polymers. energy sources, environmental issues related to energy use. Prereq-Grade of at least C- in [1011 or 1015] or [passing placement exam, concurrent registration is required (or allowed) in 1065]; intended for science or engineering majors; concurrent registration is required (or allowed) in 1065; registration for 1065 must precede registration for 1061
CHEM 1065 - Chemical Principles I Laboratory (PHYS)
Credits: 1.0 [max 1.0]
Course Equivalencies: Chem 1065/Chem 1075H
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Basic laboratory skills while investigating physical and chemical phenomena closely linked to lecture material. Experimental design, data collection and treatment, discussion of errors, and proper treatment of hazardous wastes. prereq: concurrent registration is required (or allowed) in 1061
AGRO 1103 - Crops, Environment, and Society (ENV)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: Agro 1103/AgUM 2222
Typically offered: Every Fall
Plants are used for food, fuel, and fiber to sustain humans across the globe. Where and how these plants are produced is determined by soil, weather, natural biodiversity, and human culture. In turn, agricultural production of plants shapes the natural environment and society. This class will provide students with an overview of crop production including the history of agriculture, food chemistry, and plant growth and physiology as it relates to agriculture. Students will evaluate crop production practices in terms of their economic, social, and environmental outcomes, and highlight tradeoffs and synergies among these outcomes. In the lab, students will receive hands-on experiences with field crops as they collect, analyze, and synthesize data from field experiments to inform decision-making in agriculture.
AGRO 1661W - Engaging Plant Science (WI)
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall
This course engages students in educational experiences to develop skills to navigate the plant sciences. As an orientation course, it will introduce you to some of the important resources available to you as a student at the University of Minnesota in the College of Food Agricultural, and Natural Resources Sciences. A major learning objective is to increase your ability to access and utilize the primary literature in the plant sciences. This course will also introduce you to fundamental skills and best practices in managing and analyzing data that you will use in subsequent plant science courses. As a writing intensive course, you will get instruction and practice in scientific writing. This course is delivered in a hybrid (in person/online) format. This will require careful planning, self-discipline, and good time management to view pre-recorded lectures and successfully complete the various online learning activities, quizzes and assignments. The specific plant science content that you will learn will come from your research to complete a literature review assignment, reading and analyzing papers, and working with data sets from published research. The ultimate goal is to enhance your competency as a self-learner to serve you in your academic pursuit of a degree at the University of Minnesota and beyond.
AGRO 4096W - Professional Experience Program: Internships (WI)
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Supervised professional experience with a private company, public agency, or non-profit organization involved in plant production or food systems. Reflective analysis of professional experience and technical communication on a topic related to the internship. This course meets on campus once in late spring and twice in early fall with several online activities during the summer.
AGRO 4094W - Undergraduate Directed Thesis Research (WI)
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Grading Basis: S-N only
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Research and thesis writing experience conducted under supervision of a CFANS faculty advisor and course instructor. The student is responsible for identifying the faculty advisor and conducting research prior to registering for this course. A course permission number is given after providing a student-faculty learning contract. The goal of this course is to produce a written thesis in the format of a peer-reviewed scientific article. Students will meet weekly with the course instructor to discuss writing about research. Students will complete a series of staged writing assignments for each section of the thesis (Introduction, Methods, Results, Discussion etc.). After review by the faculty advisor, the student will revise and submit their final draft. Final drafts will be published in the University of Minnesota Library Digital Conservancy (https://conservancy.umn.edu/handle/11299/203510).
AGRO 3660 - Plant Genetic Resources: Identification, Conservation, and Utilization
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Spring Even Year
Importance of plant genetic diversity. Morphological, molecular, and computational methods of identifying/conserving genetic resources. Biological basis of genetic diversity. Case studies in crop improvement. prereq: Introductory biology
AGRO 3203W - Environment, Global Food Production, and the Citizen (GP, WI)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: Agro/AnSc 3203/AgUM 2224
Typically offered: Every Spring
Ecological/ethical concerns of food production systems in global agriculture: past, present, and future. Underlying ethical positions about how agroecosystems should be configured. Decision cases, discussions, videos, other media.
SOIL 2125 - Basic Soil Science (PHYS, ENV)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: Soil 2125/Soil 5125
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Basic physical, chemical, and biological properties of soil. Soil genesis classification, principles of soil fertility. Use of soil survey information to make a land-use plan. WWW used for lab preparation information. prereq: [CHEM 1015, CHEM 1017] or CHEM 1021 or equiv
BIOC 2011 - Biochemistry for the Agricultural and Health Sciences
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Survey of organic chemistry and biochemistry outlining structure and metabolism of biomolecules, metabolic regulation, principles of molecular biology. prereq: Chem 1015, Bio 1009
BIOC 3021 - Biochemistry
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: BioC 3021/BioC 3022/BioC 4331/
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Fundamentals of biochemistry. Structure/function of nucleic acids, proteins, lipids, carbohydrates. Enzymes. Metabolism. DNA replication and repair, transcription, protein synthesis. Recommended prerequisites: Introductory biology (BIOL 1009 or BIOL 2003 or equivalent), organic chemistry (CHEM 2301 or CHEM 2081/2085 or equivalent). Note: CBS students should take BIOC 3022 not 3021.
ESPM 3108 - Ecology of Managed Systems (ENV)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: ESPM 3108/ESPM 5108
Typically offered: Every Fall
Ecology of ecosystems that are primarily composed of managed plant communities, such as managed forests, field-crop agroecosystems, rangelands and nature reserves, parks, and urban open-spaces. Concepts of ecology and ecosystem management. prereq: BIOL 1001 or BIOL 1009 or HORT 1001 or instr consent
BIOL 4003 - Genetics
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: Biol 4003/GCD 3022
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Genetic information, its transmission from parents to offspring, its expression in cells/organisms, and its course in populations. prereq: Biol 2003/2003H or BioC 3021 or BioC 4331 or grad
GCD 3022 - Genetics
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: Biol 4003/GCD 3022
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Mechanisms of heredity, implications for biological populations. Applications to practical problems. prereq: Introductory biology course such as Biol 1009
MATH 1031 - College Algebra and Probability (MATH)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: CI 1806/Math 1031
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Graphs of equations and functions, transformations of graphs; linear, quadratic, polynomial, and rational functions, with applications; inverses and compositions of functions; exponential and logarithmic functions with applications; basic probability rules, conditional probabilities, binomial probabilities. prereq: 3 yrs high school math or satisfactory score on placement exam or grade of at least C- in [PSTL 731 or PSTL 732 or CI 0832]
MATH 1142 - Short Calculus (MATH)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
A streamlined one-semester tour of differential and integral calculus in one variable, and differential calculus in two variables. No trigonometry/does not have the same depth as MATH 1271-1272. Formulas and their interpretation and use in applications. prereq: Satisfactory score on placement test or grade of at least C- in [1031 or 1051]
STAT 3011 - Introduction to Statistical Analysis (MATH)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: AnSc 3011/ESPM 3012/Stat 3011/
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Standard statistical reasoning. Simple statistical methods. Social/physical sciences. Mathematical reasoning behind facts in daily news. Basic computing environment.
AGRO 2501 - Plant Identification for Urban and Rural Landscapes
Credits: 1.0 [max 1.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Fall
Identification of weed species and native herbaceous plants that are important in crop production, turf management, horticulture production, and landscapes systems. This course will emphasize the identification of weed species and other plants found in Minnesota and the upper Midwest area of the United States. Plant families, life cycles, habitats and relationships to humans. prereq: Biol 1009 or equiv
ENT 5021 - Insect Biodiversity and Evolution
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: Ent 3021/Ent 5021
Typically offered: Every Fall
Insects are the most diverse group of organisms on Earth with almost 1 million described species. Millions more remain to be described, especially in tropical regions of the world. Insects come in a remarkable array of sizes, colors, and shapes. Taxonomists use this morphological complexity as the primary means of identifying insects, but also for inferring evolutionary relationships. In this course, we will learn how to identify insects, explore methods of collection and curation of insects, discuss their evolutionary relationships, see how insects fit in the natural world, and discuss exciting new efforts to inventory, describe, and conserve the remarkable diversity of insects.
PMB 4321 - Minnesota Flora
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Fall Even Year
Practical skills for identifying plant species/surveying Minnesota vegetation to students of biology, environmental sciences, resource management, horticulture. Integrates botany, ecology, evolution, earth history, climate, global change in context of local plant communities. Labs/Saturday field trips explore Minnesota plants/plant communities. prereq: One semester college biology
AGRO 4505 - Biology, Ecology, and Management of Invasive Plants
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Ecology/biology of invasive plant species (weeds). Principles of invasive plant management in agricultural/horticultural, urban, wetland, aquatic, and other non-cropland landscape systems, utilizing biological, cultural, and chemical means. Management strategies to design systems that optimize invasive plant management in terms of economic, environmental, and social impacts. prereq: 4005, [Bio 3002 or equiv], Soil 2125, [Agro 2501 or Hort 1011]
ENT 1005 - Insect Biology with Lab (BIOL)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: Ent 1004/Ent 1005
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Insects represent one of the most abundant and diverse life forms on Earth, and their environmental importance is displayed across both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Beyond environmental importance, insects shape human society through their impact on our health, the pollination of our food crops, and damage to our commodities and homes. Insect Biology is an introductory entomology course on the biology and ecology of insects, their classification, and their interactions with the environment and human society. This course will provide background on insect diversity and physiology while providing insight into how scientists examine the roles of insects in medicine, agriculture, advances in genetics, and ecology. These topics will provide fundamental biological knowledge needed to make informed decisions about insect-related topics in a global society.
ENT 5211 - Insect Pest Management
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: Ent 3211/Ent 5211
Typically offered: Every Spring
Insect Pest Management is designed for graduate students in any major or minor. The course will emphasize principles of insect pest management and draw from examples related to agricultural, horticultural and landscape, and urban systems. Conventional (nonorganic) and organic approaches, the use of social media and modern technology, and economic, environmental, and social consequences of diverse tactics (chemical, cultural, biological, genetic, etc.) will be covered by the instructor and, on occasion, by guest lecturers. Student debates on pesticide-pollinator and genetic engineering issues will provide real-world context and insights on complexities of insect pest prevention and management.
ENT 5341 - Biological Control of Insects and Weeds
Credits: 3.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: Ent 3341/Ent 5341
Typically offered: Every Spring
Biological control is the suppression of pests and weeds using living organisms. It involves fascinating interactions between organisms such as plants and herbivores, and insects and the predators and parasitoids that attack them. These interactions can provide spectacular protection from invasive species but risks to the environment are possible as well so biological control interventions must be undertaken with great care. We will explore these interactions and interventions in depth in this class. The class is online.
PLPA 2001 - Introductory Plant Pathology
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Spring
Biology of the major groups of plant pathogens, symptoms and signs of plant disease, plant disease diagnosis, and principles of disease management. Lecture and laboratory. prereq: BIOL 1009 or equiv
PLPA 5103 - Plant-Microbe Interactions
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Spring
Genetics, physiology, molecular biology of plant-microbe interactions. Communication between plant/microbes, signal transduction, control of gene expression, symbiosis/parasitism, plant host response mechanisms, plant disease physiology. prereq: Intro course in plant pathology or molecular biology or equiv
PLPA 5480 - Principles of Plant Pathology
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall
This course is intended for graduate students and undergraduate students in their third or fourth year that are interested in learning about principles of plant pathology, diseases that affect plants, microbiology and microbial and plant interactions. In this course students will learn principles of plant pathology through lectures and demonstrations and exercises in laboratory. Students will gain knowledge of mycology and select diseases caused by fungi within Ascomycota, Basidiomycota and the fungal-like Oomycota. Diseases caused by bacteria, nematodes, viruses, parasitic plants and abiotic damage are also examined. Lectures will include information concerning the history and importance of plant pathology, mycology, bacteriology, nematology, virology, infection process, genetics of host and microorganism interactions, epidemiology of diseases and disease control strategies. In the hands-on laboratory period the student will learn laboratory skills, gain experience using the microscope, work with microorganisms, learn diagnostic skills, and be able to recognize 30 plant diseases. prereq: BIOL 1009 or equiv
AGRO 4605 - Strategies for Agricultural Production and Management
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall
Some of humanity's greatest challenges are related to agriculture. The human population continues to grow and food, fuel, and fiber production are critical to improving human lives around the world. In this course, students will learn the principles of crop production and apply those principles to address real-world agricultural challenges using quantitative tools and skills. Students will learn how to find, access, and use publicly available data to better make decisions in agriculture. Group activities will require students to synthesize information from peer-reviewed research and apply that information to practical problems. This class includes trips to field research plots to collect data, organizing it, and analyzing it to test hypotheses and solve problems. Discussions and labs will be interactive and will require individual and group-level critical thinking. prereq: 1101 or equivalent, [CHEM1015/17 or equivalent], SOIL1125 or equivalent], [jr or sr or grad student or instr consent]
HORT 3131 - Student Organic Farm Planning, Growing, and Marketing
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: HORT 3131 / HORT 5131
Typically offered: Every Fall
Organic fruit and vegetable production has been one of the fastest growing segments of the US economy for almost two decades, stimulating an overwhelming number of biological and ecological innovations to produce food using organic approaches. This course aims to increase student's knowledge of ecological concepts as applied to managing organic systems, with an emphasis on soil nutrient cycles and plant-soil-microbe interactions that serve as the cornerstone of organic systems. Students in this course will learn tools needed to manage an organic diversified vegetable operation. The course consists of two components. The lecture session is designed to help students think about concepts and principles that are useful in planning and managing production strategies on organic farms. We spend a significant amount of our time reviewing soil nutrient cycling and its critical importance for organic farms, including how to effectively use soil and organic nutrient inputs such as cover crops, manure and fertilizers, to provide vegetable crops with the nutrients they need to grow. We also learn about successful marketing strategies for organic produce. Finally, near the end of the semester we will discuss pest management, including both weeds and disease/insect pests, and compare different tillage options available to organic producers. What we learn is then applied to planning next year's season of the UMN student organic farm. Throughout, we will use case studies, guest speakers, games, and active learning discussion approaches to move these classroom sessions "beyond the lecture" and allow students to engage with the material in a meaningful way. The lab is designed to allow a space to put into action some of the concepts students learn in lecture, including soil organic matter analysis, microgreen propagation, calculation of organic fertilizer rates, and operation of driven and walk-behind tractors.
SOIL 3416 - Plant Nutrients in the Environment
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Spring
Fundamental concepts in soil fertility and plant nutrition. Discuss dynamics of mineral elements in soil, plants, and the environment. Evaluation, interpretation, and correction of plant nutrient problems. prereq: SOIL 2125
AGRO 5321 - Ecology of Agricultural Systems
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: Agro/Ent 5321
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
Ecological approach to problems in agricultural systems. Formal methodologies of systems inquiry are developed/applied. prereq: [3xxx or above] course in [Agro or AnSc or Ent or Hort or PlPa or Soil] or instr consent
ESPM 3221 - Soil Conservation and Land-Use Management
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Spring
This course is designed to provide a local and global historical perspective of soil erosion (causes and consequences); develop a scientific understanding of soil erosion processes; and relates various soil conservation and land-use management strategies to real-world situations. Basics of soil erosion processes and prediction methods will be the fundamental building blocks of this course. From this understanding, we will discuss policies and socioeconomic aspects of soil erosion. Lastly, we will focus on effective land-use management using natural resource assessment tools. Case studies and real-world and current events examples will be used throughout the course to relate course material to experiences. prereq: SOIL 2125 or instr consent
ESPM 3612W - Soil and Environmental Biology (WI)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: ESPM 3612W/Soil 5611
Typically offered: Every Fall
Properties of microorganisms that impact soil fertility, structure, and quality. Nutrient requirements of microbes and plants and mineral transformations in biogeochemical cycling. Symbiotic plant/microbe associations and their role in sustainable agricultural production. Biodegradation of pollutants and bioremediation approaches. prereq: Biol 1009 or equiv, Chem 1021 or equiv; SOIL 2125 recommended
HORT 5071 - Ecological Restoration
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: ESPM 5071/Hort 5071
Typically offered: Every Fall
Each ecosystem restoration is the product of a myriad of decisions made in response to existing site conditions (biotic and abiotic), anticipated effects from the surrounding landscape, predictions about future events, logistical realities, and, of course, desired conditions. During this course, you will learn about the ecological and social factors that affect ecosystem recovery and how people intervene to reverse ecosystem degradation. The course includes examples from ecosystems around the world, with emphasis on those found in the Midwestern US. Field trips. PREREQUISITES: This course presumes previous courses in basic ecology and plant science.
PLPA 2001 - Introductory Plant Pathology
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Spring
Biology of the major groups of plant pathogens, symptoms and signs of plant disease, plant disease diagnosis, and principles of disease management. Lecture and laboratory. prereq: BIOL 1009 or equiv
BIOC 3021 - Biochemistry
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: BioC 3021/BioC 3022/BioC 4331/
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Fundamentals of biochemistry. Structure/function of nucleic acids, proteins, lipids, carbohydrates. Enzymes. Metabolism. DNA replication and repair, transcription, protein synthesis. Recommended prerequisites: Introductory biology (BIOL 1009 or BIOL 2003 or equivalent), organic chemistry (CHEM 2301 or CHEM 2081/2085 or equivalent). Note: CBS students should take BIOC 3022 not 3021.
CHEM 2301 - Organic Chemistry I
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: Chem 2301/Chem 2331H
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Organic compounds, constitutions, configurations, conformations, reactions. Molecular structure. Chemical reactivity/properties. Spectroscopic characterization of organic molecules. prereq: C- or better in 1062/1066 or 1072H/1076H
CHEM 1062 - Chemical Principles II (PHYS)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: Chem 1062/1072/1072H/1082/
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Chemical kinetics. Radioactive decay. Chemical equilibrium. Solutions. Acids/bases. Solubility. Second law of thermodynamics. Electrochemistry/corrosion. Descriptive chemistry of elements. Coordination chemistry. Biochemistry. prereq: Grade of at least C- in 1061 or equiv, concurrent registration is required (or allowed) in 1066; registration for 1066 must precede registration for 1062
CHEM 1066 - Chemical Principles II Laboratory (PHYS)
Credits: 1.0 [max 1.0]
Course Equivalencies: Chem 1066/Chem 1076H
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Basic laboratory skills while investigating physical and chemical phenomena closely linked to lecture material. Experimental design, data collection and treatment, discussion of errors, and proper treatment of hazardous wastes. prereq: concurrent registration is required (or allowed) in 1062
FSCN 3102 - Introduction to Food Science
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall
Introduction to chemical/physical properties of foods. Evaluating interaction/reaction of foods due to formulation, processing, preparation. prereq: CHEM 1022 or [CHEM 1062 and CHEM 1066]
STAT 3011 - Introduction to Statistical Analysis (MATH)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: AnSc 3011/ESPM 3012/Stat 3011/
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Standard statistical reasoning. Simple statistical methods. Social/physical sciences. Mathematical reasoning behind facts in daily news. Basic computing environment.
MATH 1142 - Short Calculus (MATH)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
A streamlined one-semester tour of differential and integral calculus in one variable, and differential calculus in two variables. No trigonometry/does not have the same depth as MATH 1271-1272. Formulas and their interpretation and use in applications. prereq: Satisfactory score on placement test or grade of at least C- in [1031 or 1051]
MATH 1271 - Calculus I (MATH)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: Math 1271/Math 1381/Math 1571/
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Differential calculus of functions of a single variable, including polynomial, rational, exponential, and trig functions. Applications, including optimization and related rates problems. Single variable integral calculus, using anti-derivatives and simple substitution. Applications may include area, volume, work problems. prereq: 4 yrs high school math including trig or satisfactory score on placement test or grade of at least C- in [1151 or 1155]
BBE 4744 - Engineering Principles for Biological Scientists
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: BBE 4744/FScN 4331
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Material/energy balances applied to processing systems. Principles of fluid flow, thermodynamics, heat, mass transfer applied to food and bioprocess unit operations such as pumping, heat exchange, refrigeration/freezing, drying, evaporation, and separation. prereq: [Math 1142 or Math 1271], Phys 1101; intended for non engineering students
EEB 3001 - Ecology and Society (ENV)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Basic concepts in ecology. Organization, development, function of ecosystem. Population growth/regulation. Human effect on ecosystems. prereq: [Jr or sr] recommended; biological sciences students may not apply cr toward major
FSCN 1102 - Food: Safety, Risks, and Technology (CIV)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: OPT No Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Introduction to inherent risks/safety of food supply. Use of public policy and food technology to reduce risks. Microbiological, chemical, and environmental hazards, government/industry controls.
FSCN 1112 - Principles of Nutrition (TS)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
This course explores fundamental concepts of nutrition, nutrient functions, human nutritional requirements, and food sources. We will learn about evaluating nutrition information and food safety, and investigate the role of nutrition in chronic disease, public policy, and the environment. Nutrition is both a science and social science. This class involves social aspects, but mainly concerns the biochemistry and physiology of how food is processed in the body. The chapters on carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and metabolism especially built on biology and physiology. Course topics include: 1. essential nutrients (macro-and-micro-nutrients) needed from the diet; 2. major functions of nutrients and physiological changes with deficiency or excess; 3. digestion, absorption, and metabolism of nutrients; 4. weight management; 5. scientific method and nutrition; 6. life cycle issues; 7. food safety issues 8. nutrition for sports Prerequisites: High school biology and chemistry
FSCN 4121 - Food Microbiology
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: OPT No Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
Microorganisms involved in food-borne disease, food fermentations, and food spoilage. Methods for their control/detection. Food microbiology. Foodborne pathogens. Microbial food spoilage. Control of microorganisms in food. prereq: BIOC 3021, [2021 or VBS 2032 or MICB 3301]
FSCN 4612W - Advanced Human Nutrition (WI)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Advanced study of digestion/absorption of nutrients. Research techniques in nutrition, including human/epidemiological studies. Health promotion, disease prevention theories. Non-Enforced Prerequisites: FSCN 1112, CHEM 1062 and CHEM 1066 Enforced Prerequisites (students cannot register without the following): BioC 3021 or PHSL 3051 or ANSC 3301 or BIOL 3211 or Instructor Consent
FSCN 5531 - Grains: Introduction to Cereal Chemistry and Technology
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Origins, structure, biochemistry, and cellular properties of major cereal grains as they relate to primary processing (milling) and secondary processing (production of cereal products). prereq: Biol 1009, Chem 1022
BBE 4001 - Chemistry of Biomass and Biomass Conversion to Fuels and Products (ENV)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: BBE 4001/BBE 5001/Chem 4001
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Chemistry of biomass and its sustainable utilization for biofuels and bioproducts, including bio-based materials. Chemicals/energy and their environmental implications within the context of chemical principles and associated reactions underlying the structure, properties, processing, and performance of plant materials. prereq: Chem 2301 or Chem 1082 or instructor consent
PMB 4516W - Plant Cell Biology: Writing Intensive (WI)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: PMB 4516W/ PMB 5516
Typically offered: Periodic Spring
In this course, we will cover current important research topics in plant cell biology. We will cover many plant-specific topics such as gravitropism, plant cell wall biosynthesis, structure and function, plasmodesmatal connections, signal transduction, tip growth, plant cytokinesis, cell energetics. We will also cover some topics that are important for both plant, fungal, and animal cell biology such as cell polarity, the cytoskeleton, protein sorting, and the secretory system. Since we will be using recent literature as the course text, some important and classic cell biology topics will not be covered. In the field of cell biology, new discoveries are often the result of improvements in technology especially in imaging, so we will cover some recent advances in methodology. This is also a writing class with the goal of helping students become familiar and comfortable with writing in a scientific style. There will be writing instruction and there will be some reading assignments on scientific writing. There are no enforced prerequisites. Introductory courses on plants, genetics, and biochemistry are helpful.
PMB 4601 - Topics in Plant Biochemistry
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Spring
Biochemical analysis of processes unique to photosynthetic organisms. Photosynthesis and carbon dioxide fixation. Synthesis of carbohydrates, lipids, and derivatives. Aromatic compounds such as lignin, other natural products. Functions of natural products. prereq: [BIOL 1002 or BIOL 1009 or BIOL 2003], CHEM 2301
BIOC 3021 - Biochemistry
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: BioC 3021/BioC 3022/BioC 4331/
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Fundamentals of biochemistry. Structure/function of nucleic acids, proteins, lipids, carbohydrates. Enzymes. Metabolism. DNA replication and repair, transcription, protein synthesis. Recommended prerequisites: Introductory biology (BIOL 1009 or BIOL 2003 or equivalent), organic chemistry (CHEM 2301 or CHEM 2081/2085 or equivalent). Note: CBS students should take BIOC 3022 not 3021.
CHEM 1062 - Chemical Principles II (PHYS)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: Chem 1062/1072/1072H/1082/
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Chemical kinetics. Radioactive decay. Chemical equilibrium. Solutions. Acids/bases. Solubility. Second law of thermodynamics. Electrochemistry/corrosion. Descriptive chemistry of elements. Coordination chemistry. Biochemistry. prereq: Grade of at least C- in 1061 or equiv, concurrent registration is required (or allowed) in 1066; registration for 1066 must precede registration for 1062
CHEM 1066 - Chemical Principles II Laboratory (PHYS)
Credits: 1.0 [max 1.0]
Course Equivalencies: Chem 1066/Chem 1076H
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Basic laboratory skills while investigating physical and chemical phenomena closely linked to lecture material. Experimental design, data collection and treatment, discussion of errors, and proper treatment of hazardous wastes. prereq: concurrent registration is required (or allowed) in 1062
CHEM 2301 - Organic Chemistry I
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: Chem 2301/Chem 2331H
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Organic compounds, constitutions, configurations, conformations, reactions. Molecular structure. Chemical reactivity/properties. Spectroscopic characterization of organic molecules. prereq: C- or better in 1062/1066 or 1072H/1076H
BIOL 4003 - Genetics
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: Biol 4003/GCD 3022
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Genetic information, its transmission from parents to offspring, its expression in cells/organisms, and its course in populations. prereq: Biol 2003/2003H or BioC 3021 or BioC 4331 or grad
GCD 3022 - Genetics
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: Biol 4003/GCD 3022
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Mechanisms of heredity, implications for biological populations. Applications to practical problems. prereq: Introductory biology course such as Biol 1009
STAT 3011 - Introduction to Statistical Analysis (MATH)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: AnSc 3011/ESPM 3012/Stat 3011/
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Standard statistical reasoning. Simple statistical methods. Social/physical sciences. Mathematical reasoning behind facts in daily news. Basic computing environment.
MATH 1031 - College Algebra and Probability (MATH)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: CI 1806/Math 1031
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Graphs of equations and functions, transformations of graphs; linear, quadratic, polynomial, and rational functions, with applications; inverses and compositions of functions; exponential and logarithmic functions with applications; basic probability rules, conditional probabilities, binomial probabilities. prereq: 3 yrs high school math or satisfactory score on placement exam or grade of at least C- in [PSTL 731 or PSTL 732 or CI 0832]
MATH 1142 - Short Calculus (MATH)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
A streamlined one-semester tour of differential and integral calculus in one variable, and differential calculus in two variables. No trigonometry/does not have the same depth as MATH 1271-1272. Formulas and their interpretation and use in applications. prereq: Satisfactory score on placement test or grade of at least C- in [1031 or 1051]
BBE 3013 - Engineering Principles of Molecular and Cellular Processes
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Applied engineering principles in biological processes. Classification of microbes of industrial importance. Parameters for cellular control. Modeling of cell growth/metabolism, enzymatic catalysis, bioreactor design, product recovery operations design. Case studies. prereq: BIOL 1009 or BIOL 2003; and CHEM 1062/CHEM 1066 or equivalent or CHEM 1082; MATH 1372 or MATH 1282
BIOC 4025W - Laboratory in Biochemistry (WI)
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Theory, principles, and use of fundamental techniques in modern biochemistry labs. prereq: 3021, 3022, or 4331 or equiv
BIOC 4125 - Laboratory in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: BioC 4125/BioC 4185/Biol 4125/
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Summer
This molecular biology laboratory course is designed to give students hands-on experience performing common techniques used in modern molecular biology, as well as the background information needed to understand what kind of information can be obtained by using them. Because of the dual nature of this course, a portion of the laboratory time will be spent on lectures explaining the theory behind the techniques being used as well as practical aspects of experimental design. In addition, readings will be assigned that explain the history and principles behind some of the techniques used. Basic recombinant DNA techniques: methods for growing, isolating, and purifying recombinant DNA and cloning vectors, DNA sequencing and sequence analysis, gene expression, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), other current techniques. prereq: Biol 3015 or Biol 3020 or Biol 3025 or Bioc 3021 or Bioc 3022 or Bioc 4331 or Biol 4003 or instructor consent
EEB 3001 - Ecology and Society (ENV)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Basic concepts in ecology. Organization, development, function of ecosystem. Population growth/regulation. Human effect on ecosystems. prereq: [Jr or sr] recommended; biological sciences students may not apply cr toward major
HORT 4071W - Applications of Biotechnology to Plant Improvement (WI)
Credits: 3.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Spring Odd Year
This online course with required synchronous meetings is designed to provide a foundation in the theory and application of plant biotechnology used in crop improvement. The online lecture meets twice per week to introduce and discuss the basic concepts of plant genetics, molecular biology, DNA manipulation, plant tissue culture, gene introduction, and analysis of gene expression. The diversity of perspectives surrounding the application of biotechnology to plant improvement will be discussed. Course content consists of lecture, reading assignments, practice writing, peer review, discussions, and group work. prereq: [Biol 1009 or equiv or grad student], instr consent
PMB 5412 - Plant Physiology and Development
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: PMB 4412/PMB 5412
Typically offered: Every Fall
Plant physiology and development is the study of how plant cells, tissues and whole organisms grow and function in response to internal and external cues. PMB 4412/5412 covers the classic plant physiology and development processes including plant water relations, mineral nutrition, membrane transport, photosynthesis, respiration, vascular function, metabolism, growth and development, and hormone responses. The physics underlying our understanding of these physiological systems will also be addressed. Other areas of plant science such as plant genetics and biochemistry are covered in other courses and will not be emphasized this course. There are no enforced prerequisites for this course. The following preparation is recommended: PMB 2022 General Botany or PMB 3007W Plant Algal and Fungal Diversity; General Chemistry and Introductory Physics.
PLPA 5103 - Plant-Microbe Interactions
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Spring
Genetics, physiology, molecular biology of plant-microbe interactions. Communication between plant/microbes, signal transduction, control of gene expression, symbiosis/parasitism, plant host response mechanisms, plant disease physiology. prereq: Intro course in plant pathology or molecular biology or equiv
PLPA 5300 - Current Topics in Molecular Plant Pathology
Credits: 1.0 [max 2.0]
Grading Basis: S-N only
Typically offered: Every Spring
Current Topics in Molecular Plant Pathology is a highly interactive class in which students read, discuss, and critique pivotal publications in the field of molecular plant pathology. Specific topics will change from year to year, but will generally include subjects such as plant-microbe communication, diversity and evolution of plant-microbe associations, genomic analysis of pathogens (symbionts) and plant host responses, and mechanisms of pathogenicity. prereq: Introductory courses in plant pathology or microbiology; genetics; molecular biology or genomics; or consent of instructor
SOIL 2125 - Basic Soil Science (PHYS, ENV)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: Soil 2125/Soil 5125
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Basic physical, chemical, and biological properties of soil. Soil genesis classification, principles of soil fertility. Use of soil survey information to make a land-use plan. WWW used for lab preparation information. prereq: [CHEM 1015, CHEM 1017] or CHEM 1021 or equiv
PMB 4516W - Plant Cell Biology: Writing Intensive (WI)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: PMB 4516W/ PMB 5516
Typically offered: Periodic Spring
In this course, we will cover current important research topics in plant cell biology. We will cover many plant-specific topics such as gravitropism, plant cell wall biosynthesis, structure and function, plasmodesmatal connections, signal transduction, tip growth, plant cytokinesis, cell energetics. We will also cover some topics that are important for both plant, fungal, and animal cell biology such as cell polarity, the cytoskeleton, protein sorting, and the secretory system. Since we will be using recent literature as the course text, some important and classic cell biology topics will not be covered. In the field of cell biology, new discoveries are often the result of improvements in technology especially in imaging, so we will cover some recent advances in methodology. This is also a writing class with the goal of helping students become familiar and comfortable with writing in a scientific style. There will be writing instruction and there will be some reading assignments on scientific writing. There are no enforced prerequisites. Introductory courses on plants, genetics, and biochemistry are helpful.
PMB 4601 - Topics in Plant Biochemistry
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Spring
Biochemical analysis of processes unique to photosynthetic organisms. Photosynthesis and carbon dioxide fixation. Synthesis of carbohydrates, lipids, and derivatives. Aromatic compounds such as lignin, other natural products. Functions of natural products. prereq: [BIOL 1002 or BIOL 1009 or BIOL 2003], CHEM 2301
BBE 4001 - Chemistry of Biomass and Biomass Conversion to Fuels and Products (ENV)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: BBE 4001/BBE 5001/Chem 4001
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Chemistry of biomass and its sustainable utilization for biofuels and bioproducts, including bio-based materials. Chemicals/energy and their environmental implications within the context of chemical principles and associated reactions underlying the structure, properties, processing, and performance of plant materials. prereq: Chem 2301 or Chem 1082 or instructor consent