Twin Cities campus

This is archival data. This system was retired as of August 21, 2023 and the information on this page has not been updated since then. For current information, visit catalogs.umn.edu.

 
Twin Cities Campus

Plant Biological Sciences Ph.D.

Plant and Microbial Biology
College of Biological Sciences
Link to a list of faculty for this program.
Contact Information
Plant Biological Sciences Graduate Program, 1479 Gortner Avenue, Suite 140, St. Paul, MN 55108 (612-625-4222; fax: 612-625-1738)
Email: pbiogp@umn.edu
Website: http://www.cbs.umn.edu/explore/departments/plantbio/gradprog
  • Program Type: Doctorate
  • Requirements for this program are current for Spring 2017
  • Length of program in credits: 54
  • This program does not require summer semesters for timely completion.
  • Degree: Doctor of Philosophy
Along with the program-specific requirements listed below, please read the General Information section of this website for requirements that apply to all major fields.
Plant biological sciences encompasses all aspects of the basic biology of both higher and lower plants. Major emphases include molecular and physiological approaches to development; physiological, structural, and functional studies at the cellular and organismal levels; systematic and evolutionary biology; and molecular genetics and applied biotechnology. Students study plants from the subcellular and molecular to the whole plant and community levels of biological organization. They also have opportunities for laboratory and field research at state, national, and international levels. Each student's program is planned to meet individual requirements within the framework of a multidisciplinary core of coursework. Seminars are an integral part of the program.
Program Delivery
  • via classroom (the majority of instruction is face-to-face)
Prerequisites for Admission
The preferred undergraduate GPA for admittance to the program is 3.00.
Other requirements to be completed before admission:
Prospective students are expected to have completed a year of coursework in at least three of the following four areas: differential and integral calculus; organic and inorganic chemistry; biology; and physics. For students with demonstrated ability, background deficiencies as determined by the admissions committee can be made up during the first year of graduate studies. All admitted students are assigned to an advisor in the graduate program before they begin their studies.
Special Application Requirements:
Applicants must submit scores from the General Test of the GRE; three letters of recommendation from persons familiar with their scholarship and research potential; a complete set of official transcripts; and a clearly written statement of career interests, goals, and objectives. Students may apply at any time; however, submission of all application materials by December 1st is required in order to ensure priority consideration for fellowships and teaching and research assistantships awarded for the next academic year.
Applicants must submit their test score(s) from the following:
  • GRE
International applicants must submit score(s) from one of the following tests:
  • TOEFL
    • Internet Based - Total Score: 79
    • Internet Based - Writing Score: 21
    • Internet Based - Reading Score: 19
    • Paper Based - Total Score: 550
  • IELTS
    • Total Score: 6.5
  • MELAB
    • Final score: 80
Key to test abbreviations (GRE, TOEFL, IELTS, MELAB).
For an online application or for more information about graduate education admissions, see the General Information section of this website.
Program Requirements
13 to 18 credits are required in the major.
12 to 17 credits are required outside the major.
24 thesis credits are required.
This program may not be completed with a minor.
Use of 4xxx courses toward program requirements is permitted under certain conditions with adviser approval.
A minimum GPA of 3.00 is required for students to remain in good standing.
At least 2 semesters must be completed before filing a Degree Program Form.
Up to two 4xxx-level courses can be applied to the PhD degree.
Required Coursework
Take the following required courses for a total of at least 13.5 credits. Take at least 1 credit each of PBIO 5960, PBS 8994, and PBS 8900 (Sec 01, Sec 02, and Sec 03).
PMB 5960 {Inactive} (1.0-3.0 cr)
PMB 8081 - Succeeding in Graduate School: Skills, Ethics, and Beyond (3.0 cr)
PMB 8123 - Research Ethics in the Plant and Environmental Sciences (0.5 cr)
PMB 8900 - Seminar (1.0 cr)
PMB 8901 - Preparation of Research Proposals (2.0 cr)
PMB 8994 - Research (1.0-5.0 cr)
Required Teaching Experience
PSTL 5106 (Sec 001) can be substituted for GRAD 8101.
GRAD 8101 - Teaching in Higher Education (3.0 cr)
Thesis Credits
Take at least 24 thesis credits.
PMB 8888 - Thesis Credit: Doctoral (1.0-24.0 cr)
Electives
Take at least 12 supporting program credits. Courses can be selected from the following list, or other courses can be chosen in consultation with the advisor and advisory committee with approval of the director of graduate studies.
Take 12 or more credit(s) from the following:
· AGRO 4401 {Inactive} (4.0 cr)
or AGRO 4505 - Biology, Ecology, and Management of Invasive Plants (3.0 cr)
or AGRO 4888 - Issues in Sustainable Agriculture (2.0 cr)
or AGRO 5121 - Applied Experimental Design (4.0 cr)
or AGRO 5321 - Ecology of Agricultural Systems (3.0 cr)
or AGRO 8023 - Evolution of Crop Plants (3.0 cr)
or AGRO 8202 - Breeding for Quantitative Traits in Plants (3.0 cr)
or AGRO 8241 - Chromosomal and Molecular Genetics of Plant Improvement (3.0 cr)
· BIOL 3270 {Inactive} (3.0 cr)
or BIOL 5272 - Applied Biostatistics (4.0 cr)
or BIOL 5407 {Inactive} (3.0 cr)
or BIOL 5409 {Inactive} (3.0 cr)
· BIOC 4331 - Biochemistry I: Structure, Catalysis, and Metabolism in Biological Systems (4.0 cr)
or BIOC 4332 - Biochemistry II: Molecular Mechanisms of Signal Transduction and Gene Expression (4.0 cr)
or BIOC 4521 - Introduction to Physical Biochemistry (3.0 cr)
or BIOC 5361 - Microbial Genomics and Bioinformatics (3.0 cr)
or BIOC 8001 - Biochemistry: Structure, Catalysis, and Metabolism (3.0 cr)
or BIOC 8002 - Molecular Biology and Regulation of Biological Processes (3.0 cr)
or BIOC 5216 - Current Topics in Signal Transduction (2.0 cr)
· EEB 5042 - Quantitative Genetics (3.0 cr)
or EEB 5221 {Inactive} (3.0 cr)
or EEB 5609 - Ecosystem Ecology (3.0 cr)
or EEB 8550 {Inactive} (1.0 cr)
· FNRM 5104 - Forest Ecology (4.0 cr)
or FNRM 5411 - Managing Forest Ecosystems: Silviculture (3.0 cr)
or FNRM 5462 - Advanced Remote Sensing and Geospatial Analysis (3.0 cr)
or FNRM 5131 - Geographical Information Systems (GIS) for Natural Resources (4.0 cr)
· GCD 5036 - Molecular Cell Biology (3.0 cr)
or GCD 8131 - Advanced Molecular Genetics and Genomics (3.0 cr)
or GCD 8151 - Cellular Biochemistry and Cell Biology (2.0-4.0 cr)
or GCD 8161 - Advanced Cell Biology and Development (2.0 cr)
· HORT 4071W - Applications of Biotechnology to Plant Improvement [WI] (3.0 cr)
or HORT 4401 {Inactive} (4.0 cr)
or HORT 5071 - Ecological Restoration (4.0 cr)
· PMB 8910 - Journal Club (1.0 cr)
or PMB 8993 - Directed Studies (1.0-5.0 cr)
· PMB 4321 - Minnesota Flora (3.0 cr)
or PMB 4511 - Flowering Plant Diversity (3.0 cr)
or PMB 5412 - Plant Physiology and Development (3.0 cr)
or PMB 5516 {Inactive} (3.0 cr)
or PMB 5301 {Inactive} (3.0 cr)
· PLPA 5103 - Plant-Microbe Interactions (3.0 cr)
or PLPA 8103 - Plant-Microbe Interactions (3.0 cr)
or PLPA 5203 - Introduction to Fungal Biology (3.0 cr)
· SOIL 5611 - Soil Biology and Fertility (4.0 cr)
 
More program views..
View college catalog(s):
· College of Biological Sciences

View future requirement(s):
· Spring 2018
· Fall 2017

View sample plan(s):
· Plant Biological Sciences Ph D Sample Plan

View checkpoint chart:
· Plant Biological Sciences Ph.D.
View PDF Version:
Search.
Search Programs

Search University Catalogs
Related links.

College of Biological Sciences

Graduate Admissions

Graduate School Fellowships

Graduate Assistantships

Colleges and Schools

One Stop
for tuition, course registration, financial aid, academic calendars, and more
 
PMB 8081 - Succeeding in Graduate School: Skills, Ethics, and Beyond
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall
What to expect and developing skills for succeeding in graduate school. Research ethics training. Reading/evaluating primary literature. Oral presentations. Exploring career options. prereq: Plant and Microbial Biology grad student or instr consent
PMB 8123 - Research Ethics in the Plant and Environmental Sciences
Credits: 0.5 [max 0.5]
Grading Basis: S-N or Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
History/values relating to research/scholarship. Social responsibility/reporting misconduct. Authorship plagiarism. Peer review. Copyright/intellectual property. Conflicts of interest. Research data management. Fiscal responsibility/management. Environmental health/safety. Research involving humans/animals. Mentorship presentations by faculty and invited speakers. Meets first seven weeks of spring semester. prereq: Grad student in [applied plant sciences or plant pathology or plant biological sciences or soil science]
PMB 8900 - Seminar
Credits: 1.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: S-N only
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Current scientific research.
PMB 8901 - Preparation of Research Proposals
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Grading Basis: S-N only
Typically offered: Every Fall
Grant writing process. Strategies and ethical standards for research proposal preparation/review. Students prepare an original proposal and critique work of others. prereq: Plant biological sciences PhD student
PMB 8994 - Research
Credits: 1.0 -5.0 [max 10.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Independent research determined by student's interests, in consultation with faculty mentor. prereq: PBio grad student, instr consent
GRAD 8101 - Teaching in Higher Education
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: OPT No Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Teaching methods/techniques. Active learning, critical thinking, practice teaching, and preparing a portfolio to document/reflect upon teaching. Readings, discussion, peer teaching, e-mail dialog, reflective writing, co-facilitation of course. prereq: Non-Degree Students: contact pffcollege consentumn.edu with questions about registration. If adding a section after first class meeting, contact your instructor as soon as you enroll.
PMB 8888 - Thesis Credit: Doctoral
Credits: 1.0 -24.0 [max 100.0]
Grading Basis: No Grade
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Thesis credit: Doctoral. prereq: Max 18 cr per semester or summer; 24 cr required
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]
AGRO 4888 - Issues in Sustainable Agriculture
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall
Agroecology, sustainable practices, production economics, environmental quality, holistic resource management, healthy food/water, rural communities. Meet sustainable-agriculture advocates, including farmers, faculty, and representatives of non-profit sustainable-agriculture organizations. prereq: 1103, Soil 1125 or 2125 or equiv
AGRO 5121 - Applied Experimental Design
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: Agro 5121/Ent 5121
Typically offered: Every Spring
Principles of sampling methodologies, experimental design, and statistical analyses. Methods/procedures in generating scientific hypotheses. Organizing, initiating, conducting, and analyzing scientific experiments using experimental designs and statistical procedures. prereq: Stat 5021 or equiv or instr consent
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
AGRO 8023 - Evolution of Crop Plants
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Spring Even Year
Origin, distribution, and evolution of cultivated plants; implication of the effects of evolutionary processes on crop breeding for needs of people today. prereq: 9 grad cr in ag or bio science
AGRO 8202 - Breeding for Quantitative Traits in Plants
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Spring Even Year
Principles and concepts of population and quantitative genetics/application in designing and implementing a plant breeding program/theory, experimental approaches, and evidence that form the basis for these concepts and breeding strategies. prereq: [5201, STAT 5021] or instr consent
AGRO 8241 - Chromosomal and Molecular Genetics of Plant Improvement
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Fall Even Year
Mixture of classic/current info in molecular plant genetics, biotech, and genomics. Students devise experiments in breeding, genetics, genomics, physiology, cellular/molecular biology, and other areas. prereq: Introductory Genetics course
BIOL 5272 - Applied Biostatistics
Credits: 4.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: Biol 3272Biol 3272H//Biol 5272
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Conceptual basis of statistical analysis. Statistical analysis of biological data. Data visualization, descriptive statistics, significance tests, experimental design, linear model, simple/multiple regression, general linear model. Lectures, computer lab. prereq: High school algebra; BIOL 2003 recommended.
BIOC 4331 - Biochemistry I: Structure, Catalysis, and Metabolism in Biological Systems
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: BioC 3021/BioC 3022/BioC 4331/
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Advanced survey of structure/catalysis, metabolism/bioenergetics. prereq: (BIOL 1009 or 2003 or equiv) AND (Chem 2302 or CHEM 2081/2085 or equiv)
BIOC 4332 - Biochemistry II: Molecular Mechanisms of Signal Transduction and Gene Expression
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Advanced survey of molecular biology. Mechanisms of gene action/biological regulation. prereq: BioC 4331 or Bioc 3201 or BioC 3022
BIOC 4521 - Introduction to Physical Biochemistry
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Physical chemical principles, their applications in biochemistry. Thermodynamics, kinetics, spectroscopy, solution dynamics as applied to biochemical reactions/ biopolymers. prereq: 4331 recommended, (Chem 1081 or 1061 and 1065) AND (Physics 1221 or 1201W or 1301W) required
BIOC 5361 - Microbial Genomics and Bioinformatics
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Introduction to genomics. Emphasizes microbial genomics. Sequencing methods, sequence analysis, genomics databases, genome mapping, prokaryotic horizontal gene transfer, genomics in biotechnology, intellectual property issues. Hands-on introduction to UNIX shell scripting, genomic data analysis using R and Excel in a computer lab setting. prereq: College-level courses in [organic chemistry, biochemistry, microbiology]
BIOC 8001 - Biochemistry: Structure, Catalysis, and Metabolism
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall
Protein structure, methods to determine structure, protein folding, forces stabilizing macromolecular structure, protein engineering, design. Dynamic properties of proteins/enzymes, enzyme substrate complexes, mechanism of enzyme catalysis. Enzymology of metabolic regulation and cell signaling. prereq: BMBB or MCDBconcurrent registration is required (or allowed) in G grad student or instr consent
BIOC 8002 - Molecular Biology and Regulation of Biological Processes
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall
Classical to current topics in molecular biology. Aspects of DNA, RNA, and protein biology. DNA replication, repair, and recombination. RNA transcription, editing, and regulation. Protein translation/modification. Technologies such as deep-sequencing micro-RNA and prions. prereq: [BMBB or MCDBG] grad student or instr consent
BIOC 5216 - Current Topics in Signal Transduction
Credits: 2.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Spring
Mechanisms by which biological signals evoke biochemical responses.
EEB 5042 - Quantitative Genetics
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall
Fundamentals of quantitative genetics. Genetic/environmental influences on expression of quantitative traits. Approaches to characterizing genetic basis of trait variation. Processes that lead to change in quantitative traits. Applied/evolutionary aspects of quantitative genetic variation. prereq: [BIOL 4003 or GCD 3022] or instr consent; a course in statistics is recommended
EEB 5609 - Ecosystem Ecology
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall
Regulation of energy and elements cycling through ecosystems. Dependence of cycles on kinds/numbers of species within ecosystems. Effects of human-induced global changes on functioning of ecosystems.
FNRM 5104 - Forest Ecology
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: FNRM 3104/FNRM 5104
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Form and function of forests as ecological systems. Characteristics and dynamics of species, populations, communities, landscapes, and ecosystem processes. Examples applying ecology to forest management. Weekly discussions on research topics, exercises, and current issues in forest resource management. Required weekend field trip. Introductory biology course recommended.
FNRM 5411 - Managing Forest Ecosystems: Silviculture
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: FNRM 3411/FNRM 5411
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall
Management of forest ecosystems for sustaining ecological integrity, soil productivity, water quality, wildlife habitat, biological diversity, commodity production in landscape context. Silvics, forest dynamics, disturbances, regeneration, restoration, silvicultural systems. Ramifications of management choices. Weekend field trip. FEMC track students should take FNRM 5413 concurrently. prereq: grad student
FNRM 5462 - Advanced Remote Sensing and Geospatial Analysis
Credits: 3.0 [max 6.0]
Course Equivalencies: FNRM 3462/FNRM 5462
Typically offered: Every Spring
This course builds on the introductory remote sensing class, FNRM 3262/5262. It provides a detailed treatment of advanced remote sensing and geospatial theory and methods including Object-Based Image Analysis (OBIA), lidar processing and derivatives, advanced classification algorithms (including Random Forest, Neural Networks, Support Vector Machines), biophysics of remote sensing, measurements and sensors, data transforms, data fusion, multi-temporal analysis, and empirical modeling. In-class and independent lab activities will be used to apply the course topics to real-world problems. Prior coursework in Geographic Information Systems, remote sensing, and statistics is necessary. Prereq: grad student or instr consent
FNRM 5131 - Geographical Information Systems (GIS) for Natural Resources
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: FNRM 3131/FNRM 5131/FR 3131/
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Geographic information systems (GIS), focusing on spatial data development and analysis in the science and management of natural resources. Basic data structures, sources, collection, and quality; geodesy and map projections; spatial and tabular data analyses; digital elevation data and terrain analyses; cartographic modeling and layout. Lab exercises provide practical experiences complementing theory covered in lecture. prereq: Grad student or instr consent
GCD 5036 - Molecular Cell Biology
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall
Analysis of dynamic cellular activities at the molecular level in cell biological fields that are experiencing new research advances not yet reflected in textbooks. Significant emphasis is placed on understanding the experimental basis of our current knowledge of cellular processes through analysis of scientific papers. Project and presentation-based assessments of learning outcomes. prereq: BIOL 4004 or GCD 4005W or grad
GCD 8131 - Advanced Molecular Genetics and Genomics
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Literature-based course in modern molecular genetic and genomic analysis. Students will gain a deep understanding of the fundamental molecular mechanisms controlling inheritance in biological systems. Students will gain a facility in thinking critically and creatively about how genes work at cellular, organismal, and transgenerational levels. Course instruction emphasizes active-learning approaches, student presentations, and group projects. prereq: [3022 or BIOL 4003], [BIOC 3021 or BIOC 4331] or instr consent
GCD 8151 - Cellular Biochemistry and Cell Biology
Credits: 2.0 -4.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall
This course introduces graduate students to fundamental concepts of Biochemical Unity (Part 1) and Cell Theory (Part 2). For Part 1, we will discuss matter of life, equilibrium, entropy & law of mass action, two state systems, random walks & diffusion, rate equations of chemical reactions, and explore how they relate to regulation of biological networks (gene regulation and signal transduction). For Part 2 we will focus on properties of biological membranes, membrane trafficking, protein import & degradation, nuclear structures and their function, as well as molecular motors, cytoskeletal dynamics, and mitosis. The course assumes students have had previous undergraduate courses in cell biology, biochemistry and genetics. prereq: [[[4034 or 8121 or BioC 8002], Biol 4004] or BMBB or MCDBG grad student] or instr consent
GCD 8161 - Advanced Cell Biology and Development
Credits: 2.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Spring
The advanced cell and developmental biology of embryos, taught through in-depth, comparative analysis of historical and current primary research articles that illustrate developmental mechanisms and experimental approaches in key invertebrate and vertebrate model organisms. prereq:[BMBB or MCDBG grad student] or [GCD 4161, [GCD 8131 or Biol 4003], Biol 4004, and GCD 4034] or instr consent
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
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.
PMB 8910 - Journal Club
Credits: 1.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: S-N or Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Fall, Spring & Summer
Critical evaluation of selected current literature.
PMB 8993 - Directed Studies
Credits: 1.0 -5.0 [max 15.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Directed Studies prereq: PBio grad student, instr consent
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
PMB 4511 - Flowering Plant Diversity
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Spring Odd Year
Systematics of flowering plants of the world. Ecology, geography, origins, and evolution. Family characteristics. Floral structure, function, evolution. Pollination biology. Methods of phylogenetic reconstruction. Molecular evolution. Taxonomic terms. Methods of collection/identification. Lab. prereq: BIOL 1001 or 1009 or 1009H or 2002
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 8103 - Plant-Microbe Interactions
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Spring
Genetics, physiology, and molecular biology of plant-microbe interactions. Communication between plants/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 5203 - Introduction to Fungal Biology
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Spring Odd Year
Fungi are a critical component of the diversity and function of terrestrial ecosystems, affecting decomposition, plant nutrient uptake, and agricultural practices. Key components of fungal biology, including ecology, genetics, life cycles and diversity. Labs provide hands on experience with a diverse range of organisms. prereq: BIOL 1009 or equiv
SOIL 5611 - Soil Biology and Fertility
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