Twin Cities campus

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Twin Cities Campus

Applied Plant Sciences Ph.D.

Agronomy & Plant Genetics
Horticultural Science
College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences
Link to a list of faculty for this program.
Contact Information
Department of Agronomy and Plant Genetics, 411 Borlaug Hall, 1991 Upper Buford Circle, St. Paul, MN 55108-6026 (612-625-4742; fax: 612-625-1268)
  • Program Type: Doctorate
  • Requirements for this program are current for Fall 2024
  • 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.
Applied Plant Sciences is an interdisciplinary program for educating students to become professional scientists well-grounded in the applied disciplines of agronomy/agroecology, horticulture, and plant breeding/molecular genetics. Graduates of the program are able to provide innovative leadership and contribute to problem solving within their disciplines in the public or private sector and within society at large. The program develops the quantitative and qualitative research skills necessary to conduct high quality research and scholarship as well as skills needed for professional communication, teamwork and leadership. Students choose from among four specialization tracks: agronomy/agroecology, applied plant sciences, horticulture, or plant breeding/plant molecular genetics. Students gain broad familiarity with all of the disciplines within the program and gain in-depth knowledge within their area of expertise. The program's graduate faculty is drawn primarily from the Department of Agronomy and Plant Genetics and the Department of Horticultural Science; but also from the Departments of Plant and Microbial Biology; Plant Pathology; Soil, Water, and Climate; Ecology, Evolution and Behavior; and Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Biology. The faculty embrace the University of Minnesota's position that promoting and supporting diversity among the student body is central to our academic mission.
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:
Students entering the program should have a foundation in the physical and biological sciences, preferably with some emphasis in plant science. A minimum of 10 credits of math and physics, 12 credits of chemistry and biochemistry, and 15 credits of biological and/or agricultural sciences are recommended for admission. In addition, students should have completed a BS or BA degree in agriculture, biology, or other related life science. Students with a BS or BA degree outside these areas may be admitted with the requirement that they take the prerequisite courses noted above at the undergraduate level in addition to their graduate coursework.
Special Application Requirements:
Applicants must submit three letters of recommendation from persons familiar with their scholarship and research potential; a complete set of official transcripts; and a clearly written personal statement of career interests, goals, and objectives as part of the online application. Students should apply by December 5 for admission into fall semester of the following year. Students should apply by October 15 for admission into spring semester of the following year.
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 (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
30 credits are required in the major.
0 credits are required outside the major.
24 thesis credits are required.
This program may 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 0 semesters must be completed before filing a Degree Program Form.
PhD students must complete the core curriculum, requirements for their specialization, and present one graduate seminar. Additional course requirements are flexible and determined in consultation with the student’s advisor(s) and advisory committee.
Required Courses (3.5 credits)
Take the following courses:
AGRO 5311 - Research Methods in Crop Improvement and Production (1.0 cr)
APSC 8123 - Research Ethics in the Plant and Environmental Sciences (0.5 cr)
APSC 8270 - Graduate Seminar (2.0 cr)
Select at least 3 credits from the following:
AGRO 5121 - Applied Experimental Design (4.0 cr)
ANSC 5200 - Statistical Genetics and Genomics (4.0 cr)
BIOL 5272 - Applied Biostatistics (4.0 cr)
ENT 5126 - Spatial and Temporal Analysis of Ecological Data (3.0 cr)
ESPM 5211 - Survey, Measurement, and Modeling for Environmental Analysis (3.0 cr)
FNRM 5131 - Geographical Information Systems (GIS) for Natural Resources (4.0 cr)
GIS 5555 - Basic Spatial Analysis (3.0 cr)
NR 5021 - Statistics for Agricultural and Natural Resource Professionals (3.0 cr)
PUBH 6450 - Biostatistics I (4.0 cr)
STAT 5021 - Statistical Analysis (4.0 cr)
STAT 5201 - Sampling Methodology in Finite Populations (3.0 cr)
STAT 5302 - Applied Regression Analysis (4.0 cr)
STAT 5303 - Designing Experiments (4.0 cr)
STAT 5401 - Applied Multivariate Methods (3.0 cr)
STAT 5421 - Analysis of Categorical Data (3.0 cr)
STAT 5601 - Nonparametric Methods (3.0 cr)
Take 1 of the following courses. If APSC 8280 is selected, consult with the advisor regarding the number of credits needed.
APSC 8280 - Current Topics in Applied Plant Sciences (1.0-3.0 cr)
SAGR 8010 - Colloquium in Sustainable Agriculture (2.0 cr)
Take 1 of the following courses:
GRAD 8101 - Teaching in Higher Education (3.0 cr)
CFAN 8101 - Professional Skills for Scientists (2.0 cr)
Electives
Select courses in consultation with the advisor, as needed, to complete 30 course credits.
Thesis Credits
Take at least 24 doctoral thesis credits.
APSC 8888 - Thesis Credit: Doctoral (1.0-24.0 cr)
Program Sub-plans
A sub-plan is not required for this program.
Students may not complete the program with more than one sub-plan.
Agronomy and Agroecology
Students conduct research to increase their knowledge of cropping systems and weed science, including alternative approaches and management strategies. Emphasis is on improving production efficiency and profitability in an environmentally sound approach that benefits society. Mechanisms of crop physiology and ecology underlying plant responses to the environment are a particular emphasis of this track.
Courses listed within agroecology/agronomy, plant biology, and ecology/plant pathology/soil science groups are provided as a guide for students and faculty. Other specialization courses can be substituted with agreement of the advisor, the advisory committee, and director of graduate studies.
Agronomy/Agroecology
Take 2 courses from the following list. If AGRO 5999 is selected, consult with the advisor regarding the number of credits needed.
AGRO 4505 - Biology, Ecology, and Management of Invasive Plants (3.0 cr)
AGRO 4605 - Strategies for Agricultural Production and Management (3.0 cr)
AGRO 5021 - Plant Breeding Principles (3.0 cr)
AGRO 5321 - Ecology of Agricultural Systems (3.0 cr)
AGRO 5999 - Special Topics: Workshop in Agronomy (1.0-6.0 cr)
APSC 8201 - Advanced Plant Breeding (3.0 cr)
APSC 8280 - Current Topics in Applied Plant Sciences (1.0-3.0 cr)
DSSC 8310 - Topics in Development Studies and Social Change (1.0-3.0 cr)
FNRM 5480 - Topics in Natural Resources (1.0-3.0 cr)
GCC 5017 - World Food Problems: Agronomics, Economics and Hunger [GP] (3.0 cr)
SAGR 8010 - Colloquium in Sustainable Agriculture (2.0 cr)
Plant Biology
Take 1 of the following courses or another course selected in consultation with the advisor:
PMB 5412 - Plant Physiology and Development (3.0 cr)
PMB 5601 - Topics in Plant Biochemistry (3.0 cr)
Ecology/Plant Pathology/Soil Science
Take at least 1 course from the following list:
EEB 4068 - Plant Physiological Ecology (3.0 cr)
EEB 5053 - Ecology: Theory and Concepts (4.0 cr)
EEB 5609 - Ecosystem Ecology (3.0 cr)
ESPM 5108 - Ecology of Managed Systems (4.0 cr)
ESPM 5245 - Sustainable Land Use Planning and Policy (3.0 cr)
ESPM 5295 - GIS in Environmental Science and Management (4.0 cr)
HORT 4071W - Applications of Biotechnology to Plant Improvement [WI] (3.0 cr)
HORT 5071 - Ecological Restoration (4.0 cr)
PLPA 5103 - Plant-Microbe Interactions (3.0 cr)
PLPA 5202 - Field Plant Pathology (2.0 cr)
PLPA 5480 - Principles of Plant Pathology (3.0 cr)
PLPA 5660 - Plant Disease Resistance and Applications (3.0 cr)
SOIL 4111 - Introduction to Precision Agriculture (3.0 cr)
SOIL 5611 - Soil Biology and Fertility (4.0 cr)
Horticulture
Students conduct research related to fruits, vegetables, potatoes, flowers, ornamental trees and shrubs, or turf; and on the physiology, production, environmental impact of cropping systems, and use of horticultural crops. Research areas include the effect of horticultural commodities on human health, hormonal, and stress physiology; flower development and flowering physiology; integrated pest management; post harvest physiology; and cropping system strategies. Students get a broad range of experiences in the field, greenhouse, and/or laboratory using genetic, molecular, biochemical, and ecological tools to answer research questions.
Cross Commodity Horticulture
Take at least 1 course from the following:
AGRO 4505 - Biology, Ecology, and Management of Invasive Plants (3.0 cr)
AGRO 5321 - Ecology of Agricultural Systems (3.0 cr)
HORT 4071W - Applications of Biotechnology to Plant Improvement [WI] (3.0 cr)
HORT 4461 - Horticultural Marketing (3.0 cr)
HORT 5007 - Advanced Plant Propagation (3.0 cr)
HORT 5023 - Public Garden Management (2.0 cr)
MBA 6211 - Marketing Management (3.0 cr)
MKTG 6051 - Marketing Research - Rapid Insights (2.0 cr)
MKTG 6055 - Buyer Behavior (2.0 cr)
MKTG 6082 - Brand Strategy (2.0 cr)
SAGR 8010 - Colloquium in Sustainable Agriculture (2.0 cr)
Commodity-based Horticulture
Take at least 1 course from the following:
HORT 4061W - Turfgrass Management [WI] (3.0 cr)
HORT 4063 - Turfgrass Science (3.0 cr)
HORT 4141W - Scheduling Crops for Protected Environments [WI] (4.0 cr)
HORT 5033 - Growing Fruit & Vegetables for Local and Organic Markets (3.0 cr)
HORT 5071 - Ecological Restoration (4.0 cr)
Additional Coursework
Take at least 1 course from the following. Courses other than those listed below can be substituted with agreement of the advisor, advisory committee, and director of graduate studies.
AGRO 5021 - Plant Breeding Principles (3.0 cr)
AGRO 8023 - Evolution of Crop Plants (3.0 cr)
APSC 8201 - Advanced Plant Breeding (3.0 cr)
EEB 4068 - Plant Physiological Ecology (3.0 cr)
EEB 5053 - Ecology: Theory and Concepts (4.0 cr)
EEB 5609 - Ecosystem Ecology (3.0 cr)
ESPM 5108 - Ecology of Managed Systems (4.0 cr)
ESPM 5245 - Sustainable Land Use Planning and Policy (3.0 cr)
ESPM 5295 - GIS in Environmental Science and Management (4.0 cr)
PMB 5412 - Plant Physiology and Development (3.0 cr)
PMB 5601 - Topics in Plant Biochemistry (3.0 cr)
PLPA 5103 - Plant-Microbe Interactions (3.0 cr)
PLPA 5202 - Field Plant Pathology (2.0 cr)
PLPA 5480 - Principles of Plant Pathology (3.0 cr)
PLPA 5660 - Plant Disease Resistance and Applications (3.0 cr)
SOIL 4111 - Introduction to Precision Agriculture (3.0 cr)
SOIL 5611 - Soil Biology and Fertility (4.0 cr)
Other Suggested Courses
Select courses, as needed, in consultation with the advisor to complete the 12.5 specialization credits required. The following courses have been taken by students in the Horticulture track. Other courses can be substituted with agreement of the advisor, advisory committee and director of graduate studies.
Agroecology and Cropping Systems
AGRO 5321 - Ecology of Agricultural Systems (3.0 cr)
AGRO 5999 - Special Topics: Workshop in Agronomy (1.0-6.0 cr)
HORT 5023 - Public Garden Management (2.0 cr)
HORT 5033 - Growing Fruit & Vegetables for Local and Organic Markets (3.0 cr)
HORT 5071 - Ecological Restoration (4.0 cr)
SAGR 8010 - Colloquium in Sustainable Agriculture (2.0 cr)
Biochemistry
BIOC 8001 - Biochemistry: Structure, Catalysis, and Metabolism (3.0 cr)
BIOC 8002 - Molecular Biology and Regulation of Biological Processes (3.0 cr)
Biotechnology/Genetics/Genomics
GCD 4034 - Molecular Genetics and Genomics (3.0 cr)
GCD 8131 - Advanced Molecular Genetics and Genomics (3.0 cr)
HORT 4071W - Applications of Biotechnology to Plant Improvement [WI] (3.0 cr)
HORT 5007 - Advanced Plant Propagation (3.0 cr)
PLPA 5301 - Large Scale Omic Data in Plant Biology (3.0 cr)
Computational Biology/Bioinformatics
BIOC 5361 - Microbial Genomics and Bioinformatics (3.0 cr)
CSCI 4041 - Algorithms and Data Structures (4.0 cr)
CSCI 5461 - Functional Genomics, Systems Biology, and Bioinformatics (3.0 cr)
CSCI 5481 - Computational Techniques for Genomics (3.0 cr)
CSCI 5980 - Special Topics in Computer Science (1.0-3.0 cr)
Physiology
AGRO 8900 - Advanced Discussions (1.0-3.0 cr)
PMB 5412 - Plant Physiology and Development (3.0 cr)
Plant Pathology
PLPA 5202 - Field Plant Pathology (2.0 cr)
PLPA 5203 - Introduction to Fungal Biology (3.0 cr)
PLPA 5444 - Ecology, Epidemiology, and Evolutionary Biology of Plant-Microbe Interactions (3.0 cr)
PLPA 5480 - Principles of Plant Pathology (3.0 cr)
PLPA 5660 - Plant Disease Resistance and Applications (3.0 cr)
PLPA 8103 - Plant-Microbe Interactions (3.0 cr)
PLPA 8104 - Plant Virology (2.0 cr)
PLPA 8105 - Plant Bacteriology (3.0 cr)
Professional Skills Development
MOT 5001 - Technological Business Fundamentals (2.0 cr)
MOT 5002 - Creating Technological Innovation (3.0 cr)
HRIR 6484 - Management of Teams (2.0 cr)
Statistics
AGRO 5121 - Applied Experimental Design (4.0 cr)
ANSC 5200 - Statistical Genetics and Genomics (4.0 cr)
BIOL 5272 - Applied Biostatistics (4.0 cr)
ENT 5126 - Spatial and Temporal Analysis of Ecological Data (3.0 cr)
ESPM 5211 - Survey, Measurement, and Modeling for Environmental Analysis (3.0 cr)
FW 8051 - Statistical Modeling of Ecological Data using R and WinBugs/JAGS (4.0 cr)
GIS 5555 - Basic Spatial Analysis (3.0 cr)
STAT 5201 - Sampling Methodology in Finite Populations (3.0 cr)
STAT 5302 - Applied Regression Analysis (4.0 cr)
STAT 5303 - Designing Experiments (4.0 cr)
STAT 5401 - Applied Multivariate Methods (3.0 cr)
STAT 5421 - Analysis of Categorical Data (3.0 cr)
STAT 5601 - Nonparametric Methods (3.0 cr)
Plant Breeding and Plant Molecular Genetics
This track allows students to select from genetic research projects ranging from applied plant breeding projects emphasizing breeding procedures and methodologies to molecular genetic projects doing biotechnology, genetic engineering, and genomic research in agronomic and horticultural crops. These research projects give students the opportunity to integrate the latest developments in the laboratory with applied applications in the field to reach the overarching goal of developing new germplasm that will improve the sustainability of our food/feed/fiber/fuel systems.
Plant Breeding
Take at least 1 course from the following:
AGRO 5021 - Plant Breeding Principles (3.0 cr)
AGRO 8202 - Breeding for Quantitative Traits in Plants (3.0 cr)
APSC 8201 - Advanced Plant Breeding (3.0 cr)
Genetics and Genomics
Take at least 2 courses from the following:
AGRO 5431 - Applied Plant Genomics and Bioinformatics (3.0 cr)
AGRO 8241 - Chromosomal and Molecular Genetics of Plant Improvement (3.0 cr)
EEB 5042 - Quantitative Genetics (3.0 cr)
GCD 8131 - Advanced Molecular Genetics and Genomics (3.0 cr)
Other Coursework
Courses other than those listed below can be substituted with approval of the advisor, advisory committee, and director of graduate studies.
Agroecology and Cropping Systems
AGRO 4505 - Biology, Ecology, and Management of Invasive Plants (3.0 cr)
AGRO 4605 - Strategies for Agricultural Production and Management (3.0 cr)
AGRO 5321 - Ecology of Agricultural Systems (3.0 cr)
AGRO 5999 - Special Topics: Workshop in Agronomy (1.0-6.0 cr)
HORT 5023 - Public Garden Management (2.0 cr)
HORT 5033 - Growing Fruit & Vegetables for Local and Organic Markets (3.0 cr)
HORT 5071 - Ecological Restoration (4.0 cr)
SAGR 8010 - Colloquium in Sustainable Agriculture (2.0 cr)
Biochemistry
BIOC 6021 - Biochemistry (3.0 cr)
BIOC 8005 - Biochemistry: Structure and Catalysis (2.0 cr)
BIOC 8006 - Biochemistry: Metabolism and Control (2.0 cr)
Biotechnology/Genetics/Genomics
BIOC 5352 - Biotechnology and Bioengineering for Biochemists (3.0 cr)
BIOC 8007 - Molecular Biology of the Genome (2.0 cr)
BIOC 8008 - Molecular Biology of the Transcriptome (2.0 cr)
GCD 4034 - Molecular Genetics and Genomics (3.0 cr)
GCD 8131 - Advanced Molecular Genetics and Genomics (3.0 cr)
HORT 4071W - Applications of Biotechnology to Plant Improvement [WI] (3.0 cr)
HORT 5007 - Advanced Plant Propagation (3.0 cr)
PLPA 5301 - Large Scale Omic Data in Plant Biology (3.0 cr)
Computational Biology/Bioinformatics
BIOC 5361 - Microbial Genomics and Bioinformatics (3.0 cr)
CSCI 4041 - Algorithms and Data Structures (4.0 cr)
CSCI 5421 - Advanced Algorithms and Data Structures (3.0 cr)
CSCI 5461 - Functional Genomics, Systems Biology, and Bioinformatics (3.0 cr)
CSCI 5465 - Introduction to Computing for Biologists (3.0 cr)
CSCI 5481 - Computational Techniques for Genomics (3.0 cr)
CSCI 5521 - Machine Learning Fundamentals (3.0 cr)
CSCI 5523 - Introduction to Data Mining (3.0 cr)
CSCI 5525 - Machine Learning: Analysis and Methods (3.0 cr)
CSCI 5561 - Computer Vision (3.0 cr)
FNRM 5362 - Drones: Data, Analysis, and Operations (3.0 cr)
GCD 8141 - Computational Genomics (3.0 cr)
Evolution
EEB 5409 - Evolution (3.0 cr)
Physiology
AGRO 8900 - Advanced Discussions (1.0-3.0 cr)
EEB 5068 - Plant Physiological Ecology (3.0 cr)
PMB 5412 - Plant Physiology and Development (3.0 cr)
Plant Pathology
PLPA 5444 - Ecology, Epidemiology, and Evolutionary Biology of Plant-Microbe Interactions (3.0 cr)
PLPA 5480 - Principles of Plant Pathology (3.0 cr)
PLPA 5660 - Plant Disease Resistance and Applications (3.0 cr)
PLPA 8103 - Plant-Microbe Interactions (3.0 cr)
PLPA 8105 - Plant Bacteriology (3.0 cr)
Professional Skills Development
BIOL 5701 - Science Communication: A Primer for Scientists (2.0 cr)
BIOL 8100 - Improvisation for Scientists (1.0 cr)
HRIR 5222 - Creating and Managing Diversity and Inclusion (2.0 cr)
MGMT 6084 - Management of Teams (2.0 cr)
MOT 5001 - Technological Business Fundamentals (2.0 cr)
MOT 5002 - Creating Technological Innovation (3.0 cr)
MOT 8232 - Managing Technological Innovation (2.0 cr)
Statistics
AGRO 5121 - Applied Experimental Design (4.0 cr)
ANSC 5200 - Statistical Genetics and Genomics (4.0 cr)
ANSC 8141 - Mixed Model Methods for Genetic Analysis (3.0 cr)
BIOL 5272 - Applied Biostatistics (4.0 cr)
ENT 5126 - Spatial and Temporal Analysis of Ecological Data (3.0 cr)
ESPM 5211 - Survey, Measurement, and Modeling for Environmental Analysis (3.0 cr)
PUBH 6451 - Biostatistics II (4.0 cr)
PUBH 7430 - Statistical Methods for Correlated Data (3.0 cr)
PUBH 7462 - Advanced Programming and Data Analysis in R (2.0 cr)
STAT 5052 - Statistical and Machine Learning (3.0 cr)
STAT 5302 - Applied Regression Analysis (4.0 cr)
STAT 5303 - Designing Experiments (4.0 cr)
STAT 5401 - Applied Multivariate Methods (3.0 cr)
STAT 5421 - Analysis of Categorical Data (3.0 cr)
STAT 5601 - Nonparametric Methods (3.0 cr)
Applied Plant Sciences
Students who choose to pursue the PhD without a specialization track must complete the APS required core curriculum and at least one course from these three areas: genetics and plant breeding; organismal biology; and cropping systems, communities, and commodities.
Genetics and Plant Breeding
Take at least 1 course from the following:
AGRO 5021 - Plant Breeding Principles (3.0 cr)
AGRO 5431 - Applied Plant Genomics and Bioinformatics (3.0 cr)
AGRO 8202 - Breeding for Quantitative Traits in Plants (3.0 cr)
AGRO 8241 - Chromosomal and Molecular Genetics of Plant Improvement (3.0 cr)
APSC 8201 - Advanced Plant Breeding (3.0 cr)
EEB 5042 - Quantitative Genetics (3.0 cr)
GCD 4034 - Molecular Genetics and Genomics (3.0 cr)
GCD 8131 - Advanced Molecular Genetics and Genomics (3.0 cr)
HORT 4071W - Applications of Biotechnology to Plant Improvement [WI] (3.0 cr)
PLPA 5301 - Large Scale Omic Data in Plant Biology (3.0 cr)
Organismal Biology
Take at least 1 course from the following:
HORT 5007 - Advanced Plant Propagation (3.0 cr)
HORT 8044 - Manipulation of Plant Growth and Reproduction (2.0 cr)
PLPA 5103 - Plant-Microbe Interactions (3.0 cr)
PLPA 5203 - Introduction to Fungal Biology (3.0 cr)
PLPA 5444 - Ecology, Epidemiology, and Evolutionary Biology of Plant-Microbe Interactions (3.0 cr)
PLPA 5480 - Principles of Plant Pathology (3.0 cr)
PLPA 5660 - Plant Disease Resistance and Applications (3.0 cr)
PLPA 8103 - Plant-Microbe Interactions (3.0 cr)
PLPA 8104 - Plant Virology (2.0 cr)
PLPA 8105 - Plant Bacteriology (3.0 cr)
PMB 5412 - Plant Physiology and Development (3.0 cr)
PMB 5601 - Topics in Plant Biochemistry (3.0 cr)
Cropping Systems, Communities, and Commodities
Take at least 1 course from the following:
AGRO 4505 - Biology, Ecology, and Management of Invasive Plants (3.0 cr)
AGRO 5321 - Ecology of Agricultural Systems (3.0 cr)
HORT 4062 - Turfgrass Weed and Disease Science (3.0 cr)
HORT 4063 - Turfgrass Science (3.0 cr)
HORT 4141W - Scheduling Crops for Protected Environments [WI] (4.0 cr)
HORT 5031 {Inactive} (3.0 cr)
HORT 5033 - Growing Fruit & Vegetables for Local and Organic Markets (3.0 cr)
HORT 5071 - Ecological Restoration (4.0 cr)
HORT 5131 - Student Organic Farm Planning, Growing, and Marketing (3.0 cr)
PLPA 5202 - Field Plant Pathology (2.0 cr)
PLPA 5444 - Ecology, Epidemiology, and Evolutionary Biology of Plant-Microbe Interactions (3.0 cr)
SAGR 8010 - Colloquium in Sustainable Agriculture (2.0 cr)
 
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· Applied Plant Sciences Ph.D.
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AGRO 5311 - Research Methods in Crop Improvement and Production
Credits: 1.0 [max 1.0]
Grading Basis: S-N or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Summer
Demonstrations and discussions of techniques in crop improvement and/or production research. Presentations integrate biotechnology with traditional breeding methods; production sessions emphasize ecologically sound cropping systems. prereq: applied plant sciences grad
APSC 8123 - Research Ethics in the Plant and Environmental Sciences
Credits: 0.5 [max 0.5]
Course Equivalencies: APSc/PBio/PlPa/Soil 8123
Grading Basis: S-N or Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
Ethics training to graduate students enrolled in plant/environmental graduate research programs and fulfill requirement for training in responsible conduct of research.
APSC 8270 - Graduate Seminar
Credits: 2.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Examine qualities of effective scientific presentations. Develop skills in presenting scientific information effectively. Practice public speaking skills. Presenting scientific information to the general public. Organize a seminar series. prereq: Grad major in Applied Plant Sciences or instructor consent
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
ANSC 5200 - Statistical Genetics and Genomics
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: AnSc 5200/MVB 5200
Typically offered: Fall Even Year
Gene discovery. Genomic selection. Data analysis. Phenotypes/DNA markers. Parametric/non parametric linkage analysis. Mapping quantitative trait loci (QTL). Parentage testing. prereq: [Stat 3021 or equiv], [Biol 4003 or equiv]
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.
ENT 5126 - Spatial and Temporal Analysis of Ecological Data
Credits: 3.0 [max 6.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Spring Even Year
This course covers linear models (regression and ANOVA) and extensions to temporal data and spatial point processes, lattice/areal data, and geostatistics. The course bridges sufficient theory to understand why contending with spatiotemporal dependence is important with enough application to make students confident in their own data analyses.
ESPM 5211 - Survey, Measurement, and Modeling for Environmental Analysis
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: ESPM 3211/ESPM 5211
Typically offered: Every Spring
Survey, measurement, and modeling concepts/methods for study of natural resources/environmental issues. Emphasizes survey design for data collection, estimation, and analysis for issues encompassing land, water, air, vegetation, wildlife, and human/social variables.
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
GIS 5555 - Basic Spatial Analysis
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall
How to use spatial data to answer questions on a wide array of social, natural, and information science issues. Exploratory data analysis/visualization. Spatial autocorrelation analysis/regression. prereq: [STAT 3001 or equiv, MGIS student] or instr consent
NR 5021 - Statistics for Agricultural and Natural Resource Professionals
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: AnSc 3011/ESPM 3012/NR 5021/St
Typically offered: Every Spring
This course is designed for graduate students in the agricultural, environmental, natural resources, and other related programs that require an understanding of statistics and applied quantitative research. Course content focuses on data analysis approaches using common statistical methods, e.g., probability and distributions, simple linear, multiple, and logistic regression, linear models, and analysis of variance. This course is completely online and asynchronous. prereq: College algebra or instructor consent
PUBH 6450 - Biostatistics I
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
This course will cover the fundamental concepts of exploratory data analysis and statistical inference for univariate and bivariate data, including: ? study design and sampling methods, ? descriptive and graphical summaries, ? random variables and their distributions, ? interval estimation, ? hypothesis testing, ? relevant nonparametric methods, ? simple regression/correlation, and ? introduction to multiple regression. There will be a focus on analyzing data using statistical programming software and on communicating the results in short reports. Health science examples from the research literature will be used throughout the course. prereq: [College-level algebra, health sciences grad student] or instr consent
STAT 5021 - Statistical Analysis
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Intensive introduction to statistical methods for graduate students needing statistics as a research technique. prereq: college algebra or instr consent; credit will not be granted if credit has been received for STAT 3011
STAT 5201 - Sampling Methodology in Finite Populations
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Spring
Simple random, systematic, stratified, unequal probability sampling. Ratio, model based estimation. Single stage, multistage, adaptive cluster sampling. Spatial sampling. prereq: 3022 or 3032 or 3301 or 4102 or 5021 or 5102 or instr consent
STAT 5302 - Applied Regression Analysis
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Simple, multiple, and polynomial regression. Estimation, testing, prediction. Use of graphics in regression. Stepwise and other numerical methods. Weighted least squares, nonlinear models, response surfaces. Experimental research/applications. prereq: 3032 or 3022 or 4102 or 5021 or 5102 or instr consent Please note this course generally does not count in the Statistical Practice BA or Statistical Science BS degrees. Please consult with a department advisor with questions.
STAT 5303 - Designing Experiments
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Analysis of variance. Multiple comparisons. Variance-stabilizing transformations. Contrasts. Construction/analysis of complete/incomplete block designs. Fractional factorial designs. Confounding split plots. Response surface design. prereq: 3022 or 3032 or 3301 or 4102 or 5021 or 5102 or instr consent
STAT 5401 - Applied Multivariate Methods
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Fall
Bivariate and multivariate distributions. Multivariate normal distributions. Analysis of multivariate linear models. Repeated measures, growth curve, and profile analysis. Canonical correlation analysis. Principal components and factor analysis. Discrimination, classification, and clustering. pre-req: STAT 3032 or 3301 or 3022 or 4102 or 5021 or 5102 or instr consent Although not a formal prerequisite of this course, students are encouraged to have familiarity with linear algebra prior to enrolling. Please consult with a department advisor with questions.
STAT 5421 - Analysis of Categorical Data
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Varieties of categorical data, cross-classifications, contingency tables. Tests for independence. Combining 2x2 tables. Multidimensional tables/loglinear models. Maximum-likelihood estimation. Tests for goodness of fit. Logistic regression. Generalized linear/multinomial-response models. prereq: STAT 3022 or 3032 or 3301 or 5302 or 4051 or 8051 or 5102 or 4102
STAT 5601 - Nonparametric Methods
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Order statistics. Classical rank-based procedures (e.g., Wilcoxon, Kruskal-Wallis). Goodness of fit. Topics may include smoothing, bootstrap, and generalized linear models. prereq: Stat classes 3032 or 3022 or 4102 or 5021 or 5102 or instr consent
APSC 8280 - Current Topics in Applied Plant Sciences
Credits: 1.0 -3.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: S-N or Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
This variable-credit course is a forum for learning and discussing contemporary topics in applied plant sciences. The topics covered differ according to the instructor and term that the class is taught.
SAGR 8010 - Colloquium in Sustainable Agriculture
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Forum for University faculty and students, and representatives of the farming community, including farmers, grassroots organizations, agricultural businesses, and representatives of state agencies, to engage in discussions on topics related to sustainability of food production. prereq: Coursework in biological or social sciences that provides intro to ag practices or issues
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.
CFAN 8101 - Professional Skills for Scientists
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Grading Basis: S-N only
Typically offered: Spring Odd Year
Presentations, discussions, and exercises in leading people and in managing money, time, operations, and projects within the context of research and development in the food, agricultural, and natural resource sciences.
APSC 8888 - Thesis Credit: Doctoral
Credits: 1.0 -24.0 [max 100.0]
Grading Basis: No Grade
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
(No description) 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 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]
AGRO 5021 - Plant Breeding Principles
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall
This course is intended for advanced undergraduate students and graduate students that are either: 1) not plant breeding majors who will benefit from a basic understanding of how genetics is applied to plant improvement; or 2) plant breeding majors lacking prior coursework in plant breeding. The objective of this course is to develop an understanding of the underlying principles, ideas, and concepts important to applying genetic principles to plant breeding, evaluating breeding methods, and enhancing genetic progress and efficiency.
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 5999 - Special Topics: Workshop in Agronomy
Credits: 1.0 -6.0 [max 6.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Workshops on various topics in agronomy and plant genetics. Presenters/faculty may include guest lecturers/experts. Topics specified in class schedule.
APSC 8201 - Advanced Plant Breeding
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Spring Odd Year
This course covers the principles underlying the application of genetics and statistics to cultivar development; evaluation of breeding methods; and methods to enhance genetic progress and efficiency through the application of statistical genetics, genomics, and molecular markers. In terms of format, this course is combination of lecture, discussion, and computer lab, varying according to the topic. An emphasis will be placed on classical and current literature to teach concepts, as well as hands-on experience with data analysis. Introductory courses in plant breeding/genetics and statistics. Knowledge of population and quantitative genetics would be useful but not required.
APSC 8280 - Current Topics in Applied Plant Sciences
Credits: 1.0 -3.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: S-N or Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
This variable-credit course is a forum for learning and discussing contemporary topics in applied plant sciences. The topics covered differ according to the instructor and term that the class is taught.
DSSC 8310 - Topics in Development Studies and Social Change
Credits: 1.0 -3.0 [max 9.0]
Grading Basis: S-N only
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Seven-week to full semester seminar. Topical issues in development and social change.
FNRM 5480 - Topics in Natural Resources
Credits: 1.0 -3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Lectures in special fields of natural resources given by visiting scholar or faculty member. Topics specified in Class Schedule.
GCC 5017 - World Food Problems: Agronomics, Economics and Hunger (GP)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: Agro 4103/ApEc 4103/GCC 3017
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Periodic Fall
This course provides a multi-disciplinary look at problems (and some of the possible solutions) affecting food production, distribution, and requirements for the seven plus billion inhabitants of this planet. It is co-taught by a plant geneticist (Morrell) and an economist (Runge) who together have worked on international food production and policy issues for the past 40 years. Historical context, the present situation and future scenarios related to the human population and food production are examined. Presentations and discussions cover sometimes conflicting views from multiple perspectives on population growth, use of technology, as well as the ethical and cultural values of people in various parts of the world. The global challenge perspective is reflected in attention to issues of poverty, inequality, gender, the legacy of colonialism, and racial and ethnic prejudice. Emphasis is placed on the need for governments, international assistance agencies, international research and extension centers, as well as the private sector to assist in solving the complex problems associated with malnutrition, undernutrition, obesity, and sustainable food production. Through a better understanding of world food problems, this course enables students to reflect on the shared sense of responsibility by nations, the international community and ourselves to build and maintain a stronger sense of our roles as historical agents. Throughout the semester students are exposed to issues related to world food problems through the lenses of two instructors from different disciplinary backgrounds. The core issues of malnutrition and food production are approached simultaneously from a production perspective as well as an economic and policy perspective throughout the semester. This is a Grand Challenge Curriculum course. GCC courses are open to all students and fulfill an honors experience for University Honors Program students.
SAGR 8010 - Colloquium in Sustainable Agriculture
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Forum for University faculty and students, and representatives of the farming community, including farmers, grassroots organizations, agricultural businesses, and representatives of state agencies, to engage in discussions on topics related to sustainability of food production. prereq: Coursework in biological or social sciences that provides intro to ag practices or issues
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.
PMB 5601 - Topics in Plant Biochemistry
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
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
EEB 4068 - Plant Physiological Ecology
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: EEB 4068/EEB 5068
Prerequisites: BIOL 2022 or BIOL 3002 or BIOL 3407 or BIOL 3408W or #
Grading Basis: OPT No Aud
Typically offered: Spring Even Year
Plant function, its plasticity/diversity in an ecological context. Impact of environmental stresses on major physiological processes of plants, including photosynthesis, respiration, water uptake/transport, and nutrient uptake/assimilation. Lab, field trip to Cedar Creek.
EEB 5053 - Ecology: Theory and Concepts
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Fall Odd Year
Classical and modern mathematical theories of population growth, interspecific interactions, ecosystem dynamics and functioning, with emphasis on underlying assumptions and on effects of added biological reality on robustness of predictions, stability, interspecific interactions, ecosystem structure and functioning. prereq: Biol 3407 or instr consent
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.
ESPM 5108 - Ecology of Managed Systems
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: ESPM 3108/ESPM 5108
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Analysis of functioning of ecosystems primarily structured by managed plant communities. Managed forests, field-crop agroecosystems, rangelands, aquatic systems. Structure-function relations. Roles of biodiversity in productivity, resource-use efficiency, nutrient cycling, resilience. Emerging principles for design of sustainable managed ecosystems, provision of ecological services. prereq: Sr or grad student
ESPM 5245 - Sustainable Land Use Planning and Policy
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: ESPM 3245/ESPM 5245
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Planning theories, concepts, and constructs. Policies, processes, and tools for sustainable land use planning. Scientific/technical literature related to land use planning. Skills needed to participate in sustainable land use planning.
ESPM 5295 - GIS in Environmental Science and Management
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Application of geographic information science and technologies (GIS) in complex environmental problems. Students gain experience in spatial data collection, database development, and spatial analysis, including GNSS and field attribute collection, image interpretation, and existing data fusion, raster/vector data integration and analysis, information extraction from LiDAR data, DEM conditioning and hydrologic analysis, neighborhood analysis, bulk processing and automation, and scripting. Problems vary depending on topics, often with extra-University partners. *Please note that students should have completed a semester-long, introductory lab/lecture GIS course at the graduate or undergraduate level before enrolling in this course, e.g., FNRM 5131. We do not require any given course because students come from varied universities and backgrounds. That said, we assume a knowledge commensurate with a comprehensive introductory course. Students seeking a first course are directed to FNRM 5131. If you have questions regarding your capabilities, please contact the instructor prior to enrolling.
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.
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 5202 - Field Plant Pathology
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Grading Basis: S-N or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Characteristics of a variety of plant diseases. Field trips to observe symptoms and effects of diseases, and to learn about prevention and control of diseases in field, forest, golf course, greenhouse, nursery, orchard, and urban environments.
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
PLPA 5660 - Plant Disease Resistance and Applications
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
Fundamentals of disease resistance in plants and the genetics of host-parasite interactions as they relate to the sustainable control of plant diseases. Examples explored at the Mendelian, populational, and molecular level of organization. prereq: 2001, BIOL 4003
SOIL 4111 - Introduction to Precision Agriculture
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
Soil, landscape, and crop spatial variability. GIS, DEM, GPS technologies. Variable rate machinery, PA software, remote sensing. Geostatistics, sampling, experimental designs. Precision integrated crop management. Data acquisition, processing, and management. Socio-economical and e-marketing aspects. prereq: Basic sciences, statistics, soil, agronomy
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
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 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
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 4461 - Horticultural Marketing
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: ApEc 4461/Hort 4461
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Spring
Major areas in horticultural marketing. Difference between horticultural products and commercial commodities. Core marketing components that should be used by every small horticultural business. Approaches to consumer research.
HORT 5007 - Advanced Plant Propagation
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Spring Even Year
Control of growth/development in sexual/asexual reproduction of plants. Effects of environment, plant growth substances. Protocols on dormancy, origin, development of adventitious structures. Specialized propagation techniques. Lecture, lab. prereq: 1001 or BIOL 2022
HORT 5023 - Public Garden Management
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Typically offered: Spring Even Year
Overview of knowledge/skills necessary to manage a public garden. History of public gardens. Development of mission and vision. Planning and design. Operations. Education and research. Fund raising, business management, personnel, marketing, conservation.
MBA 6211 - Marketing Management
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Management of the marketing function; understanding the basic foundational marketing concepts and skills in strategy development and planning of operational and strategic levels pertaining to product offering decisions, distribution channels, pricing and communication. prereq: MBA student
MKTG 6051 - Marketing Research - Rapid Insights
Credits: 2.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Focus on developing rapid and actionable insights, by learning to form testable hypotheses, collect relevant data quickly, and perform fundamental analytics. Techniques will include survey design, sample design, online data collection, descriptive statistics, and tests for statistical significance. By the end of class, students will be able to provide convincing recommendations for common marketing and analytics-driven decisions. prereq: MBA 6210/6211, MBA or Mgmt Sci MBA student
MKTG 6055 - Buyer Behavior
Credits: 2.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
This course provides a deep understanding of consumer motivation and psychology to predict behavior in the marketplace. It covers both rational and irrational influences that impact consumers at different stages of the decision-making process. The course gives students the tools to provide insightful, data-driven recommendations by thoroughly understanding the customer. prereq: MBA 6210/6211, MBA or Mgmt Sci MBA student
MKTG 6082 - Brand Strategy
Credits: 2.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Spring
Leaders now realize that brands are one of the most valuable assets they possess. Those leaders who can successfully build, leverage, and protect brands are highly sought after. And today?s brand principles must apply to product branding, personal branding, service branding, place branding, online branding, co-branding, and luxury branding. This course provides learners with frameworks and practical brand knowledge to launch and leverage successful brands in all these disciplines. prereq: MBA 6210/6211, MBA or Mgmt Sci MBA student
SAGR 8010 - Colloquium in Sustainable Agriculture
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Forum for University faculty and students, and representatives of the farming community, including farmers, grassroots organizations, agricultural businesses, and representatives of state agencies, to engage in discussions on topics related to sustainability of food production. prereq: Coursework in biological or social sciences that provides intro to ag practices or issues
HORT 4061W - Turfgrass Management (WI)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Fall Even Year
Biology of turfgrasses, ecology of landscape systems. Installation, management, and culture of turfgrass communities and landscape plant systems. Sod production, industrial grounds, lawn care, park/recreation areas, athletic field/business management. Case studies. prereq: 1001 or instr consent
HORT 4063 - Turfgrass Science
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Ecology, physiology, and theory of turf population dynamics. Specialized management situations such as golf course, commercial sod production, and fine turf athletic settings. prereq: 4061
HORT 4141W - Scheduling Crops for Protected Environments (WI)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: Hort 4141W/Hort 6141
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Spring
The purpose of this course is to acquaint students with the identification, scheduling, and cultural requirements of commercially produced vegetables, herbs, ornamental flowers, and foliage plants, gain experience in growing them, and conduct experiments to understand current problems. The course builds on knowledge obtained in Hort 1001 or Hort 1015, by adding in additional factors of plant growth coupled with scheduling and growing of crops which commercial growers would experience. The role of ornamental plants in the human environment will be discussed, with special emphasis on future issues. Writing is an integral component of this course; one major paper is revised and expanded multiple times plus other course writing fulfill the writing intensive requirement. Through the use of interactive learning, field trips, written assignments, and in-class discussions students learn crop requirements and the interactions between the marketing distribution system of breeders, producers, distributors, growers, retailers, and consumers. Prerequisites: HORT 1001/6011 Additional Preferred Courses: HORT 1015
HORT 5033 - Growing Fruit & Vegetables for Local and Organic Markets
Credits: 3.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: Hort 5031, Hort 5032
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
This course will focus on production of fruits and vegetables for local and organic markets in the Upper Midwest. Most fruit and vegetable growers in Minnesota operate diversified production systems for local and organic markets (fresh market - not processing), and so we explore production within this specific framework. Examples from large-scale systems will also be highlighted in order to compare and contrast different production features and challenges. We will explore the specialty crop industry, trends, consumer behavior, and marketing, including organic regulations and certification programs. We will explore fruit and vegetable production within the framework of sustainable agriculture, which encompasses agricultural productivity, economic viability, environmental conservation, and social equity, and how this relates to the regulatory framework supporting organic certification. The format of this class is 70% discussion, 30% lecture. Prerequisites: SOIL 2125 and [HORT 1001 or AGRO 1101 or BIOL 1009 or BIOL 1001 or another applicable biological science equivalent]
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.
AGRO 5021 - Plant Breeding Principles
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall
This course is intended for advanced undergraduate students and graduate students that are either: 1) not plant breeding majors who will benefit from a basic understanding of how genetics is applied to plant improvement; or 2) plant breeding majors lacking prior coursework in plant breeding. The objective of this course is to develop an understanding of the underlying principles, ideas, and concepts important to applying genetic principles to plant breeding, evaluating breeding methods, and enhancing genetic progress and efficiency.
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
APSC 8201 - Advanced Plant Breeding
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Spring Odd Year
This course covers the principles underlying the application of genetics and statistics to cultivar development; evaluation of breeding methods; and methods to enhance genetic progress and efficiency through the application of statistical genetics, genomics, and molecular markers. In terms of format, this course is combination of lecture, discussion, and computer lab, varying according to the topic. An emphasis will be placed on classical and current literature to teach concepts, as well as hands-on experience with data analysis. Introductory courses in plant breeding/genetics and statistics. Knowledge of population and quantitative genetics would be useful but not required.
EEB 4068 - Plant Physiological Ecology
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: EEB 4068/EEB 5068
Prerequisites: BIOL 2022 or BIOL 3002 or BIOL 3407 or BIOL 3408W or #
Grading Basis: OPT No Aud
Typically offered: Spring Even Year
Plant function, its plasticity/diversity in an ecological context. Impact of environmental stresses on major physiological processes of plants, including photosynthesis, respiration, water uptake/transport, and nutrient uptake/assimilation. Lab, field trip to Cedar Creek.
EEB 5053 - Ecology: Theory and Concepts
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Fall Odd Year
Classical and modern mathematical theories of population growth, interspecific interactions, ecosystem dynamics and functioning, with emphasis on underlying assumptions and on effects of added biological reality on robustness of predictions, stability, interspecific interactions, ecosystem structure and functioning. prereq: Biol 3407 or instr consent
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.
ESPM 5108 - Ecology of Managed Systems
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: ESPM 3108/ESPM 5108
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Analysis of functioning of ecosystems primarily structured by managed plant communities. Managed forests, field-crop agroecosystems, rangelands, aquatic systems. Structure-function relations. Roles of biodiversity in productivity, resource-use efficiency, nutrient cycling, resilience. Emerging principles for design of sustainable managed ecosystems, provision of ecological services. prereq: Sr or grad student
ESPM 5245 - Sustainable Land Use Planning and Policy
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: ESPM 3245/ESPM 5245
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Planning theories, concepts, and constructs. Policies, processes, and tools for sustainable land use planning. Scientific/technical literature related to land use planning. Skills needed to participate in sustainable land use planning.
ESPM 5295 - GIS in Environmental Science and Management
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Application of geographic information science and technologies (GIS) in complex environmental problems. Students gain experience in spatial data collection, database development, and spatial analysis, including GNSS and field attribute collection, image interpretation, and existing data fusion, raster/vector data integration and analysis, information extraction from LiDAR data, DEM conditioning and hydrologic analysis, neighborhood analysis, bulk processing and automation, and scripting. Problems vary depending on topics, often with extra-University partners. *Please note that students should have completed a semester-long, introductory lab/lecture GIS course at the graduate or undergraduate level before enrolling in this course, e.g., FNRM 5131. We do not require any given course because students come from varied universities and backgrounds. That said, we assume a knowledge commensurate with a comprehensive introductory course. Students seeking a first course are directed to FNRM 5131. If you have questions regarding your capabilities, please contact the instructor prior to enrolling.
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.
PMB 5601 - Topics in Plant Biochemistry
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
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
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 5202 - Field Plant Pathology
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Grading Basis: S-N or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Characteristics of a variety of plant diseases. Field trips to observe symptoms and effects of diseases, and to learn about prevention and control of diseases in field, forest, golf course, greenhouse, nursery, orchard, and urban environments.
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
PLPA 5660 - Plant Disease Resistance and Applications
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
Fundamentals of disease resistance in plants and the genetics of host-parasite interactions as they relate to the sustainable control of plant diseases. Examples explored at the Mendelian, populational, and molecular level of organization. prereq: 2001, BIOL 4003
SOIL 4111 - Introduction to Precision Agriculture
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
Soil, landscape, and crop spatial variability. GIS, DEM, GPS technologies. Variable rate machinery, PA software, remote sensing. Geostatistics, sampling, experimental designs. Precision integrated crop management. Data acquisition, processing, and management. Socio-economical and e-marketing aspects. prereq: Basic sciences, statistics, soil, agronomy
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
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 5999 - Special Topics: Workshop in Agronomy
Credits: 1.0 -6.0 [max 6.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Workshops on various topics in agronomy and plant genetics. Presenters/faculty may include guest lecturers/experts. Topics specified in class schedule.
HORT 5023 - Public Garden Management
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Typically offered: Spring Even Year
Overview of knowledge/skills necessary to manage a public garden. History of public gardens. Development of mission and vision. Planning and design. Operations. Education and research. Fund raising, business management, personnel, marketing, conservation.
HORT 5033 - Growing Fruit & Vegetables for Local and Organic Markets
Credits: 3.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: Hort 5031, Hort 5032
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
This course will focus on production of fruits and vegetables for local and organic markets in the Upper Midwest. Most fruit and vegetable growers in Minnesota operate diversified production systems for local and organic markets (fresh market - not processing), and so we explore production within this specific framework. Examples from large-scale systems will also be highlighted in order to compare and contrast different production features and challenges. We will explore the specialty crop industry, trends, consumer behavior, and marketing, including organic regulations and certification programs. We will explore fruit and vegetable production within the framework of sustainable agriculture, which encompasses agricultural productivity, economic viability, environmental conservation, and social equity, and how this relates to the regulatory framework supporting organic certification. The format of this class is 70% discussion, 30% lecture. Prerequisites: SOIL 2125 and [HORT 1001 or AGRO 1101 or BIOL 1009 or BIOL 1001 or another applicable biological science equivalent]
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.
SAGR 8010 - Colloquium in Sustainable Agriculture
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Forum for University faculty and students, and representatives of the farming community, including farmers, grassroots organizations, agricultural businesses, and representatives of state agencies, to engage in discussions on topics related to sustainability of food production. prereq: Coursework in biological or social sciences that provides intro to ag practices or issues
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
GCD 4034 - Molecular Genetics and Genomics
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall
Molecular genetics and genomics of eukaryotes. Course emphasizes mechanisms of gene regulation and how these are studied. Current strategies used to study the activity and function of genes and genomes, including the role of chromatin, will be covered. Techniques will include gene knockouts/knockdown, genome engineering, genome-wide analysis of RNA and protein expression and function, as well as genome-wide protein binding and chromatin interaction mapping. Technologies covered will include next-generations and third-generation sequencing and CRISPR-based strategies for gene modification and precision gene regulation. Students will analyze and present recent primary papers in molecular genetic and genomics. Prerequisite: BIOL 4003
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
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 5007 - Advanced Plant Propagation
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Spring Even Year
Control of growth/development in sexual/asexual reproduction of plants. Effects of environment, plant growth substances. Protocols on dormancy, origin, development of adventitious structures. Specialized propagation techniques. Lecture, lab. prereq: 1001 or BIOL 2022
PLPA 5301 - Large Scale Omic Data in Plant Biology
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall
Introduction to large scale data in plant biology. Emphasizes model plants and important agricultural crops focusing on new approaches and technologies in the field. Fundamentals, acquisition, and analysis of high-throughput DNA and RNA sequencing, high-throughput plant phenotyping, functional and comparative genomics, epigenomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and microbiomics. prereq: Intro course in genetics or instr consent
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]
CSCI 4041 - Algorithms and Data Structures
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: CSci 4041/CSci 4041H
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Rigorous analysis of algorithms/implementation. Algorithm analysis, sorting algorithms, binary trees, heaps, priority queues, heapsort, balanced binary search trees, AVL trees, hash tables and hashing, graphs, graph traversal, single source shortest path, minimum cost spanning trees. prereq: [(1913 or 1933) and 2011] or instr consent; cannot be taken for grad CSci cr
CSCI 5461 - Functional Genomics, Systems Biology, and Bioinformatics
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Spring
Computational methods for analyzing, integrating, and deriving predictions from genomic/proteomic data. Analyzing gene expression, proteomic data, and protein-protein interaction networks. Protein/gene function prediction, Integrating diverse data, visualizing genomic datasets. prereq: 3003 or 4041 or instr consent
CSCI 5481 - Computational Techniques for Genomics
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall
Techniques to analyze biological data generated by genome sequencing, proteomics, cell-wide measurements of gene expression changes. Algorithms for single/multiple sequence alignments/assembly. Search algorithms for sequence databases, phylogenetic tree construction algorithms. Algorithms for gene/promoter and protein structure prediction. Data mining for micro array expression analysis. Reverse engineering of regulatory networks. prereq: 4041 or instr consent
CSCI 5980 - Special Topics in Computer Science
Credits: 1.0 -3.0 [max 27.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Lectures and informal discussions on current topics in computer science. prereq: instr consent; may be repeated for cr
AGRO 8900 - Advanced Discussions
Credits: 1.0 -3.0 [max 36.0]
Course Equivalencies: Agro 8900/Hort 8900
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Special workshops or courses in applied plant sciences for graduate students only.
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 5202 - Field Plant Pathology
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Grading Basis: S-N or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Characteristics of a variety of plant diseases. Field trips to observe symptoms and effects of diseases, and to learn about prevention and control of diseases in field, forest, golf course, greenhouse, nursery, orchard, and urban environments.
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
PLPA 5444 - Ecology, Epidemiology, and Evolutionary Biology of Plant-Microbe Interactions
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Concepts and recent research in the ecology, epidemiology, and evolutionary/coevolutionary biology of plant-microbe interactions spanning the range from parasitic to mutualistic in agricultural and natural habitats. prereq: Intro plant pathology or advanced biology coursework recommended
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
PLPA 5660 - Plant Disease Resistance and Applications
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
Fundamentals of disease resistance in plants and the genetics of host-parasite interactions as they relate to the sustainable control of plant diseases. Examples explored at the Mendelian, populational, and molecular level of organization. prereq: 2001, BIOL 4003
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 8104 - Plant Virology
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Spring
Characteristics, biology, epidemiology, and control of plant diseases caused by viruses. prereq: 5480
PLPA 8105 - Plant Bacteriology
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Spring
Bacteria interact with plants in various ways depending upon environmental conditions, nutrient status, and host plant genotypes. The outcome of these interactions can result in the plant associated bacteria being pathogens, or mutualists. In the Plant Bacteriology course, we will examine several bacterial diseases in-depth to understand the disease cycles, epidemiology, mechanisms of pathogenesis, beneficial microbes, and means of disease control. The laboratory section will focus on techniques used to identify bacteria, for inoculating plants, isolating bacteria from plant material, and methods to understand the plant-bacterial interactions. The first hour of most class sessions will consist primarily of lectures by the instructor followed by group discussion of assigned readings. Laboratory sessions will occur for 90 minutes and are designed to illustrate concepts presented during the lecture/discussion sessions. prereq: 5480
MOT 5001 - Technological Business Fundamentals
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Provides scientists and engineers with a working knowledge of the broader business context in which science and technology ideas are translated into solutions that address market needs and generate economic value. This two-unit course will broaden students? business knowledge and project leadership abilities, enabling technical professionals to increase their business impact and career success. The three modules of the course will build practical knowledge and skills in (1) project leadership, professionalism, teamwork, and effective communication, (2) the process of innovation (i.e., transforming technical ideas into value-creating solutions) and (3) business acumen fundamentals. prereq: Degree seeking or non-degree graduate students
MOT 5002 - Creating Technological Innovation
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
This hands-on, project-based course provides students the perspective of a Technology Leader of an organization or product team. Details the innovation process, from an idea's inception through impact in the economy, regardless of organizational setting. Explores how solutions are developed to become ready for broader market deployment. Includes testing and development of the problem-solution fit, probing of solutions for robustness, and testing of both technical and operational scaling of proposed solutions. Examines the human aspects of innovation, specifically issues of team building and readiness. Considers the broader system for innovation, including the role of key stakeholders in shaping its success in order to arrive at an impactful solution. Addresses intellectual property, the effect of regulations and social and cultural differences across varied global markets, and the personal skills necessary to align and manage these issues. prereq: Degree seeking or non-degree graduate students.
HRIR 6484 - Management of Teams
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Course Equivalencies: HRIR 6484/Mgmt 6084
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Factors that influence performance, well-being of groups in organizations. Group dynamics, norms, culture, structure, leadership, decision-making, problem-solving. Managing dynamics, learning, performance, creativity of groups. Intergroup relations, incentives, effect of environment. prereq: HRIR grad student.
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
ANSC 5200 - Statistical Genetics and Genomics
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: AnSc 5200/MVB 5200
Typically offered: Fall Even Year
Gene discovery. Genomic selection. Data analysis. Phenotypes/DNA markers. Parametric/non parametric linkage analysis. Mapping quantitative trait loci (QTL). Parentage testing. prereq: [Stat 3021 or equiv], [Biol 4003 or equiv]
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.
ENT 5126 - Spatial and Temporal Analysis of Ecological Data
Credits: 3.0 [max 6.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Spring Even Year
This course covers linear models (regression and ANOVA) and extensions to temporal data and spatial point processes, lattice/areal data, and geostatistics. The course bridges sufficient theory to understand why contending with spatiotemporal dependence is important with enough application to make students confident in their own data analyses.
ESPM 5211 - Survey, Measurement, and Modeling for Environmental Analysis
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: ESPM 3211/ESPM 5211
Typically offered: Every Spring
Survey, measurement, and modeling concepts/methods for study of natural resources/environmental issues. Emphasizes survey design for data collection, estimation, and analysis for issues encompassing land, water, air, vegetation, wildlife, and human/social variables.
FW 8051 - Statistical Modeling of Ecological Data using R and WinBugs/JAGS
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Prerequisites: Graduate-level statistics class, [working knowledge of program R or #]
Typically offered: Every Spring
Regression methods for modeling ecological data. Real world examples from ecology, as well as environmental/natural resource sciences/management. Computer-based solutions using R/Bayesian modeling software. prereq: Graduate-level statistics class, [working knowledge of program R or instr consent]
GIS 5555 - Basic Spatial Analysis
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall
How to use spatial data to answer questions on a wide array of social, natural, and information science issues. Exploratory data analysis/visualization. Spatial autocorrelation analysis/regression. prereq: [STAT 3001 or equiv, MGIS student] or instr consent
STAT 5201 - Sampling Methodology in Finite Populations
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Spring
Simple random, systematic, stratified, unequal probability sampling. Ratio, model based estimation. Single stage, multistage, adaptive cluster sampling. Spatial sampling. prereq: 3022 or 3032 or 3301 or 4102 or 5021 or 5102 or instr consent
STAT 5302 - Applied Regression Analysis
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Simple, multiple, and polynomial regression. Estimation, testing, prediction. Use of graphics in regression. Stepwise and other numerical methods. Weighted least squares, nonlinear models, response surfaces. Experimental research/applications. prereq: 3032 or 3022 or 4102 or 5021 or 5102 or instr consent Please note this course generally does not count in the Statistical Practice BA or Statistical Science BS degrees. Please consult with a department advisor with questions.
STAT 5303 - Designing Experiments
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Analysis of variance. Multiple comparisons. Variance-stabilizing transformations. Contrasts. Construction/analysis of complete/incomplete block designs. Fractional factorial designs. Confounding split plots. Response surface design. prereq: 3022 or 3032 or 3301 or 4102 or 5021 or 5102 or instr consent
STAT 5401 - Applied Multivariate Methods
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Fall
Bivariate and multivariate distributions. Multivariate normal distributions. Analysis of multivariate linear models. Repeated measures, growth curve, and profile analysis. Canonical correlation analysis. Principal components and factor analysis. Discrimination, classification, and clustering. pre-req: STAT 3032 or 3301 or 3022 or 4102 or 5021 or 5102 or instr consent Although not a formal prerequisite of this course, students are encouraged to have familiarity with linear algebra prior to enrolling. Please consult with a department advisor with questions.
STAT 5421 - Analysis of Categorical Data
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Varieties of categorical data, cross-classifications, contingency tables. Tests for independence. Combining 2x2 tables. Multidimensional tables/loglinear models. Maximum-likelihood estimation. Tests for goodness of fit. Logistic regression. Generalized linear/multinomial-response models. prereq: STAT 3022 or 3032 or 3301 or 5302 or 4051 or 8051 or 5102 or 4102
STAT 5601 - Nonparametric Methods
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Order statistics. Classical rank-based procedures (e.g., Wilcoxon, Kruskal-Wallis). Goodness of fit. Topics may include smoothing, bootstrap, and generalized linear models. prereq: Stat classes 3032 or 3022 or 4102 or 5021 or 5102 or instr consent
AGRO 5021 - Plant Breeding Principles
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall
This course is intended for advanced undergraduate students and graduate students that are either: 1) not plant breeding majors who will benefit from a basic understanding of how genetics is applied to plant improvement; or 2) plant breeding majors lacking prior coursework in plant breeding. The objective of this course is to develop an understanding of the underlying principles, ideas, and concepts important to applying genetic principles to plant breeding, evaluating breeding methods, and enhancing genetic progress and efficiency.
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
APSC 8201 - Advanced Plant Breeding
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Spring Odd Year
This course covers the principles underlying the application of genetics and statistics to cultivar development; evaluation of breeding methods; and methods to enhance genetic progress and efficiency through the application of statistical genetics, genomics, and molecular markers. In terms of format, this course is combination of lecture, discussion, and computer lab, varying according to the topic. An emphasis will be placed on classical and current literature to teach concepts, as well as hands-on experience with data analysis. Introductory courses in plant breeding/genetics and statistics. Knowledge of population and quantitative genetics would be useful but not required.
AGRO 5431 - Applied Plant Genomics and Bioinformatics
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Spring
Analysis, interpretation, visualization of large plant genomic datasets. Basic computer programming, applying large-scale genomics to answer basic/applied biological questions, understanding limitations of each application, presenting concise visual findings from large-scale datasets. prereq: Grad student or [undergrad with genetics course]
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
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
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
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 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]
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 5999 - Special Topics: Workshop in Agronomy
Credits: 1.0 -6.0 [max 6.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Workshops on various topics in agronomy and plant genetics. Presenters/faculty may include guest lecturers/experts. Topics specified in class schedule.
HORT 5023 - Public Garden Management
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Typically offered: Spring Even Year
Overview of knowledge/skills necessary to manage a public garden. History of public gardens. Development of mission and vision. Planning and design. Operations. Education and research. Fund raising, business management, personnel, marketing, conservation.
HORT 5033 - Growing Fruit & Vegetables for Local and Organic Markets
Credits: 3.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: Hort 5031, Hort 5032
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
This course will focus on production of fruits and vegetables for local and organic markets in the Upper Midwest. Most fruit and vegetable growers in Minnesota operate diversified production systems for local and organic markets (fresh market - not processing), and so we explore production within this specific framework. Examples from large-scale systems will also be highlighted in order to compare and contrast different production features and challenges. We will explore the specialty crop industry, trends, consumer behavior, and marketing, including organic regulations and certification programs. We will explore fruit and vegetable production within the framework of sustainable agriculture, which encompasses agricultural productivity, economic viability, environmental conservation, and social equity, and how this relates to the regulatory framework supporting organic certification. The format of this class is 70% discussion, 30% lecture. Prerequisites: SOIL 2125 and [HORT 1001 or AGRO 1101 or BIOL 1009 or BIOL 1001 or another applicable biological science equivalent]
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.
SAGR 8010 - Colloquium in Sustainable Agriculture
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Forum for University faculty and students, and representatives of the farming community, including farmers, grassroots organizations, agricultural businesses, and representatives of state agencies, to engage in discussions on topics related to sustainability of food production. prereq: Coursework in biological or social sciences that provides intro to ag practices or issues
BIOC 6021 - 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 proteins, nucleic acids, lipids and carbohydrates. Metabolism, regulation of metabolism. Quantitative treatments of chemical equilibria, enzyme catalysis, and bioenergetics. Chemical basis of genetic information flow. prereq: general biology, organic chemistry, instr consent; intended for MBS students
BIOC 8005 - Biochemistry: Structure and Catalysis
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
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.
BIOC 8006 - Biochemistry: Metabolism and Control
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Enzymology of metabolism, metabolic regulation, metabolic control and cell signaling.
BIOC 5352 - Biotechnology and Bioengineering for Biochemists
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: BioC 5352/MicB 5352
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Spring
Protein biotechnology. Microorganisms used as hosts for protein expression, protein expression, and engineering methods. Production of enzymes of industrial interest. Applications of protein biotechnology in bioelectronics. Formulation of therapeutic biopharmaceuticals. Recommended prerequisites: Biochemistry (BiOC 3021 or 3022 or 4331) and Microbiology MICB 3301
BIOC 8007 - Molecular Biology of the Genome
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
This course explores the molecular biology of the eukaryotic genome and transcriptome, focusing on fundamental genetic processes, molecular mechanisms, and their relationships to biology and disease. Students gain a firm understanding of the key concepts and techniques through lectures, reading, and discussions. Students learn to critically analyze scientific papers through student-led presentations and discussions. They gain experience in articulating scientific questions, formulating testable hypotheses, and designing experiments. This course promotes development of science writing skills.
BIOC 8008 - Molecular Biology of the Transcriptome
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
This course explores the molecular biology of the eukaryotic genome and transcriptome, focusing on fundamental genetic processes, molecular mechanisms, and their relationships to biology and disease. Students gain a firm understanding of the key concepts and techniques through lectures, reading, and discussions. Students learn to critically analyze scientific papers through student-led presentations and discussions. They gain experience in articulating scientific questions, formulating testable hypotheses, and designing experiments. This course promotes development of science writing skills.
GCD 4034 - Molecular Genetics and Genomics
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall
Molecular genetics and genomics of eukaryotes. Course emphasizes mechanisms of gene regulation and how these are studied. Current strategies used to study the activity and function of genes and genomes, including the role of chromatin, will be covered. Techniques will include gene knockouts/knockdown, genome engineering, genome-wide analysis of RNA and protein expression and function, as well as genome-wide protein binding and chromatin interaction mapping. Technologies covered will include next-generations and third-generation sequencing and CRISPR-based strategies for gene modification and precision gene regulation. Students will analyze and present recent primary papers in molecular genetic and genomics. Prerequisite: BIOL 4003
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
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 5007 - Advanced Plant Propagation
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Spring Even Year
Control of growth/development in sexual/asexual reproduction of plants. Effects of environment, plant growth substances. Protocols on dormancy, origin, development of adventitious structures. Specialized propagation techniques. Lecture, lab. prereq: 1001 or BIOL 2022
PLPA 5301 - Large Scale Omic Data in Plant Biology
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall
Introduction to large scale data in plant biology. Emphasizes model plants and important agricultural crops focusing on new approaches and technologies in the field. Fundamentals, acquisition, and analysis of high-throughput DNA and RNA sequencing, high-throughput plant phenotyping, functional and comparative genomics, epigenomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and microbiomics. prereq: Intro course in genetics or instr consent
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]
CSCI 4041 - Algorithms and Data Structures
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: CSci 4041/CSci 4041H
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Rigorous analysis of algorithms/implementation. Algorithm analysis, sorting algorithms, binary trees, heaps, priority queues, heapsort, balanced binary search trees, AVL trees, hash tables and hashing, graphs, graph traversal, single source shortest path, minimum cost spanning trees. prereq: [(1913 or 1933) and 2011] or instr consent; cannot be taken for grad CSci cr
CSCI 5421 - Advanced Algorithms and Data Structures
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Fundamental paradigms of algorithm and data structure design. Divide-and-conquer, dynamic programming, greedy method, graph algorithms, amortization, priority queues and variants, search structures, disjoint-set structures. Theoretical underpinnings. Examples from various problem domains. prereq: 4041 or instr consent
CSCI 5461 - Functional Genomics, Systems Biology, and Bioinformatics
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Spring
Computational methods for analyzing, integrating, and deriving predictions from genomic/proteomic data. Analyzing gene expression, proteomic data, and protein-protein interaction networks. Protein/gene function prediction, Integrating diverse data, visualizing genomic datasets. prereq: 3003 or 4041 or instr consent
CSCI 5465 - Introduction to Computing for Biologists
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: CSci 3003/CSci 5465
Typically offered: Fall Odd Year
This course is designed for graduate students in biology or other related sciences that wish to learn fundamental computing skills that will enable them to develop their own computational approaches for meaningful interpretation of scientific data. Students will complete programming assignments in Python and R. No previous programming knowledge assumed. Prereq: Introductory biology course; non-CSE students only.
CSCI 5481 - Computational Techniques for Genomics
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall
Techniques to analyze biological data generated by genome sequencing, proteomics, cell-wide measurements of gene expression changes. Algorithms for single/multiple sequence alignments/assembly. Search algorithms for sequence databases, phylogenetic tree construction algorithms. Algorithms for gene/promoter and protein structure prediction. Data mining for micro array expression analysis. Reverse engineering of regulatory networks. prereq: 4041 or instr consent
CSCI 5521 - Machine Learning Fundamentals
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Fall
Problems of pattern recognition, feature selection, measurement techniques. Statistical decision theory, nonstatistical techniques. Automatic feature selection/data clustering. Syntactic pattern recognition. Mathematical pattern recognition/artificial intelligence. Prereq: [2031 or 2033], STAT 3021, and knowledge of partial derivatives
CSCI 5523 - Introduction to Data Mining
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Data pre-processing techniques, data types, similarity measures, data visualization/exploration. Predictive models (e.g., decision trees, SVM, Bayes, K-nearest neighbors, bagging, boosting). Model evaluation techniques, Clustering (hierarchical, partitional, density-based), association analysis, anomaly detection. Case studies from areas such as earth science, the Web, network intrusion, and genomics. Hands-on projects. prereq: 4041 or equiv or instr consent
CSCI 5525 - Machine Learning: Analysis and Methods
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Fall Even Year
Models of learning. Supervised algorithms such as perceptrons, logistic regression, and large margin methods (SVMs, boosting). Hypothesis evaluation. Learning theory. Online algorithms such as winnow and weighted majority. Unsupervised algorithms, dimensionality reduction, spectral methods. Graphical models. prereq: Grad student or instr consent
CSCI 5561 - Computer Vision
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Spring
Issues in perspective transformations, edge detection, image filtering, image segmentation, and feature tracking. Complex problems in shape recovery, stereo, active vision, autonomous navigation, shadows, and physics-based vision. Applications. prereq: CSci 5511, 5521, or instructor consent.
FNRM 5362 - Drones: Data, Analysis, and Operations
Credits: 3.0 [max 6.0]
Course Equivalencies: FNRM 3362/FNRM 5362
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Spring
This course explores principles and techniques of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS, also "drones"), applied to natural resource and environmental issues. The course provides hands-on experience with UAS vehicles, sensors, imagery, and software. Course topics include: UAS flight characteristics, regulations/safety, mission planning, flight operations, data collection, image analysis, and applications. Examples of UAS applications to be explored include: forest and natural resource inventory, wetland monitoring, and land cover mapping. Prereq: grad student or instr consent
GCD 8141 - Computational Genomics
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Spring
Genomic data is increasingly prevalent in biology today, and the ability to analyze and interpret genomic data is an important skill for a career in biology. This class will provide you with an overview of the emerging genomics field by review and discussion of seminal papers, combined with hands-on analysis of genomics data. At the end of this course, you will gain a broad view of cutting edge research in the field of genomics, gain experience in analysis and interpretation of genomic data, and learn basic computer programming, data visualization, and bioinformatics skills using R and UNIX.
EEB 5409 - Evolution
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Diversity of forms in fossil record and in presently existing biology. Genetic mechanisms of evolution, including natural selection, sexual selection, genetic drift. Examples of ongoing evolution in wild/domesticated populations and in disease-causing organisms. Lab. prereq: One semester college biology
AGRO 8900 - Advanced Discussions
Credits: 1.0 -3.0 [max 36.0]
Course Equivalencies: Agro 8900/Hort 8900
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Special workshops or courses in applied plant sciences for graduate students only.
EEB 5068 - Plant Physiological Ecology
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: EEB 4068/EEB 5068
Grading Basis: OPT No Aud
Typically offered: Spring Even Year
Plant function, its plasticity/diversity in ecological context.Impact of environmental stresses on major physiological processes of plants, including photosynthesis, respiration, water uptake/transport, and nutrient uptake/assimilation. Lab, field trip to Cedar Creek. prereq: BIOL 2022 or BIOL 3002 or BIOL 3407 or BIOL 3408W or 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 5444 - Ecology, Epidemiology, and Evolutionary Biology of Plant-Microbe Interactions
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Concepts and recent research in the ecology, epidemiology, and evolutionary/coevolutionary biology of plant-microbe interactions spanning the range from parasitic to mutualistic in agricultural and natural habitats. prereq: Intro plant pathology or advanced biology coursework recommended
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
PLPA 5660 - Plant Disease Resistance and Applications
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
Fundamentals of disease resistance in plants and the genetics of host-parasite interactions as they relate to the sustainable control of plant diseases. Examples explored at the Mendelian, populational, and molecular level of organization. prereq: 2001, BIOL 4003
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 8105 - Plant Bacteriology
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Spring
Bacteria interact with plants in various ways depending upon environmental conditions, nutrient status, and host plant genotypes. The outcome of these interactions can result in the plant associated bacteria being pathogens, or mutualists. In the Plant Bacteriology course, we will examine several bacterial diseases in-depth to understand the disease cycles, epidemiology, mechanisms of pathogenesis, beneficial microbes, and means of disease control. The laboratory section will focus on techniques used to identify bacteria, for inoculating plants, isolating bacteria from plant material, and methods to understand the plant-bacterial interactions. The first hour of most class sessions will consist primarily of lectures by the instructor followed by group discussion of assigned readings. Laboratory sessions will occur for 90 minutes and are designed to illustrate concepts presented during the lecture/discussion sessions. prereq: 5480
BIOL 5701 - Science Communication: A Primer for Scientists
Credits: 2.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Are you interested in honing your skills as a communicator? This class will help you improve your skills and gain confidence through practice and feedback. At the end of the course, you will have two finished pieces that you can use for fellowship applications or to publish. Topics covered include, translating technical concepts and avoiding jargon, understanding your audience and employing storytelling to engage them, identifying what makes science newsworthy, exploring concepts in inclusive science communication, and writing science stories and a three-minute thesis talk. The skills and practice from this course will help you in your future writing, presentations, and networking whether you want a career in academia, industry, nonpro?t, government, or beyond. In addition to gaining a solid foundation in science communication, you will hear from guest speakers and experts about careers translating science.
BIOL 8100 - Improvisation for Scientists
Credits: 1.0 [max 1.0]
Grading Basis: S-N or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
This is a 7-week course designed to practice a wide array of strategies in order to gain awareness and control over your personal expression. Students will develop more effective ways to expand their ability to navigate the stress generally associated with delivering content in front of others. By learning how to manage their personal expression more effectively, students will be able to use specific tools in order to adapt their expression to various settings (large audiences, small groups, or one on one interviews/counseling). Adapting exercises from techniques such as improvisation and storytelling, this class will provide a comfortable and safe environment for students who want to expand their confidence when presenting for others.
HRIR 5222 - Creating and Managing Diversity and Inclusion
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
This course covers the challenges and rewards associated with managing today?s increasingly diverse workforce. Diversity has the potential to benefit employees and organizations alike, yet the benefits of diversity are only realized in organizations with effective diversity management practices. In this course, we will discuss the power of inclusion as it relates to the employee experience. We will study effective strategies for building diverse and inclusive companies, and will address the barriers that can often exist. We will look at approaches to organizational design that limit unconscious bias and produce more objective decisions across the employee experience?from engaging and hiring candidates to retaining employees and helping them thrive. Finally, we will dive into how to create inclusive cultures and a sense of belonging, across local and global contexts. Student engagement and willingness to share diverse perspectives are critical to the success of this course. prereq: HRIR MA student must register A-F, 3021, [CSOM or HRD junior or senior or dept consent]
MGMT 6084 - Management of Teams
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Course Equivalencies: HRIR 6484/Mgmt 6084
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Factors that influence performance and well-being of groups in organizations. Group dynamics, norms, culture, structure, leadership, decision-making, and problem-solving. Managing dynamics, learning, performance, and creativity of groups. Intergroup relations, incentives, and effect of environment.
MOT 5001 - Technological Business Fundamentals
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Provides scientists and engineers with a working knowledge of the broader business context in which science and technology ideas are translated into solutions that address market needs and generate economic value. This two-unit course will broaden students? business knowledge and project leadership abilities, enabling technical professionals to increase their business impact and career success. The three modules of the course will build practical knowledge and skills in (1) project leadership, professionalism, teamwork, and effective communication, (2) the process of innovation (i.e., transforming technical ideas into value-creating solutions) and (3) business acumen fundamentals. prereq: Degree seeking or non-degree graduate students
MOT 5002 - Creating Technological Innovation
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
This hands-on, project-based course provides students the perspective of a Technology Leader of an organization or product team. Details the innovation process, from an idea's inception through impact in the economy, regardless of organizational setting. Explores how solutions are developed to become ready for broader market deployment. Includes testing and development of the problem-solution fit, probing of solutions for robustness, and testing of both technical and operational scaling of proposed solutions. Examines the human aspects of innovation, specifically issues of team building and readiness. Considers the broader system for innovation, including the role of key stakeholders in shaping its success in order to arrive at an impactful solution. Addresses intellectual property, the effect of regulations and social and cultural differences across varied global markets, and the personal skills necessary to align and manage these issues. prereq: Degree seeking or non-degree graduate students.
MOT 8232 - Managing Technological Innovation
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Spring
Understanding innovation's role as the primary driver of business success. Critical analysis of innovation drivers: building organizations for sustained innovation, digital and large-scale transformation, bringing ideas to market in existing businesses and new ventures, and measuring and enhancing the innovation ecosystem. Engineering approaches for reducing risk for high-impact innovation. prereq: Grad MOT major.
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
ANSC 5200 - Statistical Genetics and Genomics
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: AnSc 5200/MVB 5200
Typically offered: Fall Even Year
Gene discovery. Genomic selection. Data analysis. Phenotypes/DNA markers. Parametric/non parametric linkage analysis. Mapping quantitative trait loci (QTL). Parentage testing. prereq: [Stat 3021 or equiv], [Biol 4003 or equiv]
ANSC 8141 - Mixed Model Methods for Genetic Analysis
Credits: 3.0 [max 6.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Fall Odd Year
Theoretical foundation of genetic prediction, selection index theory, best linear unbiased prediction, multivariate mixed models, estimation of variance components using maximum/restricted maximum likelihood methods, genomic prediction/variance component estimation. prereq: 5200 or CMB 5200 or equiv
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.
ENT 5126 - Spatial and Temporal Analysis of Ecological Data
Credits: 3.0 [max 6.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Spring Even Year
This course covers linear models (regression and ANOVA) and extensions to temporal data and spatial point processes, lattice/areal data, and geostatistics. The course bridges sufficient theory to understand why contending with spatiotemporal dependence is important with enough application to make students confident in their own data analyses.
ESPM 5211 - Survey, Measurement, and Modeling for Environmental Analysis
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: ESPM 3211/ESPM 5211
Typically offered: Every Spring
Survey, measurement, and modeling concepts/methods for study of natural resources/environmental issues. Emphasizes survey design for data collection, estimation, and analysis for issues encompassing land, water, air, vegetation, wildlife, and human/social variables.
PUBH 6451 - Biostatistics II
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
This course will cover more advanced aspects of statistical analysis methods with a focus on statistical modeling, including: ? two-way ANOVA, ? multiple linear regression, ? logistic regression, ? Poisson regression, ? log binomial and ordinal regression, ? survival analysis methods, including Kaplan-Meier analysis and proportional hazards (Cox) regression, ? power and sample size, and ? survey sampling and analysis. There will be a focus on analyzing data using statistical programming software and on communicating the results in short reports. Health science examples from the research literature will be used throughout the course. prereq: [PubH 6450 with grade of at least B, health sciences grad student] or instr consent
PUBH 7430 - Statistical Methods for Correlated Data
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall
Correlated data arise in many situations, particularly when observations are made over time and space or on individuals who share certain underlying characteristics. This course covers techniques for exploring and describing correlated data, along with statistical methods for estimating population parameters (mostly means) from these data. The focus will be primarily on generalized linear models (both with and without random effects) for normally and non-normally distributed data. Wherever possible, techniques will be illustrated using real-world examples. Computing will be done using R and SAS. prereq: Regression at the level of PubH 6451 or PubH 7405 or Stat 5302. Familiarity with basic matrix notation and operations (multiplication, inverse, transpose). Working knowledge of SAS or R (PubH 6420).
PUBH 7462 - Advanced Programming and Data Analysis in R
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Typically offered: Every Spring
This course is intended for students who are relatively proficient with R, and are looking to improve their coding and data analysis skills. The emphasis will be on learning tools and techniques which are useful to students who will be doing non-trivial programming and/or data analysis in either a research or production environment.
STAT 5052 - Statistical and Machine Learning
Credits: 3.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
The material covered will be the foundations of modern machine learning methods including regularization methods, discriminant analysis, neural nets, random forest, bagging, boosting, support vector machine, and clustering. Model comparison using cross-validation and bootstrap methods will be emphasized.
STAT 5302 - Applied Regression Analysis
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Simple, multiple, and polynomial regression. Estimation, testing, prediction. Use of graphics in regression. Stepwise and other numerical methods. Weighted least squares, nonlinear models, response surfaces. Experimental research/applications. prereq: 3032 or 3022 or 4102 or 5021 or 5102 or instr consent Please note this course generally does not count in the Statistical Practice BA or Statistical Science BS degrees. Please consult with a department advisor with questions.
STAT 5303 - Designing Experiments
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Analysis of variance. Multiple comparisons. Variance-stabilizing transformations. Contrasts. Construction/analysis of complete/incomplete block designs. Fractional factorial designs. Confounding split plots. Response surface design. prereq: 3022 or 3032 or 3301 or 4102 or 5021 or 5102 or instr consent
STAT 5401 - Applied Multivariate Methods
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Fall
Bivariate and multivariate distributions. Multivariate normal distributions. Analysis of multivariate linear models. Repeated measures, growth curve, and profile analysis. Canonical correlation analysis. Principal components and factor analysis. Discrimination, classification, and clustering. pre-req: STAT 3032 or 3301 or 3022 or 4102 or 5021 or 5102 or instr consent Although not a formal prerequisite of this course, students are encouraged to have familiarity with linear algebra prior to enrolling. Please consult with a department advisor with questions.
STAT 5421 - Analysis of Categorical Data
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Varieties of categorical data, cross-classifications, contingency tables. Tests for independence. Combining 2x2 tables. Multidimensional tables/loglinear models. Maximum-likelihood estimation. Tests for goodness of fit. Logistic regression. Generalized linear/multinomial-response models. prereq: STAT 3022 or 3032 or 3301 or 5302 or 4051 or 8051 or 5102 or 4102
STAT 5601 - Nonparametric Methods
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Order statistics. Classical rank-based procedures (e.g., Wilcoxon, Kruskal-Wallis). Goodness of fit. Topics may include smoothing, bootstrap, and generalized linear models. prereq: Stat classes 3032 or 3022 or 4102 or 5021 or 5102 or instr consent
AGRO 5021 - Plant Breeding Principles
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall
This course is intended for advanced undergraduate students and graduate students that are either: 1) not plant breeding majors who will benefit from a basic understanding of how genetics is applied to plant improvement; or 2) plant breeding majors lacking prior coursework in plant breeding. The objective of this course is to develop an understanding of the underlying principles, ideas, and concepts important to applying genetic principles to plant breeding, evaluating breeding methods, and enhancing genetic progress and efficiency.
AGRO 5431 - Applied Plant Genomics and Bioinformatics
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Spring
Analysis, interpretation, visualization of large plant genomic datasets. Basic computer programming, applying large-scale genomics to answer basic/applied biological questions, understanding limitations of each application, presenting concise visual findings from large-scale datasets. prereq: Grad student or [undergrad with genetics course]
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
APSC 8201 - Advanced Plant Breeding
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Spring Odd Year
This course covers the principles underlying the application of genetics and statistics to cultivar development; evaluation of breeding methods; and methods to enhance genetic progress and efficiency through the application of statistical genetics, genomics, and molecular markers. In terms of format, this course is combination of lecture, discussion, and computer lab, varying according to the topic. An emphasis will be placed on classical and current literature to teach concepts, as well as hands-on experience with data analysis. Introductory courses in plant breeding/genetics and statistics. Knowledge of population and quantitative genetics would be useful but not required.
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
GCD 4034 - Molecular Genetics and Genomics
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall
Molecular genetics and genomics of eukaryotes. Course emphasizes mechanisms of gene regulation and how these are studied. Current strategies used to study the activity and function of genes and genomes, including the role of chromatin, will be covered. Techniques will include gene knockouts/knockdown, genome engineering, genome-wide analysis of RNA and protein expression and function, as well as genome-wide protein binding and chromatin interaction mapping. Technologies covered will include next-generations and third-generation sequencing and CRISPR-based strategies for gene modification and precision gene regulation. Students will analyze and present recent primary papers in molecular genetic and genomics. Prerequisite: BIOL 4003
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
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
PLPA 5301 - Large Scale Omic Data in Plant Biology
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall
Introduction to large scale data in plant biology. Emphasizes model plants and important agricultural crops focusing on new approaches and technologies in the field. Fundamentals, acquisition, and analysis of high-throughput DNA and RNA sequencing, high-throughput plant phenotyping, functional and comparative genomics, epigenomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and microbiomics. prereq: Intro course in genetics or instr consent
HORT 5007 - Advanced Plant Propagation
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Spring Even Year
Control of growth/development in sexual/asexual reproduction of plants. Effects of environment, plant growth substances. Protocols on dormancy, origin, development of adventitious structures. Specialized propagation techniques. Lecture, lab. prereq: 1001 or BIOL 2022
HORT 8044 - Manipulation of Plant Growth and Reproduction
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Impact of environmental and genetic factors on crop growth, development, and reproduction. Emphasis on whole plant physiology and plant response to the environment as determined by genotype and its manipulation for the purpose of producing a crop. Lectures, discussion of current literature, and projects. prereq: PBio 5412
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 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
PLPA 5444 - Ecology, Epidemiology, and Evolutionary Biology of Plant-Microbe Interactions
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Concepts and recent research in the ecology, epidemiology, and evolutionary/coevolutionary biology of plant-microbe interactions spanning the range from parasitic to mutualistic in agricultural and natural habitats. prereq: Intro plant pathology or advanced biology coursework recommended
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
PLPA 5660 - Plant Disease Resistance and Applications
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
Fundamentals of disease resistance in plants and the genetics of host-parasite interactions as they relate to the sustainable control of plant diseases. Examples explored at the Mendelian, populational, and molecular level of organization. prereq: 2001, BIOL 4003
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 8104 - Plant Virology
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Spring
Characteristics, biology, epidemiology, and control of plant diseases caused by viruses. prereq: 5480
PLPA 8105 - Plant Bacteriology
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Spring
Bacteria interact with plants in various ways depending upon environmental conditions, nutrient status, and host plant genotypes. The outcome of these interactions can result in the plant associated bacteria being pathogens, or mutualists. In the Plant Bacteriology course, we will examine several bacterial diseases in-depth to understand the disease cycles, epidemiology, mechanisms of pathogenesis, beneficial microbes, and means of disease control. The laboratory section will focus on techniques used to identify bacteria, for inoculating plants, isolating bacteria from plant material, and methods to understand the plant-bacterial interactions. The first hour of most class sessions will consist primarily of lectures by the instructor followed by group discussion of assigned readings. Laboratory sessions will occur for 90 minutes and are designed to illustrate concepts presented during the lecture/discussion sessions. prereq: 5480
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.
PMB 5601 - Topics in Plant Biochemistry
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
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
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 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
HORT 4062 - Turfgrass Weed and Disease Science
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Fall Odd Year
Turfgrass weed/disease problems. How to deal with these problems using an integrated approach. Biology, identifying features, and management strategies for several turfgrass diseases/weeds. How to apply IPM principles to turfgrass weed/disease problems. prereq: [4061, PLPA 2001] or instr consent
HORT 4063 - Turfgrass Science
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Ecology, physiology, and theory of turf population dynamics. Specialized management situations such as golf course, commercial sod production, and fine turf athletic settings. prereq: 4061
HORT 4141W - Scheduling Crops for Protected Environments (WI)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: Hort 4141W/Hort 6141
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Spring
The purpose of this course is to acquaint students with the identification, scheduling, and cultural requirements of commercially produced vegetables, herbs, ornamental flowers, and foliage plants, gain experience in growing them, and conduct experiments to understand current problems. The course builds on knowledge obtained in Hort 1001 or Hort 1015, by adding in additional factors of plant growth coupled with scheduling and growing of crops which commercial growers would experience. The role of ornamental plants in the human environment will be discussed, with special emphasis on future issues. Writing is an integral component of this course; one major paper is revised and expanded multiple times plus other course writing fulfill the writing intensive requirement. Through the use of interactive learning, field trips, written assignments, and in-class discussions students learn crop requirements and the interactions between the marketing distribution system of breeders, producers, distributors, growers, retailers, and consumers. Prerequisites: HORT 1001/6011 Additional Preferred Courses: HORT 1015
HORT 5033 - Growing Fruit & Vegetables for Local and Organic Markets
Credits: 3.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: Hort 5031, Hort 5032
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
This course will focus on production of fruits and vegetables for local and organic markets in the Upper Midwest. Most fruit and vegetable growers in Minnesota operate diversified production systems for local and organic markets (fresh market - not processing), and so we explore production within this specific framework. Examples from large-scale systems will also be highlighted in order to compare and contrast different production features and challenges. We will explore the specialty crop industry, trends, consumer behavior, and marketing, including organic regulations and certification programs. We will explore fruit and vegetable production within the framework of sustainable agriculture, which encompasses agricultural productivity, economic viability, environmental conservation, and social equity, and how this relates to the regulatory framework supporting organic certification. The format of this class is 70% discussion, 30% lecture. Prerequisites: SOIL 2125 and [HORT 1001 or AGRO 1101 or BIOL 1009 or BIOL 1001 or another applicable biological science equivalent]
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.
HORT 5131 - Student Organic Farm Planning, Growing, and Marketing
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: HORT 3131 / HORT 5131
Typically offered: Every Fall
Students plan/implement cropping/marketing strategies for organic produce/flowers from Student Organic Farm on St. Paul campus. prereq: 1001 or AGRO 1101 or AGRO 1103 or BIOL 1001 or BIOL 1009 or instr consent
PLPA 5202 - Field Plant Pathology
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Grading Basis: S-N or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Characteristics of a variety of plant diseases. Field trips to observe symptoms and effects of diseases, and to learn about prevention and control of diseases in field, forest, golf course, greenhouse, nursery, orchard, and urban environments.
PLPA 5444 - Ecology, Epidemiology, and Evolutionary Biology of Plant-Microbe Interactions
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Concepts and recent research in the ecology, epidemiology, and evolutionary/coevolutionary biology of plant-microbe interactions spanning the range from parasitic to mutualistic in agricultural and natural habitats. prereq: Intro plant pathology or advanced biology coursework recommended
SAGR 8010 - Colloquium in Sustainable Agriculture
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Forum for University faculty and students, and representatives of the farming community, including farmers, grassroots organizations, agricultural businesses, and representatives of state agencies, to engage in discussions on topics related to sustainability of food production. prereq: Coursework in biological or social sciences that provides intro to ag practices or issues