PLBIO 4831 - Concepts and Techniques in Plant Molecular Biology

Fall. 3 credits. Student option grading.

Prerequisite: PLBRG 2250 and PLBRG 3250, or BIOMG 2800; BIOMG 3300 or BIOMG 3310 or BIOMG 3330 or BIOMG 3350.

J. Doyle, J. Hua, K. van Wijk.

This course is the first of a two-semester sequence (with PLBIO 4841) which together provide a broad overview of concepts related to the study of plant molecular biology. It is intended to bring first-year graduate students in plant molecular biology to a common background in genetics, biochemistry and phylogenetics. The second-semester course covers anatomy, cell biology and development. These courses are also appropriate for upper-level students in Plant Biology and Plant Sciences.

Outcome 1: Bring students from diverse backgrounds and interests to a common level of understanding in preparation for subsequent courses and research in areas related to plant molecular biology.

Outcome 2: Explain, give relevant examples of, and make predictions based on their understanding of fundamental concepts from biochemistry, genetics and phylogeny.

Outcome 3: Integrate these same concepts into their understanding and interpretation of experimental techniques and interpretation of results.

Outcome 4: Articulate how experimental techniques constrain interpretation of experimental data.

Outcome 5: Become more adept at using one’s understanding to objectively read and evaluate current literature.