Winter 07/Spring 08 Course Descriptions

All courses below are approved to be taught in Winter 2007 and Spring 2008; however, some (or all) may not be offered in either term.  The courses that are offered in Spring link to the Schedule of Classes.  Classes with alternative delivery modes (Web based, cable TV, correspondence, etc) are noted in the Schedule at the section level.  The complete list below is a good indicator of what may be offered over the next few years (contact department about offerings).  For explanations of course elements see the Key to Course Descriptions.

Plant Sciences (PL S)  Department Info

PL S 120 -- Microcomputing Applications  (3 units)
Description:  Using features in word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, and database software so business, volunteer, and personal work can be completed professionally and accurately with ease. Typical structure: Interactive course taught in computer laboratory.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
Typical structure:  1 hour lecture, 6 hours laboratory.
Identical to:  ABE 120; ABE is home department.
Usually offered:  Fall, Spring.

PL S 130 -- Plant Biology  (4 units)
Description:  Introduction to plant growth, development, reproduction, and evolution; the economic and ecological importance of plants. Intended for majors in all fields of biology.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
Typical structure:  3 hours lecture, 3 hours laboratory.
Usually offered:  Fall.

PL S 202 -- Native Plant Taxonomy  (3 units)
Description:  Plant classification, identification, nomenclature, with emphasis on the grass, rose, legume, sunflower, lily, pine, and other plant families containing important plants of deserts, grasslands and forests of Arizona. Use of dichotomous keys and recognition of family characteristics will be emphasized.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
Prerequisite(s):  MCB 181R, MCB 181L, ECOL 182R, ECOL 182L.
Identical to:  RNR 202; RNR is home department.
Usually offered:  Fall.

PL S 217 -- Hydroponics  (3 units)
Description:  Hydroponics and controlled environment agriculture: an historical perspective; basic plant physiology and anatomy; general cultural practices; plant protection (insects and diseases); hydroponic systems; pollination, fertilization and bee management; plant nutrition and disorders; irrigation systems and nutrients; transplant production; greenhouse site selection, structures and control systems; fruit harvest; marketing and economics of a hydroponic business.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
Prerequisite(s):  PL S 130 or consent of instructor.
Typical structure:  3 hours laboratory, 2 hours lecture.
Usually offered:  Fall.

PL S 270 -- Golf and Sports Turf Management  (3 units)
Description:  [Taught alternate years beginning 2000] Course will address specialized cultural management practices and relevant construction principles for golf course and sports turf fields. Students will develop organizational strategies used for maintenance of the above areas.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E. Available to qualified students for Pass/Fail Option.
Typical structure:  1 hour laboratory, 3 hours lecture.
May be repeated:  for credit 1 time (maximum 2 enrollments).
Usually offered:  Spring.

PL S 299 -- Independent Study  (1-3 units)
Description:  Qualified students working on an individual basis with professors who have agreed to supervise such work.
Grading:  Alternative grades are awarded for this course: S P C D E.
May be repeated:  an unlimited number of times, consult your department for details and possible restrictions.
Usually offered:  Fall, Spring, Summer.

PL S 299H -- Honors Independent Study  (1-3 units)
Description:  Qualified students working on an individual basis with professors who have agreed to supervise such work.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
May be repeated:  an unlimited number of times, consult your department for details and possible restrictions.
Usually offered:  Fall, Spring.

PL S 306 -- Crop Science and Production  (3 units)
Description:  An examination of the fundamental aspects of plant science as applied to crop production. Laboratory exercises will be field-oriented and will involve several field trips.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
Course includes 1 or more field trips.
Prerequisite(s):  PL S 130, SWES 200.
Typical structure:  2 hours lecture, 3 hours laboratory.
Usually offered:  Fall.

PL S 312 -- Animal and Plant Genetics  (4 units)
Description:  The course is designed to help students learn and use the basic concepts of the very broad field of genetics, including the sub-fields of transmission genetics, cytogenetics, cytoplasmic inheritance, quantitative inheritance, population genetics and evolution, and molecular genetics. Students will be able to solve a wide variety of genetics problems by utilizing the basic concepts and selecting an appropriate and effective approach. Students will also acquire some basic laboratory skills that will enhance their understanding of the concepts presented in the course.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
Prerequisite(s):  PL S 130 or MCB 182R and MCB 182L; CHEM 103A, CHEM 104A.
Typical structure:  3 hours lecture, 3 hours laboratory.
Identical to:  AN S 312, V SC 312.
Usually offered:  Spring.

PL S 329 -- Genetics: Concepts and Ethics  (3 units)
Description:  Advances in genetics have the potential to do much good, but they may also create difficult social and ethical issues about which many are unprepared to make informed decisions. This course seeks to provide students from all majors the necessary concepts and information by which they can arrive at their own conclusions about the role of genetic technology, for themselves, their families, and society at large.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
Prerequisite(s):  NATS 104.
Approved as:  General Education Tier Two - Natural Sciences.
Typical structure:  2 hours lecture, 3 hours laboratory.
Usually offered:  Spring.

PL S 330 -- Prop I; Sexual and Asexual Reproduction  (3 units)
Description:  [Taught alternate years beginning Fall 2004]. Principles and practices of plant propagation by seed and asexual methods, including use of growth regulators, rooting media and misting systems. Physiological basis of propagation methods will be emphasized.  This is a Writing Emphasis Course.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
Prerequisite(s):  satisfaction of the Mid-Career Writing Assessment (MCWA) or the former upper-division writing proficiency requirement (UDWPE); PL S 130, MCB 181R.
Typical structure:  2 hours lecture, 3 hours laboratory.
Usually offered:  Fall.

PL S 339 -- Nursery Systems Management  (3 units)
Description:  Principles and practices of nursery operations: control of environmental factors and cultural practices involved in nursery production of plants.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
Prerequisite(s):  PL S 130, SWES 200.
Typical structure:  2 hours lecture, 3 hours laboratory.
Usually offered:  Fall.

PL S 340 -- Introduction to Biotechnology  (3 units)
Description:  Survey of the basic concepts and techniques used in the analysis and improvement of biological organisms by genetic engineering.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
Prerequisite(s):  PL S 130 or MCB 181R.
Identical to:  MCB 340, MIC 340.
Usually offered:  Fall.

PL S 354 -- Landscape Horticulture  (3 units)
Description:  Horticulture practices which influence performance of woody plants in urban situations. Installation, establishment and maintenance of plants in the landscape.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
Prerequisite(s):  PL S 130, SWES 200.
Typical structure:  2 hours lecture, 3 hours laboratory.
Usually offered:  Spring.

PL S 355 -- Turfgrass Management  (3 units)
Description:  Species adaptability, growth and development, establishment and cultural practices affecting use.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
Prerequisite(s):  PL S 130 or MCB 181R.
Usually offered:  Fall.

PL S 360 -- Principles of Plant Physiology  (3 units)
Description:  Survey of the fundamental concepts of plant physiology and how those concepts are supported by evidence from physiological, biochemical, biophysical, molecular and genomic experiments. The emphasis is on “whole plant” physiology and how plants work in the real world.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
Prerequisite(s):  PL S 130 or MCB 181R and MCB 181L; CHEM 103A, CHEM 103B. CHEM 241A and CHEM 241B recommended.
Identical to:  MCB 360.
Usually offered:  Fall.

PL S 361 -- Principles of Plant Physiology Laboratory  (1 unit)
Description:  Laboratory exercises in plant physiology.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
Prerequisite(s):  or Concurrent registration, PL S 360.
May be repeated:  for credit 1 time (maximum 2 enrollments).
Identical to:  MCB 361.
Usually offered:  Fall.

PL S 392 -- Directed Research  (1-6 units)
Description:  Individual or small group research under the guidance of faculty.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
May be repeated:  for a total of 6 units of credit.
Usually offered:  Fall, Spring, Summer.

PL S 393 -- Internship  (1-6 units)
Description:  Specialized work on an individual basis, consisting of training and practice in actual service in a technical, business, or governmental establishment.
Grading:  Alternative grades are awarded for this course: S P C D E.
Usually offered:  Fall, Spring, Summer.

PL S 394 -- Practicum  (1-3 units)
Description:  The practical application, on an individual basis, of previously studied theory and the collection of data for future theoretical interpretation.
Grading:  Alternative grades are awarded for this course: S P C D E.
Prerequisite(s):  PL S 217.
May be repeated:  for credit 1 time (maximum 2 enrollments).
Usually offered:  Fall, Spring, Summer.

PL S 397A -- Yuma Production Systems  (3 units)
Description:  Overview of agricultural productions systems in Yuma, concentrating on vegetable production systmes.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
Typical structure:  2 hours workshop, 1 hour discussion.
May be repeated:  for credit 1 time (maximum 2 enrollments).
Usually offered:  Fall.

PL S 399 -- Independent Study  (1-3 units)
Description:  Qualified students working on an individual basis with professors who have agreed to supervise such work.
Grading:  Alternative grades are awarded for this course: S P C D E.
May be repeated:  an unlimited number of times, consult your department for details and possible restrictions.
Usually offered:  Fall, Spring, Summer.

PL S 399H -- Honors Independent Study  (1-3 units)
Description:  Qualified students working on an individual basis with professors who have agreed to supervise such work.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
May be repeated:  an unlimited number of times, consult your department for details and possible restrictions.
Usually offered:  Fall, Spring.

PL S 403 -- Citrus Production  (3 units)
Description:  Cultural practices used in citrus production and the physiological basis for those practices. Taught in Yuma, AZ.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
Prerequisite(s):  basic biology knowledge, consent of instructor.
Usually offered:  Spring.

PL S 405 -- Weed Science  (3 units)
Description:  Principles of controlling agronomic and horticultural weeds. Emphasis on weed biology and crop-weed competition in relation to chemical, mechanical, cultural and biological control strategies.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
Prerequisite(s):  PL S 130, SWES 200; Concurrent registration, PL S 360.
May be convened with:  PL S 505.
Usually offered:  Fall.

PL S 406 -- Fundamentals of Crop Science  (1 unit)
Description:  Develop an understanding of the basic principles associated with crop production systems. Fundamental agronomic concepts and practices will be presented. Taught at Maricopa Ag Center.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
May be repeated:  for a total of 1 units of credit.
Usually offered:  Spring.

PL S 407 -- Turfgrass Pest Management  (1 unit)
Description:  Field and Laboratory identification of pathogens, arthropod, weed & vertebrate pests-practical tips for the efficient management of turfgrass pests.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
Usually offered:  Spring.

PL S 410 -- Cell Biology  (3-4 units)
Description:  The molecular basis of the structure and function of animal, plant and prokaryotic cells with emphasis on experimental analysis. Honors section available. Student with a prior failed attempt may only retake the course once.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
Prerequisite(s):  MCB 181R, MCB 181L, MCB 182R, MCB 182L, MCB 462A or MCB 460; recommend MCB 320 and Concurrent registration, MCB 411.
Identical to:  MCB 410; MCB is home department.
Usually offered:  Fall, Spring.

PL S 428L -- Microbial Genetics Laboratory  (2 units)
Description:  Laboratory associated with lecture course on Prokaryotic gene structure and function; methods of gene transfer and mapping, DNA structure, replication, transcription, and translation. Hands-on computer analysis of DNA sequences and gene cloning strategies. Principles of regulation of gene expression. Biology of plasmids and bacteriophages.   This is a Writing Emphasis Course.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
Special course fee required:  $15.
Prerequisite(s):  satisfaction of the Mid-Career Writing Assessment (MCWA) or the former upper-division writing proficiency requirement (UDWPE); ECOL 320, PL S 312 and PL P 428R.
Identical to:  PL P 428L; PL P is home department.
May be convened with:  PL S 528L.
Usually offered:  Spring.

PL S 428R -- Microbial Genetics  (3 units)
Description:  Prokaryotic gene structure and function; methods of gene transfer and mapping, DNA structure, replication, transcription, and translation. Hands-on computer analysis of DNA sequences and gene cloning strategies. Principles of regulation of gene expression. Biology of plasmids and bacteriophages.   This is a Writing Emphasis Course.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
Prerequisite(s):  satisfaction of the Mid-Career Writing Assessment (MCWA) or the former upper-division writing proficiency requirement (UDWPE).
Identical to:  PL P 428R; PL P is home department.
May be convened with:  PL S 528R.
Usually offered:  Spring.

PL S 440 -- Plant Growth and Development  (3 units)
Description:  Surveys central concepts in plant developmental biology including analysis of plant structure and developmental patterns and the molecular, genetic, genomic and physiological bases of plant form and function.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
Prerequisite(s):  CHEM 241B and MCB 320 or PL S 312. One course in Biochemistry and one course in Microbiology are recommended.
Identical to:  ECOL 440, MCB 440.
May be convened with:  PL S 540.
Usually offered:  Spring.

PL S 449A -- Plant Genetics and Genomics  (3 units)
Description:  A 3 unit lecture/discussion course that provides an advanced treatment of the current knowledge and experimental approaches used in genetic and genomic analysis, with emphasis on plants. Basic understanding of Mendelian genetics, gene and genome structure and function is required.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
Prerequisite(s):  PL S 312.
Identical to:  ECOL 449A, GENE 449A, MCB 449A.
May be convened with:  PL S 549A.
Usually offered:  Spring.

PL S 450 -- Plant Anatomy and Morphology  (4 units)
Description:  A combined lecture and laboratory course that investigates plant anatomy and morphology with an emphasis on vascular plants. The focus is on how plant structure relates to function.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
Prerequisite(s):  PL S 130 or MCB 181R.
Typical structure:  3 hours lecture, 3 hours laboratory.
May be convened with:  PL S 550.
Usually offered:  Spring.

PL S 455 -- Turfgrass Science: Environmental Stress  (3 units)
Description:  Environmental interactions of turfgrasses. Adaptability to and cultural amelioration of environmental stress. Pesticide/nutrient fate and management practices to protect the environment.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
Prerequisite(s):  PL S 130, PL S 355, PL S 360.
Usually offered:  Fall.

PL S 472 -- Systematic Botany  (4 units)
Description:  Evolutionary relationships and characteristics of seed plants: systems of classification; acquisition of skills to identify members of almost 50 families, collection and identification of local flora.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
Typical structure:  2 hours lecture, 6 hours laboratory.
Identical to:  ECOL 472; ECOL is home department.
May be convened with:  PL S 572.
Usually offered:  Spring.

PL S 473 -- Recombinant DNA Methods and Applications  (4 units)
Description:  Relevant techniques for the isolation, purification, and cloning of genes in E. Coli hosts. Eukaryotic lambda genomic DNA clones will be characterized by restriction mapping, hybridization analysis, and sequence analysis. Writing emphasis course.  This is a Writing Emphasis Course.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
Special course fee required:  $150.
Prerequisite(s):  satisfaction of the Mid-Career Writing Assessment (MCWA) or the former upper-division writing proficiency requirement (UDWPE); BIOC 460 or BIOC 462A. Concurrent registration, MCB 411.
Typical structure:  6 hours laboratory, 2 hours lecture.
Identical to:  MCB 473; MCB is home department.
May be convened with:  PL S 573.
Usually offered:  Fall, Spring.

PL S 475A -- Physiology of Plant Production under Controlled Environment  (3 units)
Description:  Controlled environment agriculture is the most effective technique to maximize crop yield and to produce high quality products with limited amounts of resources and minimal impact to the environment. Students will learn the major environmental factors affecting plant growth and development under controlled environment and will understand interactions between plants and their microenvironments. Lectures cover critical controlled environment issues and practices of plant production in greenhouse, plant production factory, tissue culture vessels and postharvest storage, with an introduction to the current research status in these areas.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
Prerequisite(s):  PL S 360.
May be repeated:  for credit 1 time (maximum 2 enrollments).
Identical to:  ABE 475A.
May be convened with:  PL S 575A.
Usually offered:  Spring.

PL S 480 -- Medicinal Plants  (3 units)
Description:  Historical and cultural aspects of plants and medicine, therapeutic uses of plants, psychoactive and food plants, contribution of medicinal plants to modern medicine, future of medicinal plants.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
Identical to:  ARL 480.
May be convened with:  PL S 580.
Usually offered:  Fall.

PL S 483 -- Controlled Environment Systems  (3 units)
Description:  An introduction to the technical aspects of greenhouse design, environmental control, hydroponic crop production, plant nutrient delivery systems, intensive field production systems, and post-harvest handling and storage of crops.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
Typical structure:  3 hours laboratory, 2 hours lecture.
Identical to:  ABE 483; ABE is home department.
May be convened with:  PL S 583.
Usually offered:  Fall.

PL S 491 -- Preceptorship  (1-8 units)
Description:  Specialized work on an individual basis, consisting of instruction and practice in actual service in a department, program, or discipline. Teaching formats may include seminars, in-depth studies, laboratory work and patient study.
Grading:  Alternative grades are awarded for this course: S P C D E.
May be repeated:  an unlimited number of times, consult your department for details and possible restrictions.
Usually offered:  Fall, Spring.

PL S 491H -- Honors Preceptorship  (1-3 units)
Description:  Specialized work on an individual basis, consisting of instruction and practice in actual service in a department, program, or discipline. Teaching formats may include seminars, in-depth studies, laboratory work and patient study.
Grading:  Alternative grades are awarded for this course: S P C D E.
Usually offered:  Fall, Spring, Summer.

PL S 492 -- Directed Research  (1-6 units)
Description:  Individual or small group research under the guidance of faculty.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
May be repeated:  for a total of 6 units of credit.
Usually offered:  Fall, Spring, Summer.

PL S 493 -- Internship  (1-6 units)
Description:  Specialized work on an individual basis, consisting of training and practice in actual service in a technical, business, or governmental establishment.
Grading:  Alternative grades are awarded for this course: S P C D E.
May be repeated:  an unlimited number of times, consult your department for details and possible restrictions.
Usually offered:  Fall, Spring, Summer.

PL S 493L -- Legislative Internship  (1-12 units)
Description:  Working experience at the Arizona State Legislature; responsibilities draw upon student's area of major expertise and include preparing written and oral reports, summarizing legislative proposals, and providing information to legislators and legislative committees.
Grading:  Alternative grades are awarded for this course: S P C D E.
May be repeated:  an unlimited number of times, consult your department for details and possible restrictions.
Usually offered:  Spring.

PL S 495D -- Regulatory Issues in Laboratory Management  (3 units)
Description:  Regulatory and safety issues of concern to researchers interested in careers managing industry and/or governmental labs. Topics will include, but are not limited to, GLP regulations, SOPs, GCP, Human Subjects, Animal Care, Lab, Chemical, and Biological Safety, DEA regulations, and Computer Based Lab Management Systems.
Grading:  Regular or alternative grades can be awarded for this course: A B C D E or S P C D E. Available to qualified students for Pass/Fail Option.
May be convened with:  PL S 595D.
Usually offered:  Spring.

PL S 496A -- Department of Plant Sciences Seminar  (1 unit)
Description:  Departmental seminar providing a forum for graduate students to present research objectives and progress. Student presentations will be evaluated by course instructors and selected faculty. Students will also have the opportunity to participate in the seminar evaluation process.
Grading:  Regular or alternative grades can be awarded for this course: A B C D E or S P C D E.
Identical to:  PL P 496A; PL P is home department.
May be convened with:  PL S 596A.
Usually offered:  Fall, Spring.

PL S 498 -- Senior Capstone  (1-3 units)
Description:  A culminating experience for majors involving a substantive project that demonstrates a synthesis of learning accumulated in the major, including broadly comprehensive knowledge of the discipline and its methodologies. Senior standing required.
Grading:  Regular or alternative grades can be awarded for this course: A B C D E or S P C D E.
Usually offered:  Fall.

PL S 498H -- Honors Thesis  (3 units)
Description:  An honors thesis is required of all the students graduating with honors. Students ordinarily sign up for this course as a two-semester sequence. The first semester the student performs research under the supervision of a faculty member; the second semester the student writes an honors thesis.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
May be repeated:  for a total of 9 units of credit.
Usually offered:  Fall, Spring, Summer.

PL S 499 -- Independent Study  (1-5 units)
Description:  Qualified students working on an individual basis with professors who have agreed to supervise such work.
Grading:  Alternative grades are awarded for this course: S P C D E.
May be repeated:  an unlimited number of times, consult your department for details and possible restrictions.
Usually offered:  Fall, Spring, Summer.

PL S 499H -- Honors Independent Study  (3 units)
Description:  Qualified students working on an individual basis with professors who have agreed to supervise such work.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
May be repeated:  an unlimited number of times, consult your department for details and possible restrictions.
Usually offered:  Fall, Spring, Summer.

PL S 505 -- Weed Science  (3 units)
Description:  Principles of controlling agronomic and horticultural weeds. Emphasis on weed biology and crop-weed competition in relation to chemical, mechanical, cultural and biological control strategies. Graduate-level requirements include a literature review and research project.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
May be convened with:  PL S 405.
Usually offered:  Fall.

PL S 508 -- Crop Ecology  (3 units)
Description:  Physical and biotic environment of crops in relation to crop culture, production, and geographical distribution; relations among the human population, crop productivity and man's environment.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
Prerequisite(s):  MCB 181R, MCB 182R, MCB 182L.
Usually offered:  Spring.

PL S 528L -- Microbial Genetics Laboratory  (2 units)
Description:  Laboratory associated with lecture course on Prokaryotic gene structure and function; methods of gene transfer and mapping, DNA structure, replication, transcription, and translation. Hands-on computer analysis of DNA sequences and gene cloning strategies. Principles of regulation of gene expression. Biology of plasmids and bacteriophages. Graduate-level requirements include the DNA sequence of an entire operon from any one of a variety of bacteria and additionally analyze one product from the operon using several GCG protein analysis programs. Also extra exam questions.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
Special course fee required:  $15.
Identical to:  PL P 528L; PL P is home department.
May be convened with:  PL S 428L.
Usually offered:  Spring.

PL S 528R -- Microbial Genetics  (3 units)
Description:  Prokaryotic gene structure and function; methods of gene transfer and mapping, DNA structure, replication, transcription, and translation. Hands-on computer analysis of DNA sequences and gene cloning strategies. Principles of regulation of gene expression. Biology of plasmids and bacteriophages. Graduate-level requirements include a DNA sequence of an entire operon from any one of a variety of bacteria and additionally analyze one product from the operon using several GCG protein analysis programs. An extensive exam.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
Identical to:  PL P 528R; PL P is home department.
May be convened with:  PL S 428R.
Usually offered:  Spring.

PL S 539 -- Methods in Cell Biology and Genomics  (3 units)
Description:  In-depth, practical and theoretical analysis of novel, experimental methods that advance our understanding of modern biology.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
Usually offered:  Fall.

PL S 540 -- Plant Growth and Development  (3 units)
Description:  Surveys central concepts in plant developmental biology including analysis of plant structure and developmental patterns and the molecular, genetic, genomic and physiological bases of plant form and function. Graduate-level requirements include 7 journal club discussions and presentations for graduate students and honors undergraduate students.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
Identical to:  ECOL 540, MCB 540.
May be convened with:  PL S 440.
Usually offered:  Spring.

PL S 549A -- Plant Genetics and Genomics  (3 units)
Description:  A 3 unit lecture/discussion course that provides an advanced treatment of the current knowledge and experimental approaches used in genetic and genomic analysis, with emphasis on plants. Basic understanding of Mendelian genetics, gene and genome structure and function is required. Graduate-level requirements include leading 3 course discussions on review articles and problem sets and write a paper based on each of the three research discussions that they lead.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
Identical to:  ECOL 549A, GENE 549A, MCB 549A.
May be convened with:  PL S 449A.
Usually offered:  Spring.

PL S 550 -- Plant Anatomy and Morphology  (4 units)
Description:  A combined lecture and laboratory course that investigates plant anatomy and morphology with an emphasis on vascular plants. The focus is on how plant structure relates to function. Graduate-level requirements include preparation of in-depth research project.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
Typical structure:  3 hours lecture, 3 hours laboratory.
May be convened with:  PL S 450.
Usually offered:  Spring.

PL S 560 -- Core Concepts in Plant Biology  (4 units)
Description:  Physiological, biochemical, genetic and molecular biological principles fundamental to graduate level study of growth, development and reproduction of plants in normal and stressful environments.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
Prerequisite(s):  PL S 360, CHEM 462A, CHEM 462B.
Identical to:  ECOL 560, MCB 560, PL P 560.
Usually offered:  Fall.

PL S 561 -- Core Concepts in Plant Biology II  (4 units)
Description:  Physiological, biochemical, genetic and molecular biological principles fundamental to graduate level study of growth, development and reproduction of plants in normal and stressful environments.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
Prerequisite(s):  PL S 360, BIOC 462A, BIOC 462B.
Typical structure:  3 hours lecture, 1 hour discussion.
Identical to:  ECOL 561, MCB 561, PL P 561.
Usually offered:  Spring.

PL S 572 -- Systematic Botany  (4 units)
Description:  Evolutionary relationships and characteristics of seed plants: systems of classification; acquisition of skills to identify members of almost 50 families, collection and identification of local flora. Graduate-level requirements include study of additional plant families and increased depth regarding class project.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
Identical to:  ECOL 572; ECOL is home department.
May be convened with:  PL S 472.
Usually offered:  Spring.

PL S 573 -- Recombinant DNA Methods and Applications  (4 units)
Description:  Relevant techniques for the isolation, purification, and cloning of genes in E. Coli hosts. Eukaryotic lambda genomic DNA clones will be characterized by restriction mapping, hybridization analysis, and sequence analysis. Writing emphasis course. Graduate-level requirements include a one hour discussion section of classic and recent papers featuring major advances in molecular biology or their application to current issues or problems.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
Special course fee required:  $150.
Typical structure:  6 hours laboratory, 2 hours lecture.
Identical to:  MCB 573; MCB is home department.
May be convened with:  PL S 473.
Usually offered:  Fall, Spring.

PL S 575A -- Physiology of Plant Production under Controlled Environment  (3 units)
Description:  Controlled environment agriculture is the most effective technique to maximize crop yield and to produce high quality products with limited amounts of resources and minimal impact to the environment. Students will learn the major environmental factors affecting plant growth and development under controlled environment and will understand interactions between plants and their microenvironments. Lectures cover critical controlled environment issues and practices of plant production in greenhouse, plant production factory, tissue culture vessels and postharvest storage, with an introduction to the current research status in these areas. Graduate requirements include a research paper: Graduate students are expected to write a research paper on a specific topic within plant physiology under controlled environment. The paper should be a critical review of the current literature on the topic chosen.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
May be repeated:  for credit 1 time (maximum 2 enrollments).
Identical to:  ABE 575A.
May be convened with:  PL S 475A.
Usually offered:  Spring.

PL S 579 -- Applied Instrumentation for Controlled Environment Agriculture  (3 units)
Description:  Students will learn principles, methods, and techniques related to the measurement and control of environmental factors affecting plant growth under controlled environment. Students will learn application of instrumentation and design a simple controlled environment/measurement system for plant production.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
Course includes 1 or more field trips.
Prerequisite(s):  MATH 110, MATH 113, PHYS 102.
Typical structure:  3 hours laboratory, 2 hours lecture.
Identical to:  ABE 579.
Usually offered:  Spring.

PL S 580 -- Medicinal Plants  (3 units)
Description:  Historical and cultural aspects of plants and medicine, therapeutic uses of plants, psychoactive and food plants, contribution of medicinal plants to modern medicine, future of medicinal plants. Graduate-level requirements include review of at least two leading papers in the field.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
Identical to:  ARL 580.
May be convened with:  PL S 480.
Usually offered:  Fall.

PL S 583 -- Controlled Environment Systems  (3 units)
Description:  An introduction to the technical aspects of greenhouse design, environmental control, hydroponic crop production, plant nutrient delivery systems, intensive field production systems, and post-harvest handling and storage of crops. Graduate-level requirements include submission of a comprehensive report related to a specific greenhouse design project.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
Typical structure:  3 hours laboratory, 2 hours lecture.
Identical to:  ABE 583; ABE is home department.
May be convened with:  PL S 483.
Usually offered:  Fall.

PL S 593 -- Internship  (1-6 units)
Description:  Specialized work on an individual basis, consisting of training and practice in actual service in a technical, business, or governmental establishment.
Grading:  Alternative grades are awarded for this course: S P C D E.
May be repeated:  an unlimited number of times, consult your department for details and possible restrictions.
Usually offered:  Fall, Spring.

PL S 595B -- Current Topics in Plant Science - Advanced  (1-3 units)
Description:  The exchange of scholarly information and/or secondary research, usually in a small group setting. Instruction often includes lectures by several different persons. Research projects may or may not be required of course registrants.
Grading:  Regular or alternative grades can be awarded for this course: A B C D E or S P C D E.
Prerequisite(s):  graduate standing or instructor consent.
May be repeated:  for a total of 15 units of credit.
Usually offered:  Fall, Spring.

PL S 595D -- Regulatory Issues in Laboratory Management  (3 units)
Description:  Regulatory and safety issues of concern to researchers interested in careers managing industry and/or governmental labs. Topics will include, but are not limited to, GLP regulations, SOPs, GCP, Human Subjects, Animal Care, Lab, Chemical, and Biological Safety, DEA regulations, and Computer Based Lab Management Systems. Graduate-level requirements include documentation for the establishment of a new lab and present their proposal to the class.
Grading:  Regular or alternative grades can be awarded for this course: A B C D E or S P C D E.
May be convened with:  PL S 495D.
Usually offered:  Spring.

PL S 596A -- Department of Plant Sciences Seminar.  (1 unit)
Description:  Departmental seminar providing a forum for graduate students to present research objectives and progress. Student presentations will be evaluated by course instructors and selected faculty. Students will also have the opportunity to participate in the seminar evaluation process.
Grading:  Regular or alternative grades can be awarded for this course: A B C D E or S P C D E.
May be repeated:  for a total of 12 units of credit.
Identical to:  PL P 596A; PL P is home department.
May be convened with:  PL S 496A.
Usually offered:  Fall, Spring.

PL S 596U -- Molecular Phylogenetics  (2 units)
Description:  This course will cover (1) the theoretical and methodological aspects of inferring phylogeny from molecular data, and (2) the use of phylogenetic trees for investigating a wide variety of biological questions, with readings from the primary literature forming the basis of discussions.
Grading:  Regular or alternative grades can be awarded for this course: A B C D E or S P C D E.
Prerequisite(s):  Graduate standing or consent of instructor.
Identical to:  ECOL 596U; ECOL is home department.
Usually offered:  Spring.

PL S 599 -- Independent Study  (1-5 units)
Description:  Qualified students working on an individual basis with professors who have agreed to supervise such work. Graduate students doing independent work which cannot be classified as actual research will register for credit under course number 599, 699, or 799.
Grading:  Alternative grades are awarded for this course: S P C D E.
May be repeated:  an unlimited number of times, consult your department for details and possible restrictions.
Usually offered:  Fall, Spring, Summer.

PL S 607 -- Untold Stories: University Women in Agriculture  (3 units)
Description:  This course examines the status of women involved in higher education in a variety of agriculturally related fields. Through readings and interviews we survey the working conditions, personal challenges and lifestyles of professional women in non-traditional fields. Covering a wide variety of topics, this course surveys the contributions of women to the professional workplace and to the household. The role of the law in shaping conditions for women in the workplaces and levels of satisfaction in their chosen professions is also reviewed. In addition this course moves toward understanding how to work with women in the professional workplace and enhance their contributions and encourage their professional growth.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
Identical to:  A ED 607; A ED is home department.
Usually offered:  Spring.

PL S 620 -- Plant Biochemistry  (3 units)
Description:  Current topics in bioengineering; photosynthesis; carbohydrate; nitrogen and lipid metabolism. This course deals with biochemical processes specific to plants and allows students to gain an understanding and appreciation of how chemical components are synthesized and utilized by the plant during growth and development.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
Prerequisite(s):  BIOC 462A, BIOC 462B, PL S 561, consent of instructor.
Usually offered:  Spring.

PL S 621 -- Molecular Plant-Microbe Interactions  (3 units)
Description:  Molecular properties that control development of host, parasite, and symbiotic relationships. Contemporary molecular hypotheses are related to genetic and biochemical data available on disease resistance and pathogenesis.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
Prerequisite(s):  BIOC 460.
Identical to:  PL P 621; PL P is home department.
Usually offered:  Fall.

PL S 684 -- Advanced Topics in Plant Developmental Biology  (3 units)
Description:  An advanced survey of the literature in plant development and reproduction to explain our current understanding of the molecular processes that determine plant form and function.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
Prerequisite(s):  MCB 411, PL S 540; PL S 627or MCB 545.
Usually offered:  Fall.

PL S 693 -- Internship  (1-6 units)
Description:  Specialized work on an individual basis, consisting of training and practice in actual service in a technical, business, or governmental establishment.
Grading:  Alternative grades are awarded for this course: S P C D E.
Usually offered:  Fall, Spring.

PL S 695A -- Journal Club  (1 unit)
Description:  Enrolled students take turns selecting and leading the discussion on articles from the primary literature. Enrollment is open to students with interests in any of the three focus areas of the Dept. of Plant Sciences: Plant Biology, Genetics and Genomics; Horticultural and Crop Sciences; and Plant Pathology and Microbiology. Goals of the course include: fostering interaction among students with diverse interests and backgrounds, keeping abreast of current publications of broad interest, and providing a forum where free discussion is encouraged.
Grading:  Regular or alternative grades can be awarded for this course: A B C D E or S P C D E.
May be repeated:  for a total of 4 units of credit.
Identical to:  PL P 695A; PL P is home department.
Usually offered:  Fall.

PL S 695B -- Plant Pathology  (1 unit)
Description:  contact department.
Grading:  Regular or alternative grades can be awarded for this course: A B C D E or S P C D E.
Identical to:  PL P 695B; PL P is home department.
Usually offered:  Spring.

PL S 696A -- Interdisciplinary Plant Sciences Seminar  (1 unit)
Description:  The scope of the work will consist of discussion and critical evaluation of current literature with course instructors and visiting seminar speakers. Written evaluations and oral presentations may be required of course registrants.
Grading:  Regular or alternative grades can be awarded for this course: A B C D E or S P C D E.
May be repeated:  for credit 7 times (maximum 8 enrollments).
Identical to:  PL P 696A.
Usually offered:  Fall, Spring.

PL S 696C -- Informatic and Comparative Analysis of Genomes  (1-3 units)
Description:  This course provides hands-on experience in the manipulation and analysis of genomic data and teachers the steps in the preparation of writing of scientific manuscripts.
Grading:  Regular or alternative grades can be awarded for this course: A B C D E or S P C D E.
Prerequisite(s):  ECOL 553.
Typical structure:  1 hour seminar, 3 hours laboratory, 1 hour discussion.
May be repeated:  for credit 3 times (maximum 4 enrollments).
Identical to:  BIOC 696C; BIOC is home department.
Usually offered:  Spring.

PL S 699 -- Independent Study  (1-5 units)
Description:  Qualified students working on an individual basis with professors who have agreed to supervise such work. Graduate students doing independent work which cannot be classified as actual research will register for credit under course number 599, 699, or 799.
Grading:  Alternative grades are awarded for this course: S P C D E.
May be repeated:  an unlimited number of times, consult your department for details and possible restrictions.
Usually offered:  Fall, Spring, Summer.

PL S 900 -- Research  (1-8 units)
Description:  Individual research, not related to thesis or dissertation preparation, by graduate students.
Grading:  Alternative grades are awarded for this course: S P C D E K.
May be repeated:  an unlimited number of times, consult your department for details and possible restrictions.
Usually offered:  Fall, Spring, Summer.

PL S 909 -- Master's Report  (1-8 units)
Description:  Individual study or special project or formal report thereof submitted in lieu of thesis for certain master's degrees.
Grading:  Alternative grades are awarded for this course: S P E K.
Usually offered:  Fall, Spring, Summer.

PL S 910 -- Thesis  (1-8 units)
Description:  Research for the master's thesis (whether library research, laboratory or field observation or research, artistic creation, or thesis writing). Maximum total credit permitted varies with the major department.
Grading:  Alternative grades are awarded for this course: S P E K.
May be repeated:  an unlimited number of times, consult your department for details and possible restrictions.
Usually offered:  Fall, Spring, Summer.

PL S 920 -- Dissertation  (1-9 units)
Description:  Research for the doctoral dissertation (whether library research, laboratory or field observation or research, artistic creation, or dissertation writing).
Grading:  Alternative grades are awarded for this course: S P E K.
May be repeated:  an unlimited number of times, consult your department for details and possible restrictions.
Usually offered:  Fall, Spring, Summer.

PL S 930 -- Supplementary Registration  (1-9 units)
Description:  For students who have completed all course requirements for their advanced degree programs. May be used concurrently with other enrollments to bring to total number of units to the required minimum.
Grading:  Grade of K is awarded for this course except for the final term.
May be repeated:  an unlimited number of times, consult your department for details and possible restrictions.
Usually offered:  Fall, Spring, Summer.