Small organisms, big concepts. Students will learn core biology concepts with plant-associated microbes providing a useful framework. Topics include microbial diversity, genetics, evolution, disease, symbiosis, and the microbiome in the context of plants. The progression of microbial scientific ideas and the impacts of plant-associated microbes on society will also be discussed.

Students will learn core biology and microbiology concepts and microbiology lab techniques through laboratory exercises on plant disease and plant-associated bacteria designed to be conducted off-campus with minimal specialized equipment. Students will isolate local strains of endemic plant-associated bacteria and conduct a series of linked microbiology laboratory exercises to characterize their isolates.

Plant diseases influence human societies and their cultural development. Students will be introduced to the impacts plant diseases have had and continue to have on society, the environment, economics, politics, and food security. Students will be introduced to plant pathology and threats plant diseases pose to modern agriculture and society.

Plant diseases influence human societies and their cultural development. Students will be introduced to the impacts plant diseases have had and continue to have on society, the environment, economics, politics, and food security. Students will be introduced to plant pathology and threats plant diseases pose to modern agriculture and society.

Impact of fungi on human affairs. Historical and current uses of fungi by humans as well as the roles of fungi in various ecosystems.

Impact of fungi on human affairs. Historical and current uses of fungi by humans as well as the roles of fungi in various ecosystems.

Viral epidemics have had and continue to have major effects on world history and human affairs. Using case studies of primarily animal and plant viruses, students will develop a better understanding of virus biology and how viral diseases impact food production, health, and society.

An introduction to the historical and cultural significance of wine production, botany and general culture of grapevines, winemaking and enology, wine appreciation, and the health risks and benefits associated with wine consumption.

Identification and control of turfgrass weeds, insects, and diseases. Emphasis will be placed on management strategies that include both chemical and non-chemical approaches to the prevention and control of common turfgrass pests.

Principles and concepts of plant pathology, including disease development, environmental interactions, microbial biology and life cycles, and disease control strategies. Broad concepts rather than diagnosis and control of specific diseases.

Practical experience on the application of plant pathological principles and procedures learned outside of a formal classroom setting.

Research or intensive study in a special area of plant pathology, including forest pathology, mycology, nematology, virology, bacteriology, and host-pathogen interactions.