PLBRG 2253 - Lectures in Plant Genetics

(CU-SBY)

Spring. 3 credits.

Prerequisite: one majors-level biology course or equivalent, permission of instructor.

M. Mazourek.

Surveys fundamental plant genetics with a focus on applications in agriculture and plant sciences. Reviews and extends concepts from introductory biology for students with an interest in plants and their contributions to food, fiber, biofuels, ornamentals and ecology. Also preparation for advanced coursework in genetics for students considering graduate studies in a related field. Unique topics include polyploidy and organellar inheritance, pollination, seed saving and basic plant breeding. This 3 credit option is by instructor permission only to students in certain circumstances to take the course without the lab. PLBRG 2250 is recommended and provides a lab section for students with that graduation requirement.

Outcome 1: Students will be able to access and review the background information necessary for designing a plant breeding program or genetics study with proper citations from primary literature.

Outcome 2: Students will describe of the roles of DNA mutation, allele segregation, epigenetics and mechanisms that promote cross pollination in contributing to the diversity, ecology, genetic improvement, evolution and uses of plants.

Outcome 3: Students will be able to interpret new genetic findings, applications, tests and theories reported in the popular media or later judge their impact on their lives within a framework of examples, concepts and principles.