Plant Growth and Development

TPSS 674

Faculty:

Michael Muszynski

Goals:

Contemporary literature is used as the basis for understanding the physiology for whole plant growth and development. Aspects covered include evolution of plant physiological systems in vegetative and reproductive development, seed dormancy, senescence, abscission, and relevant biochemical and molecular processes.

Expected Outcomes:

Demonstrate fundamental knowledge of biological processes (e.g., life cycles, growth and development, water relations, mineral nutrition, respiration, photosynthesis, reproduction, source-sink relations, dormancy, photoresponses, biotic and abiotic stress responses) and be able to use this knowledge to interpret crop domestication, agronomic practices and the production of quality safe crops.
 
Speak effectively and write concisely on subject matter within the professional curriculum.
 
Realize the need for continuing education in the professional discipline through professional societies, short courses, conferences, use of the internet, and reading.
 
Work effectively in a team situation either as a leader or participant to define problems and identify resources and solutions.

Skills and knowledge to be acquired:

Be able to answer basic questions relating to plant biology from molecules to whole organism as to: How do structures of plants enable life functions? How do plants grow and develop? How do plants obtain and use matter and energy to live and grow? How do plants detect, process, and interpret information from the environment? How does genetic variation among plants affect survival, reproduction and the evolution of plants? How does the environment influence populations of plants over multiple generations?

Description:

Integrate crosscutting discipline- and thematic-specific knowledge of basic and applied plant and soil sciences to its application, analysis, and evaluation in the production, management, and improvement of managed and natural ecosystems.

Pre-requisites:

TPSS 470 and MBBE 402, or consent