Print Syllabus

Syllabus

BI1456 Plant pathology, 15.0 Credits

Växtpatologi

Subjects

Biology

Education cycle

Master’s level

Advanced study in the main field

Second cycle, has only first-cycle course/s as entry requirements
Master’s level (A1N)

Grading scale

Language

English

Prior knowledge

Knowledge equivalent to:

- 180 credits
- 90 credits in Biology
- English 6

Alternatively:

- 120 credits
- 60 credits in Biology
- 5 credits in Plant Physiology
- 5 credits in Microbiology
- English 6

Objectives

The course aims to provide advanced knowledge with a systems perspective in plant pathology of crops and to equip students with theoretical and practical skills in plant pathology.

Upon successful completion of the course, students should be able to:

• Describe the major groups of plant pathogens in crops, their biology, and explain the basic concepts in the field.
• Conduct basic diseases diagnostics, pathogen identification, and disease scoring in crops.
• Describe the basic principles underlying the function of the plant immune system, including resistance in crops, its durability, and how it can be improved and used in disease management.
• Describe different mechanisms underlying disease control strategies based on chemical and non-chemical control (e.g. crop rotation, resistant cultivars, biological control agents, biostimulants, biopolymers).
• Analyze interactions between plants, plant pathogens and their environment on a variety of integration levels from cells to communities.
• Analyze the development of plant diseases using population dynamics and epidemiological principles, and link to environmental factors and management strategies.
• Formulate sustainable management strategies based on the principles of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and One-Health.

Content

The students will gain expertise and analytical skills in the following areas of plant pathology:

• Major groups of plant pathogens (Fungi, Oomycetes, Bacteria, Viruses, Nematodes), their ecological niches and what distinguishes them from each other, with a focus on critical aspects of their biology of importance to diagnostics, epidemiology, and management.
• Disease diagnosis, scoring and monitoring in crops, with hands-on practical work using different phenotyping, morphological, and molecular techniques.
• Epidemiology of plant diseases, including basic concepts and applications to risk assessment, decision support design, the emergence and adaptation of new pathogens to new host plants, and different control strategies.
• The scientific principles underlying major management strategies based on the manipulation of the physical, chemical, biochemical, and microbial environment of the host.
• The students will put their knowledge in a local and global context and account for sustainable development and the socio-economic aspects of plant health under principles such as Integrated Pest Management (IPM), and One Health.

Teaching formats:

The course utilizes a variety of teaching methods to promote student learning and discussion, combining lectures, laboratory sessions, field excursions, computer exercises, theoretical exercises, home assignments, presentations, and seminars.

To give the students different perspectives on the subject, collaboration with the surrounding community takes place through guest lecturers by professionals in the sector and also includes seminars from international teachers.

The course focuses on the following generic competencies:

• Critical thinking
• Scientific methods
• Oral communication
• Written communication
• Teamwork
• Ability to work autonomously

The following course components are compulsory:

• Practical exercises
• Presentations and seminars

Grading form

The grade requirements within the course grading system are set out in specific criteria. These criteria must be available by the course start at the latest.

Formats and requirements for examination

• Participation in compulsory components

• Written assignments

• Oral presentation

• Oral or written examination

• If a student has failed an examination, the examiner has the right to issue supplementary assignments. This applies if it is possible and there are grounds to do so.

• The examiner can provide an adapted assessment to students entitled to study support for students with disabilities following a decision by the university. Examiners may also issue an adapted examination or provide an alternative way for the students to take the exam.

• If this syllabus is withdrawn, SLU may introduce transitional provisions for examining students admitted based on this syllabus and who have not yet passed the course.

• For the assessment of an independent project (degree project), the examiner may also allow a student to add supplemental information after the deadline for submission. Read more in the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.

Other information

• The right to participate in teaching and/or supervision only applies for the course instance the student was admitted to and registered on.

• If there are special reasons, students are entitled to participate in components with compulsory attendance when the course is given again. Read more in the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.

Responsible department

Department of Forest Mycology and Plant Pathology

Cooperating departments: