Plant pathology
Course description
The course provides the students with in-depth knowledge of the key principles and biological processes governing disease development in plants, with a unique perspective on the interactions between plants and pathogens on a variety of integration levels (i.e: from the subcellular to the population scale). Based on a balanced and diversified combination of lectures, theoretical exercises, field work, and laboratory practicals, the students will acquire important knowledge, skills, and tools they can utilize in the field of plant pathology. The course is an advanced course at the forefront of research in plant pathology that addresses future challenges at the basic, translational, and applied levels. This course is designed for advanced, career-oriented students (academia, industry, government) with a special interest in plant diseases and plant protection.
Entry Requirements
- 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
Course facts
BI1456, Plant pathology, 15.0 Hp
Print syllabus
Syllabus
Finalized by: PN-NJ, 2023-11-14
Valid from : Autumn semester 2024 (2024-09-02)
Level
Second cycle (A1N)
Main field of study
Biology
Biology Area
Other biology courses
Grading Scale
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.
Course language
English
Entry Requirements
- 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
Examination Formats and Requirements for Passing the Course
- Participation in compulsory components - Written assignments - Oral presentation - Oral or written examination
Responsible Department/Equivalent
Department of Forest Mycology and Plant Pathology
Supplementary information
Included in program
- Agriculture and Plant/Soil Sciences
- Plant Biology for Sustainable Production - Master's Programme
- Agriculture Programme - Soil/Plant
- Agricultural Science with a Specialisation in Plant and Soil Sciences
- Plant Biology for Sustainable Production - Master's programme
Module set
| Title | Credits | Code |
|---|---|---|
| Poster presentation and lab report | 3.0 | 0001 |
| Written proceedings | 4.5 | 0002 |
| Oral exam | 7.5 | 0003 |
The Course Replaces
BI1044 Plant pathology