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PCMB Courses

PCMB 101 - Introduction to Plant Biology I: Plants, People and the Environment I (U5)
Description Plants and their relationships to humans and the biosphere; plant structure and function, growth, and development; practical and economic uses of plants.

PCMB 101 WEB PAGE
PCMB 101 SAMPLE SYLLABUS [pdf]
PCMB 101 SAMPLE LECTURE/LAB SCHEDULE [pdf]
Offerings Su, Au, Wi, Sp Qtrs. 3 cl, 1 2-hr recitation.
Not open to students with credit for 112, or Biology 101 or 113.
This course is available for EM credit. NS Admis Cond course. GEC course.
PCMB 102 - Introduction to Plant Biology I: Plants, People and the Environment II (U5)
Description Continuation of 101; plant genetics and biotechnology, diversity and evolution, and the importance of plants for the biosphere and for human survival.

PCMB 102 WEB PAGE
PCMB 102 SAMPLE SYLLABUS [pdf]
PCMB 101 SAMPLE LECTURE/LAB SCHEDULE [pdf]
Offerings Su, Au, Wi, Sp Qtrs. 3 cl, 1 2-hr recitation.
Not open to students with credit for 112, or Biology 101 or 113.
This course is available for EM credit. NS Admis Cond course. GEC course.
PCMB 203 - Plant Growth Physiology (U4)
Description Introduction to the growth of the whole plant and of its organs, tissues and cells, emphasizing the role of hormones and environmental factors and tissue culture approaches.
Offerings Au. Qtr. 3 cl.; 1 2-hr. lab.
Prereq: 101 or 112 or equivalent.
PCMB 293 - Individual Studies (U1-5)
Description Individual work in the field of the chosen problem.
Offerings Su, Au, Wi, Sp Qtrs. Prereq: 102 or 112 or Biology 114, and written permission of instructor. Only 5 cr hrs may count towards a plant biology major. Repeatable to a maximum of 10 cr hrs. This course is graded S/U.
PCMB 294 - Group Studies (U1-5)
Description Group study of topics in plant biology.
Offerings Su, Au, Wi, Sp Qtrs. Prereq: Permission of instructor. Repeatable to a maximum of 10 cr hrs for different topics only.
PCMB 300 - General Plant Biology (U5)
Description Plant structure and function; growth and development; diversity, reproduction, and evolution of lower and flowering plants; people, the biosphere, and plant diversity.

PCMB 300 WEB PAGE
Offerings Au, Wi Qtrs. 3 cl, 1 3-hr lab.
Prereq: Biology 101 or 113.
Not open to students with credit for 101or Hort 201 or 300. Cross-listed in Horticulture. GEC course.
PCMB 402 - Plant Development (U3)
Description Concepts in plant development at the introductory level; from seed to seedling, seedling to adult, flowering and fruiting, with emphasis on current research.
Offerings Winter Qtr. 3 cl.
Prereq: 300 or H&CS 300, or Biology 113 or H115, or permission of instructor. Not open to students with credit for 202.
NS Admis Cond course.
PCMB 436 - Introductory Plant Physiology (U5)
Description Topics in plant physiology at the introductory level: diffusion, transpiration, water stress, translocation, enzyme kinetics, photosynthesis, plant growth hormones, tropisms, flowering, fruit development.
Offerings Au, Sp. Qtr. 4 cl.
Prereq: 101 or 112 or Biology 114; 10 cr hrs in chemistry, or equivalent with written permission of instructor.
PCMB 604 - Research Methods in Plant Science (UG4)
Description 604.01 Whole Plant - Au Qtr
604.02 Cell and Tissue Level - Wi Qtr - Sample Syllabus [pdf]
604.03 Molecular Level - Sp Qtr
Offerings 2 2-hr cl., 2 3-hr labs.
Prereq. 300 or 436 or Biol 114 or HCS 300 or grad standing or permission of instructor. Not open to students with credit for these courses in JCS or Plnt Pth.
Cross-listed in HCS & Pl Path.
PCMB 622 - Plant Molecular Biology (UG4)
Description An in-depth survey of molecular biology of plants with emphasis on current research topics.
PCMB 622 Sample Syllabus [pdf]
PCMB 622 - Is this course right for you? [pdf]
Offerings Winter Qtr. 3 cl, 1 2-hr discussion.
Prereq: Mol Gen 500 or 501 and Biochem 511; or Mol Gen 605; or permission of instructor.
Cross-listed with Molecular Genetics.
PCMB 623 - Plant Genetics and Genomics (UG4)
Description A survey and discussion of genetic systems and analytical tools in higher plants, including current genomic studies and genetic and physical mapping.
Offerings Autumn Qtr. 3 cl, 1 2-hr discussion.
Prereq: Mol Gen 500 or 501 and Biochem 511; or Mol Gen 605; or permission of instructor.
PCMB 625 - Plant Metabolic Engineering (UG3)
Description This course will focus on several aspects of plant metabolic engineering with particular emphasis on the emerging role of plants and cultured plant cells as bioreactors.
Offerings Spring Qtr. 3 cl, 1 2-hr discussion. Prereq: Plant Biology 622 or 735 or Biochem 613 or permission of instructor.
PCMB 630 - Plant Physiology (UG3)
Description Advanced study of plant physiology; solutions, diffusion, osmotic quantities, transpiration, absorption and translocation of water, protein metabolism, enzymes, and respiration.
PCMB 630 Sample Syllabus [pdf]
Offerings Au Qtr. 3 cl.
Prereq: 101 or 112 or Biology 114, Chem 242 or 252 or Biochem 511, or written permission of instructor.
PCMB 631 - Plant Physiology (UG3)
Description Advanced study of plant physiology: regulation of plant growth and development, hormones, phototransduction, circadian rhythms and control of flowering.
PCMB 631 Sample Syllabus [pdf]
Offerings Wi and Sp Qtrs. 3 cl.
Prereq: 101 or 112 or Biology 114, Chem 252 or Biochem 511, or written permission of instructor.
PCMB 643 - Plant Anatomy (UG5)
Description: The structure, function, and development of cells, tissues, and organs of vascular plants.
Offerings: Wi Qtr. 2 cl, 3 2-hr labs. (in alternating years)
Prereq: 101 or 112 or Biology 114, and 10 cr hrs in biological sciences; or permission of instructor.
PCMB 648 - Plant Cell Biology
Description: The structure and function of plant cells and their components in the context of eukaryotic cell biology.
Offerings: Sp. Qtr. 3 cl., 1 recit. Prereq: Some background in plant biology and/or cell biology. Students are encouraged to consult with instructor before enrolling.
PCMB 650 - Biological Microtechnique (UG3)
Description This course teaches the fundamental principles and practice of some state-of-the-art microscopic methods. It focuses on the following aspects:
  • how each method works, theoretically and practically,
  • how each of the method can be used in integrative approaches to solve scientific problems, and
  • how microscopic data should be presented and interpreted.
The goals of the course are to help students master the basic concepts and skills of sample preparation and instrument operation, understand why, where, and when to apply a particular technique in research, and how to effectively present their own data as well as evaluate published data.
Offerings Au qtr., 2 1-hr cl., 2 3-hr labs.
Prereq. Biology 113, 114, H115, H116, Plant Biology 300 or permission of instructor.
PCMB 693 - Individual Studies (UG1-5)
Description Problems may be selected in the fields of molecular biology, genetics, cell biology, development, physiology, biochemistry, and genomics.
Offerings Su, Au, Wi, Sp Qtrs.
Prereq: 102 or 112 or Biology 114, and 15 additional cr hrs in biological sciences. Not more than 5 cr hrs may be counted toward an undergrad major in plant biology. Repeatable to a maximum of 15 cr hrs for undergrad. This course is graded S/U.
PCMB 693 - Experimental Field Plant Biology (UG5)
Description Survey of plant responses to the environment along an altitudinal (temperature, light intensity and water availability) gradient from the peaks of the White Mountains (14,000’) to depths of Death Valley (-150’), California.
Offerings Su Term 2
Prereq: PCMB 436, HCS 621 or permission of instructor.

Click here for more information [pdf]
PCMB 694 - Group Studies (UG1-5)
Description Group study of special topics in plant biology.
Offerings Su, Au, Wi, Sp Qtrs. Prereq: Permission of instructor. Repeatable to a maximum of 10 cr hrs.
PCMB 698 - Study Tour (UG1-15)
Description 698.01 Domestic
698.02 Foreign
Offerings Specific content, location, quarter(s) of offering, and prerequisites vary; contact department office for details.
Prereq: Permission of instructor. Repeatable for different titled study tours only.
PCMB 722 - Plant Transgenic Systems (G3)
Description Solutions to applied plant biotechnology problems are developed through the application of plant transgenic systems.
Offerings Prereq: 622 or 623 or 625 or permission of instructor.
PCMB 725 - Circadian Biology (UG3)
Description Covers the molecular bases of the circadian clock in each of 5 model systems (Mouse, Drosophila, Neurospora, Cyanobacteria, Arabidopsis), as well as key concepts of the clock (e.g. entrainment and temperature compensation). The course material is lectures mixed with student-led presentations centered on the discussion of current research papers.
Offerings Wi Qtr. 2 cl. (in alternating years )
Prereq: MG 500 , Biochem 511 or equivalents, or permission of instructor.
PCMB 735 - Plant Biochemistry I (UG3)
Description The biochemistry of plants with emphasis on the synthesis and structure of cell walls, lipids, secondary compounds, phytohormones and nitrogen fixation.
Offerings Au Qtr. 3 cl. (in alternating years with PCMB736)
Prereq: Biochem 511 or 614. Not open to students with credit for 631 prior to Wi Qtr 1988, or to students with credit for 635 prior to Wi Qtr 1995, or to students with credit for Biochem 735.
Cross listed in Biochemistry.
PCMB 736 - Plant Biochemistry II (UG3)
Description The biochemistry of plants with emphasis on the synthesis and structure of cell walls, lipids, secondary compounds, phytohormones and nitrogen fixation.
Offerings Au. Qtr. 3 cl. (in alternating years with PCMB 735)
Prereq: 735 or Biochem 735. Not open to students with credit for 631 prior to Wi Qtr 1988, or to students with credit for 635 prior to Wi Qtr 1995, or to students with credit for Biochem 736.
Cross-listed in Biochemistry.
PCMB 741 - Reproductive Biology of Flowering Plants (UG3)
Description An advanced course on reproductive processes in flowering plants with emphasis on recent biochemical, molecular, and genetic approaches.
Offerings Wi Qtr. 3 cl.
Prereq: 101 or 300 or H&CS 300 or Biology 114; and 15 additional cr hrs in biological sciences; or permission of instructor. Not open to students with credit for 641.
PCMB 793H - Honors Research (U3-5)
Description: Problems may be selected in the fields of molecular biology, genetics, cell biology, development, physiology, biochemistry, and genomics .
Offerings: Su, Au, Wi, Sp Qtrs.
Prereq: 4th yr standing, a grade of A in at least half of the plant biology courses and an average of B in the remainder; permission of instructor under whose supervision the work is to be completed and the Arts and Sciences Honors Committee. Failure to receive a mark of S in this course is a disqualification for graduation with distinction.
Repeatable to a maximum of 15 cr hrs.
This course is graded S/U.
PCMB 795 - Special Topics in Plant Biology (UG1-3)
Description Lecture/discussion in a seminar format of publications, current research, or research techniques in plant biology.
Offerings Su, Au, Wi, Sp Qtrs. Arr.
Prereq: 25 cr hrs in biological sciences at 200 level or above. Repeatable to a maximum of 15 cr hrs.
This course is graded S/U.
PCMB 796 - Current Topics in Signal Transduction (G3)
Description A discussion of signal transduction mechanisms revealed in plant systems.
Offerings Sp Qtr. 2 1.5-hr cl.
Prereq: Biochem 511 and Mol Gen 500, or equivs; or permission of instructor.
PCMB 835 - Advanced Plant Physiology: Plant Reproduction and Development (G3)
Description Physiology of flowering, fruit and seed development, vegetative reproduction, dormancy, apical dominance, abscission, and senescence.
Offerings Sp Qtr. 3 cl. Prereq: 631 or equiv and Biochem 511.
PCMB 890 - Interdepartmental Seminar in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology (G2)
Description Students will present oral reports and lead discussion on research progress in specific areas of molecular, cellular, and developmental biology.
Offerings Au, Wi, Sp Qtrs. 1 2-hr cl.
Prereq: Permission of instructor. Repeatable to a maximum of 12 cr hrs.
This course is graded S/U.
Given cooperatively by Microbiology, Molecular Genetics, Plant Biology, and Zoology.
PCMB 800 - Plant Cellular and Molecular Biology Colloquium (G1)
Description: Attendance at weekly seminars presented by outside speakers, faculty, and post-doctoral researchers; presentations will be on cutting edge research in cellular, developmental, and molecular biology of plant biotechnology.
Offerings: Au, Wi, Sp Qtrs. 1 cl. Repeatable. This course is graded S/U.
PCMB 803 - Seminar in Developmental and Regulatory Plant Biology (G1-3)
Description: Discussion of advanced topics in developmental and regulatory plant biology.
Offerings: Au, Wi, Sp Qtrs. Arr. Repeatable to a maximum of 8 cr hrs.
This course is graded S/U.
PCMB 890 - Interdepartmental Seminar in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology (G2)
Description: Students will present oral reports and lead discussion on research progress in specific areas of molecular, cellular, and developmental biology.
Offerings: Au, Wi, Sp Qtrs. 1 2-hr cl.
Prereq: Permission of instructor. Repeatable to a maximum of 12 cr hrs.
This course is graded S/U.
Given cooperatively by Microbiology, Molecular Genetics, Plant Biology, and Zoology.
PCMB 892 - Interdepartmental Seminar in Plant Physiology (G1)
Description: Students will present seminars on their research or related topics in plant physiology and/or attend seminars by local and visiting scholars.
Offerings: Au, Wi, Sp Qtrs. 1 cl.
Prereq: Permission of instructor. Repeatable to a maximum of 12 cr hrs, including cr hrs earned in Agronomy 892, Biochem 892, Fc Sc & Nu 892, and Hort 892.
Cross-listed in Agronomy, Biochemistry, Food Science and Nutrition, and Horticulture. This course is graded S/U.
PCMB 998 - Research in Plant Biology: Thesis (G Arranged)
Description: Research for master's thesis only.
PCMB 999 - Research in Plant Biology: Dissertation (G Arranged)
Description: Research for Ph.D. dissertation only.
KEY TO ABBREVIATIONS:
U = undergraduate course
G = graduate course
Number following U or G = number of credits (e.g. U 5 = a 5 credit hour undergraduate course)
GEC = General Education Curriculum Requirement
EM = credit by examination is available
NS Admis Cond = natural science admission conditional
S/U = course graded satisfactory/unsatisfactory
Arr = times arranged

Revised: 12-dec-07

PCMB NEWS

Erich Grotewold Receives Grant from US-Israeli Binational Agricultural Research and Development Fund

We are pleased to announce that Erich Grotewold has been awarded another new grant. This is a 3-year award from the US-Israeli Binational Agricultural Research and Development Fund. It is in the amount of $137,000 and is entitled "Regulation of tomato fruit development by interacting MYB proteins.".

Erich Grotewold Receives DOE And NSF Grants

Erich Grotewold has been awarded 3-year grant in the amount o $449,390 from the DOE, entitled "Engineering phenolic metabolism in the grasses using transcription factors."

Erich has also been awarded a second, major grant from NSF (Plant Genome). It is a 3-year award in the amount of $2,479,632 entitled "The Grass Regulome Initiative: Integrating control of gene expression and agronomic traits across the grasses.

David Somers' Lab Published In Nature

David Somers’ group has published an article in Nature (Sept. 20) entitled, “ZEITLUPE is a circadian photoreceptor stabilized by GIGANTEA in blue light.” Woe-Yeon Kim and Sumire Fujiwara are co-first authors.

Erich Grotewold Awarded USDA Grant

Erich Grotewold has been awarded a grant from the USDA in the amount of $201,025 for a two-year study entitled, “Transposons as gene control elements.”

Rebecca Lamb Receives OPBC Award

Rebecca Lamb has received an award of $57,567 over two years from the OPBC for a study entitled, ”Two Arabidopsis WWE-PARP proteins involved in abiotic stress response and development.”

Plant Biotechnology In-Floor Seminar Series Schedule

Follow the link below for a schedule of informal 30-40 min seminars that will take place at noon on Fridays in room 189 of Rightmire Hall.
Schedule [pdf]

News Archive

Read past information and news articles.