PlantScience
PlantBiology

Plant Sciences and Plant Biology COURSE LIST

List of Plant Sciences and Plant Pathology Courses Offered by Semester

Plant SciencesCourse list

  • PS 105 INTRODUCTION TO BIOTECHNOLOGY F,S 2 cr. LEC 2 -- Introduction to an ever-growing industry. Course is designed to demonstrate the significance of biotechnology in today's world. Lecture series presented by research professors, social scientists, and industrial experts. Cross-listed with VTMB 101 and MB 110.
  • PS 102IN PLANT SCIENCE, RESOURCES AND THE ENVIRONMENT S 3 cr. LEC 3 -- Provide an understanding of basic plant science principles and environmental components that impact humankind and develop solutions to problems. Real-life case histories will be emphasized with a career goal emphasis on science, resources, the environment, and the transfer of technologies.
  • PS 212 METHODS IN BIOTECHNOLOGY F,S cr. LAB 3 PREREQUISITE: Instructors consent, MB 110, VTMB 101, PS 101. -- This course will challenge students in the biotech major to learn a series of essential molecular techniques focusing on research and faculty interaction. The techniques learned will be highly applicable to the biotech industry, giving students a post-graduation competitive edge. 
  • PS 231 WOODY ORNAMENTALS F 3 cr. LEC 1 LAB 2 PREREQUISITE: BIOL 101. -- Identification characteristics, adaptations and uses of coniferous trees, deciduous trees, coniferous shrubs, deciduous shrubs, and woody vines commonly used as ornamentals in Montana.
  • PS 232 HERBACEOUS ORNAMENTALS S 2 cr. LEC 1 LAB 1 PREREQUISITE: BIOL 101. -- Identification, characteristics, adaptations and uses of indoor foliage plants, perennial flowers, flowering bulbs, groundcover plants, and annual flowers.
  • PS 233 TURFGRASS MANAGEMENT F 3 cr. LEC 2 LAB 1 PREREQUISITE: BIOL 101. -- Turfgrass propagation, fertilization, and maintenance. Recognition and adaptabilities of Northern turfgrass used for landscape and sports use. Includes special sport turf construction techniques as applied to intensively used turfgrass, and turfgrass propagation by seed and vegetative means.
  • PS 242 CROP IDENTIFICATION F 1 cr. LAB 1-- Meets first third of semester. Recognition and identification of seed, vegetative parts, and floral structure of the major species of cereals, forage legumes, and grasses.
  • PS 250 IDENTIFICATION OF SEED PLANTS S 4 cr. LEC 2 LAB 2 PREREQUISITE: BIOL 101 -- Identification of conifers, trees and shrubs, and herbaceous seed plants; determination by use of manuals; vocabulary, classification and nomenclature; preparation and collection of seed plant specimens. Cross-listed with BIOL 230.
  • PS 251 BOTANY F 3 cr. LEC 3 PREREQUISITE: BIOL 101N -- This course will provide a thorough overview of the fundamentals of plant and fungal biology from evolutionary, ecological, and physiological perspectives. Cross-listed with BIOL 251. 
  • PS 252 BOTANY LAB F 1 cr. LAB 1COREQUISITE: PS 251.-- This lab will feature plant ecology and also plants that have been used as model organisms in studies of basic biological processes. Cross-listed with Biol 252.
  • PS 280 SPECIAL TOPICS On demand 1 - 4 cr. Maximum 12 cr. PREREQUISITE: None required, but some may be necessary by each offering department. -- Courses not required in any curriculum for which there is a particular one-time need, or given on a trial basis to determine acceptability and demand before requesting a regular course number.
  • PS 289 UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH/CREATIVE ACTIVITY INSTRUCTION F,S,Su 1 - 2 cr. RCT May be repeated. Max 4 cr. COREQUISITE: PS 290. -- Classroom instruction associated with directed undergraduate research/creative activity projects.
  • PS 290 UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH/CREATIVE ACTIVITY F,S 1 - 4 cr. RCT May be repeated COREQUISITE: Freshman or sophomore standing and approval of instructor. -- Undergraduate research which may culminate in a research paper, journal article, or other creative project.
  • PS 305 HORTICULTURAL GENETICS S 3 cr. LEC 3 PREREQUISITE: BIOL 102.-- Examination of the modes of inheritance, gene expression and genetic manipulation of eukaryotic organisms, particularly those of flowering plants, population genetics, genetic diversity and quantitative genetics are also discussed.
  • PS 318 BIOMETRY F 3 cr. LEC 3 PREREQUISITE: MATH 150 and computer literacy.-- Analysis and interpretation of biological data. Topics include: analysis of frequency data, probability distributions, hypothesis testing, one-way analysis of variance, linear regression, and correlation. Use of computer software in solving problems.
  • PS 325 SITE DEVELOPMENT LAB S 1 cr. LAB 1PREREQUISITE: MATH 150, PS 331. COREQUISITE: PS 335 -- Practical assistance with problem-solving and field measurement for: site analysis, boundary survey, leveling and topographic survey, grading design, earthwork calculations, drainage design, and circulation alignment. 
  • PS 331 PLANTING DESIGN F 3 cr. LEC 1 STU 2 PREREQUISITE: PS 231 (may be taken as a corequisite). -- Graphic communication skills; landscape trends and styles; landscape design principles; and planting design for engineering, architectural, climate control, and aesthetic uses. Emphasis on residential landscape planning. Specification writing and cost estimating for landscape installation.
  • PS 332 HORTICULTURE SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY S 3 cr. LEC 3 PREREQUISITE: PS 102 or PS 251. -- Basic and applied science and technology related to horticulture with emphasis on the physiological components of growth and development of ornamentals, fruits, and vegetables
  • PS 333 LANDSCAPE GRAPHICS F,S 3 cr. LEC 1 LAB 2 PREREQUISITE: ME 116 or TE 230 or AutoCAD experience, PS 331 (PS 331 may be taken as a corequisite. -- Landscape graphic communication including drafting and presentation drawing with computer applications of site analysis, site planning, landscape design, planting design, and irrigation design using LandCADD software.
  • PS 335 SITE DEVELOPMENT S 2 cr. LEC 2 PREREQUISITE: MATH 150, PS 331.-- Site analysis, site survey, structure siting, roadway and parking lot planning, grading and earthwork modifications, site drainage, pedestrian circulation design, and functional uses of plant materials.
  • PS 336 LANDSCAPE CONSTRUCTION S 3 cr. LEC 1 LAB 2 PREREQUISITE: PS 335 (may be taken as a corequisite).-- Understanding of construction materials used to create the built landscape. Design and production of working drawings for walks, patios, steps, ramps, retaining walls, decks, fences and other landscape features. Production of landscape construction portfolio which details a complete site development project including cost estimating and bidding for construction.
  • PS 337 VEGETABLE PRODUCTION F alternate years, to be offered 2003 3 cr. LEC 3 PREREQUISITE: PS 102 or PS 251.-- Modern production practices for all major temperate-zone vegetable crops, including crop management, crop growth and development, storage, and post-harvest physiology. The class will include production of transplants and detailed discussion of several major vegetable crop families, including Solanaceae, Curcurbitaceae, Cruciferae, Liliaceae, and the Fabaceae. 
  • PS 338 FRUIT PRODUCTION F alternate years, to be offered 2002 3 cr. LEC 3 PREREQUISITE: PS 102 OR PS 251.-- Modern production practices for all major temperate-zone tree and small fruit, including crop management, fruit crop growth and development, storage, and post-harvest physiology. The class will include a discussion of rootstocks, and a discussion and demonstration of grafting, pruning, trellising, and quality control as they impact today's fruit production system.
  • PS 339 HORTICULTURE IRRIGATION SYSTEMS AND DESIGN F 3 cr. LEC 2 LAB 1 PREREQUISITE: PS 102. -- Planning and design of irrigation systems for landscape, golf course, nursery, and greenhouse use. Emphasis on pumping stations and irrigation application utilizing sprinkler, drip, and trickle systems.
  • PS 341 FIELD CROP PRODUCTION S alternate years, to be offered 2004 3 cr. LEC 3 PREREQUISITE: PS 102.-- Production of field crops using practical and applied crop management principles. Emphasis includes understanding of crop management principles and application of problem solving capabilities to field crop management situations.
  • PS 342 FORAGES F 3 cr. LEC 3 PREREQUISITE: PS 102.-- Principles of applied forage crop management including establishment, irrigation, fertilization, pests, harvesting, and forage integration of many legume and grass species.
  • PS 421 CONCEPTS OF PLANT PATHOLOGY S 3 cr. LEC 2 LAB 1 PREREQUISITE: BIOL 101.-- An introductory course in the study of plant diseases. Includes plant pathogens, etiology of disease, and various control strategies.
  • PS 422 PLANT DISEASE CONTROL S alternate years, to be offered 2003 3 cr. LEC 3 PREREQUISITE: PS 421 or consent of instructor. -- This course will provide comprehensive coverage of the concepts of integrated management of plant diseases. Concepts covered include regulatory, cultural, chemical, host plant resistance, and biological controls. Students will be introduced to epidemiology and weather-based predictive computer models for use in disease management programs.
  • PS 423 MYCOLOGY F alternate years, to be offered 2002 3 cr. LEC 2 LAB 1 PREREQUISITE: BIOL 101.-- This course surveys the immense diversity of fungi, including all major groups with emphasis on structures, life cycles, identification, and ecology. It provides a basis of knowledge for the rapidly expanding relevance of fungi in research, medicine, agriculture, biotechnology, and industry.
  • PS 426 PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY S 3 cr. LEC 2 LAB 1 PREREQUISITE: BCHM 340 or BIOL 301 or PS 305.-- Humans have historically altered plants to meet food and fiber needs. Our ability to transfer genes from organism to organism is accelerating this process. The principles of plant genetic engineering will be discussed along with hands-on laboratory.
  • PS 429C BIOTECHNOLOGY CAPSTONE SEMINAR S 2 cr. SEM 2 PREREQUISITE: Junior or Senior standing.-- Senior capstone course. Participants in this seminar section will bring closure to the student's required internship. Students will have the opportunity to refine their public speaking and writing skills through synthesis of the goals, progress, and outcome of their industrial or research laboratory experience. Exposure to many different types of internship outcomes will broaden the student's perception of the disciplines which contribute to the field of Biotechnology.
  • PS 431C LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT F 3 cr. LEC 3 PREREQUISITE: BIOL 101.-- Senior capstone course. Maintenance of landscape plants on public grounds, athletic fields, golf courses, and commercial and residential properties. Includes planting, transplanting, pruning, and fertilization techniques for woody plants. This course synthesizes knowledge from other horticulture studies and related science courses through the writing of papers and essay questions and thorough oral discussion.
  • PS 432C LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE F 4 cr. LEC 1 STU 3 PREREQUISITE: PS 331, PS 335, PS 336.-- Senior capstone course. Advanced graphic communication skills, environmental land use planning, master plan design, site specific design, and construction detailing. Individual and group problem-solving skills are stressed through graphic, verbal, and written landscape design solutions. Capstone course for Bachelor of Science in Horticulture - Landscape Design Option.
  • PS 433 PLANT PROPAGATION S 3 cr. LEC 2 LAB 1 PRER EQUISITE: CHEM 121 or 131, PS 332.-- Sexual and asexual reproduction of plants including seed germination, micropropagation, stem and leaf cuttings, grafting, and layering. Includes discussion of propagation structures and growing media.
  • PS 434 GREENHOUSE MANAGEMENT S 3 cr. L EC 2 LAB 1 PREREQUISITE: CHEM 121 or 131, PS 332.-- Greenhouse design and operation. Growing media selection, irrigation, and fertilization systems. Crop selection and programming. Retail and wholesale management strategies. Alternative cropping systems. Insect- and disease-integrated pest management techniques. Lab will investigate herbaceous ornamentals and vegetable production techniques.
  • PS 435 NURSERY MANAGEMENT F 3 cr. LEC 2 LAB 1PREREQUISITE: Junior standing and CHEM 121 or 131, PS 332.-- Management of retail and wholesale nurseries. Emphasis on woody ornamentals including production and handling of nursery stock and hard goods, industry standards, issues, and business strategies specific to the nursery industry.
  • PS 438 MARKET GARDENING Su, 3 cr. LEC 1 LAB 2 PREREQUISITE: PS 102, LRES 201, and Junior standing.-- Focus is on the production of quality vegetable, herb, and flower products for sale through local, regional, or non-traditional marketing avenues. Special attention is made to present and analyze sustainable food crop production systems.
  • PS 441 CROP BREEDING S 3 cr. LEC 3 PREREQUISITE: BIOL 301 or PS 305.-- Application of genetic principles in improving important agronomic and horticultural plant species. Traditional methods of hybridization as well as methods of non-sexual gene transfer are included.
  • PS 450 PLANT PHYSIOLOGY S 3 cr. LEC 3 PREREQUISITE: Junior standing, BIOL 101, and one of the following: CHEM 215, CHEM 311, or BCHM 122.-- Physiological process of higher plants, including photosynthesis, water relations, mineral nutrition, development, stress physiology, and biotechnology. Cross-listed with BIOL 430.
  • PS 452 PLANT ANATOMY F alternate years, to be offered 2003 3 cr. LEC 1 LAB 2 PREREQUISITE: Junior standing, BIOL 101.-- Advanced plant biology examining structure and functions of plant cells and tissues. Includes experience with plant growth in greenhouse, light microscopy, and an individual project with slide preparation. Cross-listed with BIOL 432.
  • PS 453 PHYCOLOGY S alternate years, to be offered 2003 3 cr. LEC 2 LAB 1 PREREQUISITE: BIOL 102, BIOL 303.-- Identification, physiology, ecology, and evolution of marine and freshwater algae. Cross-listed with BIOL 433.
  • PS 454 AGROSTOLOGY F alternate years, to be offered 2003 3 cr. LEC 1 LAB 2 PREREQUISITE: BIOL 230.-- Determination, classification, evolution, and nomenclature of grasses and grass-like plants; morphological and ecological features; preparation of reference specimens. Cross-listed with BIOL 434.
  • PS 456 PLANT SYSTEMATICS F alternate years, to be offered 2002 3 cr. LEC 1 LAB 2 PREREQUISITE: BIOL 101, BIOL 230.-- Introduction to methods of analyzing evolutionary relationships of land plants, classification, and species concepts. Lab concentrates on plant identification emphasizing angiosperm plant families of Montana; pre paration of reference specimens. Cross-listed with BIOL 436.
  • PS 457 PLANT DEVELOPMENT F alternate years, to be offered 2002 3 cr. LEC 3 PREREQUISITE: BIOL 301. -- Cellular and molecular mechanisms of the development of plants. Topics include developmental differences between plants and animals, regulation of gene expression, environmental effects on plant development, and computer modeling of development. Cross-listed with BIOL 437.
  • PS 458 PLANT CELL PHYSIOLOGY F alternate years, to be offered 2003 3 cr. LEC 3 PREREQUISITE: BIOL 301, BCHM 340.-- The features of plant cells that differentiate them from animal cells are the chief topics covered. These include cell walls, plastids and vacuoles. Other cellular organelles will also be briefly covered, including intra- and inter-cellular communication mechanisms. 
  • PS 460 PLANT METABOLISM S alternate years, to be offered 2003 3 cr. LEC 3 PREREQUISITE: PS 251, BCHM 340 -- In-depth overview of plant metabolism: photosynthesis including C4 and CAM metabolism; intermediary carbon metabolism; lipids; nitrogen and sulfur assimilation and metabolism; amino acid biosynthesis; secondary metabolism (terpenoids, alkaloids, phenylpropanoids, flavonoids); metabolic changes during plant development.
  • PS 470 INDIVIDUAL PROBLEMS  On Demand 1 - 3 cr. IND Maximum 6 cr. PREREQUISITE: Junior standing, consent of instructor and approval of department head. -- Directed research and study on an individual basis.
  • PS 476 INTERNSHIP On Demand 2 - 4 cr. IND Maximum 12 cr. PREREQUISITE: Junior standing, consent of instructor and approval of department head. -- An individualized assignment arranged with an agency, business, or other organization to provide guided experience in the field.
  • PS 480 SPECIAL TOPICS  On Demand 1 - 4 cr. Maximum 12 cr. PREREQUISITE: Course prerequisites as determined for each offering.
    -- Courses not required in any curriculum for which there is a particular one-time need, or given on a trial basis to determine acceptability and demand.
  • PS 489 UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH/CREATIVE ACTIVITY INSTRUCTION F,S,Su 1 - 2 cr. RCT May be repeated. Maximum 4 cr. COREQUISITE: PS 490. -- Classroom instruction associated with directed undergraduate research/creative activity projects.
  • PS 490 UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH/CREATIVE ACTIVITY F,S 1 - 4 cr. IND PREREQUISITE: Junior or Senior standing and approval of instructor.-- Undergraduate research which may culminate in a research paper, journal article, or undergraduate thesis.

List of Plant Sciences and Plant Pathology Courses Offered by Semester

Plant Biology Course List

List of Biology Courses Offered by Semester

  • BIOL 301 PRINCIPLES OF GENETICS F,S 3 cr. LEC 3 PREREQUISITE: BIOL 102 or MB 301. -- Introduction to classical and molecular genetics of eukaryotes, with emphasis on transmission genetics, the structure and regulation of genes, and mechanisms of genetic change
  • BIOL 402 ADVANCED CELL & MOLECULAR BIOLOGY S 3 cr. LEC 3 PREREQUISITE: BIOL 301, BCHM 340 or consent of instructor.-- In-depth study of cell structure and function
  • BIOL 403 EVOLUTION S 3 cr. LEC 3 PREREQUISITE: BIOL 301.-- For seniors in biology. Evolutionary theory is presented and takes two principle directions, the study of evolutionary history, and the study of natural selection.