Independent study in Plant Pathology under the supervision of a faculty member. Repeatable for up to 6.00 credit hours.

The course will provide instruction on experimental methods commonly used in Plant-Microbe Interaction and will train students in critical thinking, grant writing, scientific ethics and seminar presentation.

Each semester five distinguished scientists visit the UK campus to deliver a series of three formal lectures each and participate in numerous informal contacts with graduate students. The emphasis is on the presentation of the most current advances (often unpublished) in selected topics in molecular and cellular genetics. May be repeated to a maximum of six credits.

This course will consider the chemical constituents of plants (with emphasis on biologically or nutritionally significant compounds unique to plants), their biosynthesis, contributions to key metabolic and defense processes and the regulation of their synthesis. Included will be discussions of photosynthesis, carbohydrates, lipids, isoprenoids, phenylpropanoids, nitrogen fixation, nitrogen and sulfur reduction and assimilation, alkaloids and additional secondary compound, frontiers in plant biochemistry.

To understand implications of deployment of biotechnology and other disease management practices at the level of host and pathogen populations.

The Fungal Biology course introduces basic mycological concepts including systematics, anatomy, cell biology, metabolism, developmental biology, ecology, population genetics, and reproduction. There is a focus on modern molecular approaches to these concepts. Students will also learn about the use of fungi in research and biotechnology.

Molecular basis of plant virus infection of plants. Virus replication and spread. Virus control strategies.

Semester-long rotations in Plant Pathology laboratories other than the students' "home lab". An opportunity will be provided to apply new approaches that are utilized in those labs to the students' research problems. May be repeated to a maximum of six credit hours.

Half-time to full-time work on thesis. May be repeated to a maximum of six semesters.

Residency credit for dissertation research after the qualifying examination. Students may register for this course in the semester of the qualifying examination. A minimum of two semesters are required as well as continuous enrollment (Fall and Spring) until the dissertation is completed and defended.