Course Syllabus
Current Topics in Plant Protection III
PLPT 390
Instructor
Gary Yuen (406 Plant Science, Dept. of Plant Pathology; 472-3125; gyuen1@unl.edu) and other Plant Protection Sciences faculty
Description
1 credit hour. This course is intended to bring all students in the entomology, plant pathology, and weed science subdisciplines within the major to a common level of awareness of the current scientific, governmental, societal, and global issues involving plant pathogens, pests and weeds. Emerging issues relating to microbe, insect and weed pests of plants in agricultural, landscape and natural ecosystems will be presented. Potential impacts of new scientific, regulatory and international trade developments on plant pest management will be examined.
Format
This class will meet once a week for 50 minutes in conjunction with students enrolled in PLPT 160 and PLPT 260. Other faculty members and plant protection experts may be participating as well. Each week a different topic will be introduced by a student enrolled in PLPT 390, a faculty member, or an expert from industry, research, or regulatory sectors. Reading will be assigned by the presenter 1 week prior to the presentation. Each student will derive at least one question from the reading to be submitted in written form at the start of the presentation. Within 1 week after the presentation, each student must submit a 1-page written summary on the topic, providing the who, where, what and why of the topic. Different viewpoints on the topic should be considered in developing the summary. Information for the summary will come from assigned reading and from the presentation.
Grading
60% of grade will be based on preparation for each topic (i.e., submitted question), attendance at weekly presentations and participation in discussion.
40% of the grade will be based on 1-page written summary of the week’s topic.
Reference texts and reading
Because different topics will be addressed in each class session and the list of topics will change each year, there are no appropriate references or texts for the course. For each topic, articles from scientific and trade journals, news periodicals and the Internet will be provided and assigned as required reading.
Lecture Topics
List of topics and schedule of presentation will be developed at the beginning of the semester. The course will address the latest developments and issues, including such topic areas as: transgenic plants in landscape environments; emerging diseases and insect pests; new strategies and methods for managing plant pests; and new regulations and government programs relating to crop biosecurity.
