YPS-21303 Plant Diseases and Immunity: Basic Concepts and their Applications

Course

Credits 3.00

Teaching methodContact hours
Learning supported by IT
Tutorial8
Course coordinator(s)dr. G Smant
Lecturer(s)dr. G Smant
dr. ir. JC Goud
a.o.
Examiner(s)prof. dr. ir. J Bakker

Language of instruction:

English

Contents:

The course provides introductions to the basic principles and concepts of plant pathology. The basic principles and concepts addressed in the course constitute the knowledge base on which continuing courses in the MSc Plant Sciences build further. The concepts and principles are offered to students in coherent distance-learning modules, each addressing a specific field of plant pathology. For example, the course includes amongst others introductionary modules on bacteriology, nematology, mycology, and genetics. Students entering the MSc Plant Sciences at the Wageningen University may experience a specific knowledge deficit that can been filled with a personal selection of at least three modules.

Learning outcomes:

After finishing the course, students should be able to:
- describe the biology of plant-pathogenic viruses, bacteria, fungi and nematodes, plant pests and weeds and to specify differences (molecularly and ecologically) between all groups, with respect to classification, reproduction and ploidy level, growth and development, morphology and dispersal;
- understand the life cycles plant-pathogenic viruses, bacteria, fungi and nematodes, plant pests and weeds in relation to the growth of the host plant(s), in order to be able to comment on the possible effects of control measures;
- name one or several possible causes for symptoms and the origin of the causal agent on plants, based on the presence or absence of macroscopic and microscopic structures;
- give examples of the most important diseases, pest organisms or weeds in crops.

Activities:

In consultation with the studycoordinator, students enrolling the MSc program Plant Sciences will assess their BSc curriculum for specific deficits in the assumed knowledge for the MSc Plant Sciences. Based on the outcome of the assessment the studycoordinator will advise students to follow a specific selection of learning modules offered in this course. The modules consist of so-called distance learning modules supported by information technology that require an internet connection to the University's servers. The interactive modules contain coherent introductionary packages on principles and concepts of a specific field in plant pathology. Within the modules the students are offered at least two explanations of each concept and principle, illustrated with figures and animations. An illustrated glossary of terms frequently associated with plant pathology is also included in the course.

Examination:

Written exam with multiple choice questions.

Literature:

Agrios (2005) Plant Pathology, 5th ed. ISBN 0120445654.

ProgrammePhaseSpecializationPeriod
Restricted Optional for: MPSPlant SciencesMScE: Plant Pathology and Entomology4AF