Our students are expected to acquire a general knowledge of the major disciplines associated with experimental plant biology. Thus, all PRL students normally complete at least four graduate courses in the general areas of molecular biology, genetics, plant development, plant physiology, biochemistry, or cell biology. To provide flexibility, the courses are usually chosen from among those required by the Genetics Program, the Cell and Molecular Biology Program, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Plant Biology, and Microbiology and Molecular Genetics. Thus, it is not necessary to complete additional coursework to meet the requirements of both the PRL and an academic program or department. However, on the advice of the guidance committee, additional coursework may be required to alleviate deficiencies in background.

PLANT RESEARCH LABORATORY
FORMAL REQUIREMENTS FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS

Coursework

We strongly believe that PRL students should have a good background in the plant sciences.  Toward this end, at least one of the plant science courses from list "A" must be taken.

Each student, in consultation with his or her committee, shall choose three or more additional courses from the combined "A" and "B" groups.  It should be noted that group "B" is not a complete list and that alternative courses may be chosen, subject to approval by the Personnel Affairs Committee of the PRL.

Group "A"
PLB 863 Environmental Plant Physiology (Spring, odd years)
PLB 865 Plant Growth and Development (Fall, even years)
BMB 864 Plant Biochemistry (Fall, even years)
PLB/BMB/CSS 856 Plant Molecular Biology (Spring)


Group "B"
PLP 881 Mol. and Biochem. Plant Pathology (Spring, odd years)
BMB 801 Molecular Biology (Organizations of Genes, Regulation
  of Gene Expression, Fall)
BMB 802 Metabolic Regulation and Signal Transduction (Spring)
BMB 803 Protein Structure and Function (Fall)
BMB 804 Biochemical Mechanisms and Structure (Spring)
BMB 825 Cell Structure and Function (Spring)
MMG 821 Microbial Physiology (Fall, even years)
MMG 833 Microbial Genetics (Fall)
GEN 835/MMG 821 Microbial Physiology (Fall, even years)
MMG 835 Eukaryotic Molecular Genetics (Spring)

Teaching
Each student must also serve as teaching assistant, as required by the academic department of his or her joint appointment.

Rotations
Graduate assistants are expected to perform three ten-week rotations in different laboratories.  Exceptions to this requirement must be approved by the PAC committee.  At least one of the rotations must be in a PRL faculty laboratory.

Thesis Committee
The graduate assistant’s thesis committee must have at least one member from the PRL faculty.

Mentor Selection
If a student chooses a mentor outside the PRL, he/she should be aware that the mentor and the degree-granting program will determine the level of future stipends.