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University of Nebraska–Lincoln

The School of Biological Sciences

Dedicated to Excellence

Graduate Training in Plant Systems Biology

The Plant Systems Biology GREG (PSB) offers advanced research training leading to the Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees. Admission to the program is based on grades and coursework at the undergraduate and graduate level, letters of recommendation, standardized examination scores, written statements of academic and professional goals, and other documentation of research and academic accomplishment and potential.

The first year graduate program is carefully structured to achieve three interrelated goals: (a) Initiate the first-year graduate students into the supportive community of advanced graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and faculty; (b) provide a basic, common foundation in Plant Molecular Biology; and (c) introduce students to different areas of research and to a variety of research methods, procedures, and approaches. In subsequent years the curriculum is individually designed in consultation with the student's graduate committee, taking into account the student's background, previous laboratory experience, and the major subject in which he or she is interested.

Seminars

The seminar courses are intended to strengthen the students' skills in analyzing the primary scientific literature. These classes acquaint students with the scientific literature, research possibilities, the faculty, and other graduate students in the program. Two introductory seminars are required during the first year:

  • Cell Biology and Genetics (BIOS 915G - Fall semester)
  • Molecular Plant Biology (BIOS 915Q - Spring semester)

Courses

The lecture courses provide a broad, common background to all students. There is a set of required core courses to be completed within the first year. The biochemistry requirements provide a sound underpinning for other coursework and can be met by transferring equivalent credits from another institution. All other courses are electives, to allow greater flexibility in designing a program of study according to specific interests.

Required core courses

  • Biochemistry I (BIOC 831) or the equivalent
  • Biochemistry II (BIOC 832) or the equivalent
  • Plant Molecular Biology (AGRO 810) or the equivalent

Strongly recommended courses

  • Plant Genetic Engineering Lab (AGRO 898)
  • Plant Biochemistry (BIOC 834)

Additional courses of general interest

  • Fundamentals of Crop Physiology (AGRO 803)
  • Plant Breeding (AGRO 815)
  • Seed Physiology (AGRO 816)
  • Plant Cytogenetics (AGRO 918)
  • Plant Genetics (AGRO 919)
  • Laboratory Techniques in Molecular Biology (BIOC 837)
  • Proteins (BIOC 932)
  • Enzymes (BIOC 933)
  • Nucleic Acids (BIOC 934)
  • Advanced Topics in Plant Biochemistry (BIOC 937A)
  • Photobiochemistry (BIOC 939)
  • Biology of Cells and Organelles (BIOS 807)
  • Plant Tissue Culture (BIOS 811)
  • Computer-Aided Sequence Analysis Primer (BIOS 816)
  • Molecular Genetics (BIOS 820)
  • Plant Biotechnology (BIOS 825)
  • Molecular Phylogenetics (BIOS 830)
  • Advanced Molecular Biology Laboratory (BIOS 851)
  • Advanced Cell Biology Laboratory (BIOS 853)
  • Plant Growth and Development (BIOS 879)
  • Special Topics in Biological Sciences (BIOS 897)
  • Signal Transduction (BIOS 964)
  • Mathematical Models in Biology (BIOS 856)
  • Plant Taxonomy (BIOS 871)
  • Plant Anatomy (BIOS 878)
  • Biochemical Adaptation (BIOS 956)
  • Genetic Ecology (BIOS 958)
  • Principles of Plant Pathology (BIOS 864A)
  • Plant Pathology-Plant Virology (BIOS 963)
  • Genetics of Host-Parasite Interaction (BIOS 963)
  • Plant Pathogenic Bacteria (BIOS 867)
  • Phytopathogenic Fungi (BIOS 869)
  • Professionalism (BIOS 809)
  • Introduction to Biotechnology Core Research Facilities (BIOS 902)
  • Statistical Methods in Research (BIOM 801)
  • Database Organization and Management (CSCE 852)
  • Information Retrieval Systems (CSCE 810)
  • Database Systems (CSCE 813)

Laboratory rotations

During their first semester, students are required to rotate in three different labs where they will participate in short research projects. This requirement will be waived if a student is interested in working in a specific laboratory. All of the rotation labs are potential hosts for thesis research, and the non-binding character of the rotation program allows students to experience first hand a variety of research groups before committing to one of them. In addition, a very important function of the rotation program is to initiate the first-year students into the community of graduate students and postdoctoral researchers.

Teaching

Students are strongly encouraged to participate in at least one semester of teaching experience. This training is particularly valuable for students who are interested in a career in academics. The possibility of more extensive preparation in teaching is also available.

Plant Science Retreat

Students are encouraged to participate in an annual retreat to acquaint them with current research in the Plant Sciences at UNL. This gathering of students, postdoctoral fellows, and faculty provides a unique opportunity to interact in an informal setting with colleagues in various research groups. The meeting also provides a forum for advanced graduate students and postdocs to present results of their research.

Facilities and Special Resources

The PSB program's laboratories are well equipped for research in most aspects of plant biology, from whole plant to subcellular and molecular aspects. Field and greenhouse facilities are available for research, as well as a suite of environmentally controlled growth chambers and special culture facilities. The Beadle Center houses core research facilities dedicated to DNA sequencing, protein sequencing, antibody production, cell sorting/flow cytometry, confocal laser scanning and electron microscopy, and plant transformation. University-wide resources include mass spectrometry, NMR, computing centers, and the usual facilities normally associated with molecular, biochemical and biophysical research. Facilities for making DNA microarrays and for the analysis of data related to functional genomics are also available. Several weekly seminar series provide opportunities to interact with internationally recognized faculty from UNL and other institutions.

Financial Assistance

Teaching and research assistantships are available for qualified applicants on a competitive basis. In addition, assistants receive up to 12 free credit hours each semester. The program strongly encourages prospective graduate students to apply for all applicable fellowships to defray fees and stipends. Qualified students can compete for several UNL-sponsored fellowships. All students in the PMB program who are making satisfactory progress toward the degree normally receive support until their degrees are completed.