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description of above plant images (photos courtesy of Professor Ronald Toth) |
Graduate Program in Plant SciencesCoursesGraduate Plant FacultyThe Program The graduate program in Plant Biology offers advanced training in molecular, cellular and genetic organismal methods for studying plants. These are designed to instruct graduate students to study important questions in cell biology, photosynthesis, development, evolution, physiology, signal transduction and host-pathogen interactions of plants. Some plant biology faculty are using the model system of Arabidopsis thaliana to investigate such interesting problems as function of DRG genes (Stafstrom), about molecular biology (Sims), and host genes related to RNA virus replication and recombination (Bujarski). Some faculty are studying the plant-pathogen interactions of viruses (Bujarski), fungi (Hudspeth), and mycorrhizal-plant associations (Toth), while other faculty are using yeast to address important questions of genes related to pathogenicity (Calvo). Contemporary biochemical approaches are being used to study photosynthesis and carbon metabolism (Holbrook), while the faculty in plant developmental biology are doing advanced research on such problems as regulation of apical meristem development and developmental mechanisms (Stafstom) or self-incompatibility in petunia (Sims). Molecular genetics approaches are used for gene mapping and systematics (Polans), or isolation of important genes from plants and animals (Johns). Finally, both molecular and morphological criteria are being utilized to address evolutionary questions in land plants (Duval), or for taxonomic assessment of plant species (Beck). Students interested in Plant Biology graduate program are encouraged to examine a more detailed description of faculty research interests, by clicking on the faculty links listed below. The requirements for both M. S. and Ph. D. students in the Plant Biology program are intended to provide a broad background in cell and molecular biology, and molecular genetics, plus advanced training in one or more of the particular research area listed above. In addition, we promote an environment where students have opportunity to develop the critical thinking skills necessary for a rewarding career as an independent scientist. All M.S. and Ph.D. students in Plant Biology follow the initial training program that includes core courses, lab rotations, and seminars. The graduate committee and especially the graduate advisor, in consultation with individual student’s advisor, help each student to choose the advanced courses that are appropriate for his/her research plans and career objectives. In addition to formal courses, the program provides opportunities for critical discussion of the scientific literature through the plant seminar and journal clubs in the particular laboratory groups. Recent Ph.D. graduates in Plant Biology have readily obtained positions as postdoctoral researchers, faculty members, and independent scientists in universities, biotech companies, and government agencies. For further information on career opportunities, please refer to the Botanical Society of America's booklet entitled "Careers in Botany" . The Botanical Society webpage includes other links to career information sites. CoursesGraduate Plant FacultyFor more information, contact: Jozef J. Bujarski, Ph. D., Director, Plant Molecular Biology Center Northern
Illinois University |
