Plant Pathology | Plant Physiology | Weed Science | MCBB | MPS | Non-Thesis
The Department has a set of course recommendations for all departmental curricula (in worksheet format, Word file, also found in the Graduate Student Handbook) which students, in consultation with their advisor, should use in developing a Program of Study. The Program of Study must be approved by the student's Advisory Committee
Course work for both an M.S. and Ph.D. degree include a core course (PPWS 5054) that covers plant pathogenic agents, their biology, and effects on plants. The laboratory section allows each student hands-on experience with several basic and applied research techniques that are used in the many facets of Plant Pathology. In addition, Principles of Plant Disease Management (PPWS 5204) and Clinic and Field Experience (PPWS 5034) are required classes for plant pathology students. Students are also required to present seminars.
Most Ph.D. students also take the following courses, which are offered in alternate years: PPWS 6004 Advanced Topics: Plant Disease Epidemiology and PPWS 5454, Plant Disease Physiology and Development. These courses highlight theoretical concepts of Plant Pathology.
Degree requirements for Plant Physiology are outlined in departmental recommendations (Word file). Students may also elect to participate in the Molecular Cell Biology and Biotechnology Program.
During the past decades, weed science has been established as a well-defined and recognized academic discipline within the general area of plant protection complementing the older disciplines of entomology and plant pathology. Today, most land-grant universities in the United States offer graduate studies in weed science. However, in many cases, weed science is not offered as a separate curriculum and many graduate students specializing in weed science have their degrees awarded in the field of agronomy, botany, horticulture, forestry, plant pathology, or soil science. At Virginia Tech, the degree recommendations for weed science are similar to those for a degree in plant physiology, but also include core applied courses in weed science, namely Weed Science Principles and Practices (PPWS 4754); Pesticide Usage (PPWS 4264); and Herbicide Action and Metabolism (PPWS 5754).
Molecular Cell Biology and Biotechnology
PPWS students with an interest in molecular aspects of the life sciences may also participate in the interdepartmental Molecular Cell Biology and Biotechnology (MCBB) curriculum. Much of contemporary research in the life sciences is becoming unified through the use of molecular biology techniques. New techniques in biochemistry, cell biology, immunology, and molecular genetics have made possible the purification, mutation and reintroduction of modified proteins into cells. Practitioners of fields once considered far distant from each other now use molecular biology approaches. The MCBB option gives students a foundation in molecular cell biology. Participating PPWS students must meet the degree requirements for the Plant Pathology, Plant Physiology, or Weed Science curriculum (see above) as well as the requirements of the MCBB curriculum. Further details about the latter can be found on the MCBB Home Page.
None-Thesis MS Plant Protection
A non-thesis Master of Science degree is offered with emphasis on plant protection and pest management. Students pursuing a non-thesis M.S. in Plant Protection complete a number of core courses and approved electives, as well as an internship or equivalent project. Students completing this program will be well prepared to move into a variety of positions in the agricultural, plant protection, and pest management industry. Students planning to pursue a Ph.D. degree are advised to complete a M.S. with thesis, since the Ph.D. is a research degree.
Non-thesis M.S. programs that differ from the Plant Protection program may be proposed by students in collaboration with their Advisor and Advisory Committee. Such individual programs must be approved by the Department Head, who may ask for review by the Education Committee. All non-thesis programs will include a Project and Report or Internship.