About this course

The biology and life style of plant pathogens, how they can be isolated and cultivated. Classical and modern ways of diagnosing. Disease cycle, including survival, dispersal and infection, in connection to environmental factors. Development of plant disease epidemics and population genetics. The pathogen's weapons and plants' defense mechanisms. Principles for disease control, with particular focus on plant resistance and resistance breeding. National and international plant health legislation.

Learning outcome

Knowledge: adequate insight in plant pathology and resistance breeding to work with these topics on master- and PhD level, both theoretically and experimentally.

Skills: Should be able to 1) Evaluate environmental and social consequences of plant diseases and the strategies to combat the diseases; 2. Stay updated on plant diseases threatening our cultivated plants; 3) Critically evaluate published literature in this area.

General competences: The theoretical foundation necessary for acquiring knowledge in the and skills that can be used to for solving plant health problems and contribute to a sustainable development.

  • Learning activities

    Lectures, lab exercises, literature seminars, self study.

  • Teaching support

    Teaching books, scientific literature, question hour before the exam, Canvas.

  • Syllabus

    Information will be given in Canvas

  • Prerequisites

    Bachelor level courses in plant physiology,microbiology, genetics and chemistry (BOT130, BIO130, BIO120 and KJM100), including experience in lab work in these subjects are necessary, in addition to basic plant pathology (equivalent to PLV200).

  • Recommended prerequisites

    Introductory course in cell biology,biochemistry, ecology, organic chemistry, molecular biology

  • Assessment method

    Oral exam - 50 %

    Folder (laboratory reports, literature seminar + literaure report) - 50 %.



    Oral exam Karakterregel: Letter grades Portfolio Karakterregel: Letter grades

  • About use of AI

    Exam - K1 - No use of AI allowed

    Folder - K2 - Specified use of AI allowed, i.e. AI can be used for idea generation and language washing. Use of AI should be described with a brief explanation of which programs have been used and how the program is used in the text.

    Descriptions of AI-category codes.

  • Examiner scheme

    External examinor (censor) present in oral exam, and participating in final grading

  • Mandatory activity

    Laboratory exercises, submission of laboratory reports, and literature seminars with submission of report.

  • Notes

    A collaboration with other Nordic universities: SLU, KU-LIFE and HU-AF may be established

  • Teaching hours

    8 h per week in 11 weeks

  • Preferential right

    Master students in Plant Sciences

  • Admission requirements

    Special requirements in Science