An introduction to the major groups in the plant kingdom, their origin, classification, and economic importance. The areas of anatomy, morphology, cytology, physiology, biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics, and ecology will be explored as they relate to plant sciences and agriculture.  Course may also be offered for dual credit with cooperating Indiana high schools upon documented approval by the Department of Botany and Plant Pathology. Typically offered Fall Spring.

BTNY 11000 Introduction To Plant Science

Introduction To Plant Science

This course is an introduction to fundamental biological concepts as they relate to plant biology to better prepare students for more specialized study. Lectures and laboratory exercises will cover mechanisms and processes of plant ecology, physiology and genetics. Our goal is to convey how these levels of organization all contribute to the relative success of plants within and across environments. Throughout the course, an emphasis will be made on the means by which scientific data is collected and interpreted, and key experiments performed in the lab component will be used to illustrate this process. Typically offered Spring.

BTNY 11100 Principles Of Plant Biology

Principles Of Plant Biology

This course is the first of a two-semester series that introduces fundamental biological concepts and prepares students for more specialized plant biology studies. Lectures and laboratory exercises will cover the topics of plant diversity, morphology, physiology, and ecology. Throughout the course, emphasis will be placed on how scientific data is collected and interpreted, and the lab component will perfect key observational skills in botany. Our goal is to provide essential foundational knowledge in plant biology for progression to upper-level courses.

BTNY 12000 Principles Of Plant Biology I

Principles Of Plant Biology I

BTNY 12100 Principles Of Plant Biology II

Principles Of Plant Biology II

This course delivers a broad synthesis of microbiology, discussing all taxa of the microbial world.  The course also discusses a wide range of subjects related to microbiology, including medical microbiology, but it has a strong emphasis on the botanical and environmental sciences.  One particular characteristic that separates it from other microbiology courses is the reduced emphasis upon bacteriology, with discussions of the protists and viruses and, especially of the fungi, occurring in greater detail than the other general microbiology courses available. Typically offered Spring.

BTNY 20700 The Microbial World

The Microbial World

The course is designed to expose students to the diversity of Plant Science research at Purdue and help students to get started in research and in the fantastic world of scientific discovery. Students will learn the importance of Plant Science research in society and how to become active participants of Purdue research discoveries. Students will learn about the scientific method and how discoveries are made to find answers to world problems. The students will explore department and campus resources to identify areas of research interest, learn how to search and apply for research/internship opportunities and find faculty that can serve as professional models and mentors. We will provide opportunities for students to interact and network with faculty members, professionals from industry and students involved in diverse research areas.

BTNY 20800 Introduction To Plant Science Research

Introduction To Plant Science Research

This course focuses on fundamental knowledge of the internal structure of plants, including distinct cell types, tissues, tissue systems, and organs that make up a plant. Lectures and laboratories will cover the structural parts that comprise the plant body including three major vegetative organs (roots, stems, and leaves) and a set of reproductive organs (flowers, fruits, and seeds). The goal of this course is to understand the internal organization of plants, to learn multiple lab techniques critical for plant science research, and to develop critical thinking and problem solving skills.

BTNY 26200 Plant Structure And Tissue Biology

Plant Structure And Tissue Biology

This course, intended primarily for non-majors, covers the history of agriculture, with focus on the centers of origin of our major food, fiber, and medicinal plants, and their historical, cultural, and economic relevance. The course also surveys the biology of crop plants, with respect to taxonomy, anatomy, cell structure, physiology, development, and genetics. Discussions also center on the roles plant biotechnology may play in sustainable agriculture and in helping to alleviate problems caused by overpopulation and ecological stress.

BTNY 28500 Plants And Civilization

Plants And Civilization

Supervised individual laboratory or field research for freshmen and sophomore undergraduate students. A written report of work accomplished will be required. Up to 3 credits can be earned in BTNY 29800. Permission of department required.

BTNY 29800 Research In Plant Science

Research In Plant Science

Basic principles of plant pathology, including etiology, symptomatology, control, and epidemiology of representative diseases of plants.

BTNY 30100 Introductory Plant Pathology

Introductory Plant Pathology

Offered in odd-numbered years.  This course will provide an introduction to the broad field of plant ecology.  Through lectures and lab assignments, students will gain an in-depth understanding of ecological concepts regarding the occurrence and distribution of plant species and populations.  Students will also gain insights into the application of these concepts to the conservation and management of plant species and populations. Typically offered Spring.

BTNY 30200 Plant Ecology

Plant Ecology

A survey of the scientific principles underlying weed control practices; emphasis is on the ecology of weeds and control in crop associations. It is recommended that this course be followed by BTNY 50400.

BTNY 30400 Introductory Weed Science

Introductory Weed Science

The principles of classification of seed plants, with emphasis on methods of identification in laboratory and field.  Requires class trips. Students will pay individual lodging or meal expenses when necessary. Typically offered Fall.

BTNY 30500 Plant Evolution And Taxonomy

Plant Evolution And Taxonomy

(HORT 35000) A study of the methods used to produce genetically modified organisms, primarily using gene transfer technology, and the application of these organisms in agriculture.  The uses of microbes, plants, and animals in agricultural biotechnology are examined.  Social, economic, and ethical issues related to biotechnology are discussed. Typically offered Spring.

BTNY 35000 Biotechnology In Agriculture

Biotechnology In Agriculture

Over millions of years, plants have evolved the ability to biosynthesize thousands of compounds. In only the last few thousand years, humans have cultivated plants for their ability to feed, heal, intoxicate and even poison - depending upon the plant and the compounds they produce. The objective of this course is to learn and apply plant taxonomy to identify and study the regional flora of Indiana with a focus on flora used in the production 'intoxicants'. Individuals must be 21 years of age no later than the first day of class. Permission of instructor required.

BTNY 35700 The Intoxicated Botanist

The Intoxicated Botanist

This course deals with special topics in botany not covered in regular undergraduate coursework. Credit depends upon work done. May be repeated once for credit. Permission of instructor required.

BTNY 39000 The Intoxicated Botanist

BTNY 39000 Selected Topics In Plant Science

Selected Topics In Plant Science

BTNY 39000 Select Topics In Plant Science

Select Topics In Plant Science

This course deals with special topics in botany not covered in regular undergraduate coursework. Credit depends upon work done. May be repeated once for credit. Permission of instructor required. Typically offered Fall Spring Summer.

BTNY 39000 Plant Structure&Tissue Biology

Plant Structure&Tissue Biology

BTNY 39000 Study Abroad Scotland

Study Abroad Scotland

BTNY 39000 Intro To Plant Sci Research

Intro To Plant Sci Research

This course will focus on the fundamentals of plant cellular and developmental biology. Topics to be covered include: the structure and function of plant organelles and membranes; the cell cycle; DNA, RNA and protein synthesis; the secretory pathway, and the cellular basis of development and whole plant morphogenesis. Typically offered Spring.

BTNY 42000 Plant Cellular And Developmental Biology

Plant Cellular And Developmental Biology

A team-based laboratory course for students who seek experience working with international partners to plan and conduct quality service-learning projects. Using established partner relationships, students will work with international partners to address hands-on, real-world, identified challenges to learn the principles of extension methodology and sustainable community development by integrating their discipline knowledge and technical skills from previous courses. Students will also learn the intercultural communication, market analysis, project design and planning, entrepreneurial business planning for micro-credit loans and business ventures, and cultural factors affecting community food security while they work in bi-national teams to determine how best to apply their classroom knowledge and experience to respond to partners' needs and local resource constraints.

BTNY 43100 Planning For International Engagement Methods

Planning For International Engagement Methods

Designed for students who have just returned from the Engagement Methods for Int'l Food Security course or have previous experience working with our partners. In order to 1) fully comprehend the impact of the experience and 2) foster true long-term relationships with and service to our partners, it is required to work on our projects when we return. Matt McGregor, Former Exec. Dir. of Timmy Global Health, told us that "it's not really about the trip". It is essential that we accomplish: 1) Closure of trip experiences with partners and contacts - thank you's and complete follow-up; 2) Reflection of Purdue student experiences and personal goals/follow-up actions; 3) Promotion of food insecurity realities and opportunities for support; and 4) Planning, recommendations, and promotion of future service learning courses.

BTNY 43120 Evaluating International Engagement Methods

Evaluating International Engagement Methods

Professional preparation for careers in plant sciences. Career development activities including resume and cover letter preparation, job search and interview preparation, and participation in career fairs. In addition, the student will polish skills in preparation of seminar, extension publications, press releases and communicating science to lay personnel based on current issues in pest management and crop protection.

BTNY 49700 Undergraduate Seminar

Undergraduate Seminar

Supervised individual laboratory or field research. A written report of work accomplished will be required. May be repeated once for credit. Permission of instructor required.

BTNY 49800 Research In Plant Science

Thesis research. Admission to the honors program. Permission of instructor required.

BTNY 49900 Thesis Research-Honors

Thesis Research-Honors

BTNY 49900 Thesis Research

Thesis Research

Emphasizes the mode and mechanism of herbicide action and herbicide interaction with plants, and the biology and ecology of weedy plants. Offered in odd-numbered years. Typically offered Fall.

BTNY 50400 Advanced Weed Science

Advanced Weed Science

Principles of weed biology and ecology, with focus on reproduction and ecophysiology, population dynamics, community ecology, and ecosystem level phenomena. Instruction will emphasize the development and refinement of critical thinking skills.

BTNY 50500 Advanced Biology Of Weeds

Advanced Biology Of Weeds

Examines the biological and pathological characteristics of major causal agents; concepts of epidemiology and disease assessment; physiology, genetics, and molecular biology of host-pathogen interactions; disease management practices; and methods of disease diagnosis. Typically offered Fall.

BTNY 52500 Intermediate Plant Pathology

Intermediate Plant Pathology

An examination of the current principles, strategies, and technologies used in plant disease control. Emphasis is placed on the integration of various technologies and strategies for efficacious, environmentally sound management principles for specific types of plant diseases. Major topics include plant disease management through regulatory procedures, pathogen exclusion, pathogen eradication, environmental modification, host modification, host resistance, cultural practices, host protectants, plant disease forecasting, and the epidemiological basis of disease management strategies. Typically offered Spring.

BTNY 53500 Plant Disease Management

Plant Disease Management

Plant disease epidemics occur due to the suitable combination of various elements of the agroecosystem. Many plant pathogens and diseases have increased their geographic distribution and intensity in the U.S. and the world. A lack of epidemiological understanding can exacerbate problems and significantly challenge the management of diseases at the field level. This course is an introduction to the epidemiological basis of disease management strategies. The course includes concepts in botanical epidemiology, disease assessment and measurement, disease modeling, epidemics comparison, and a revision of the traditional plant disease control principles. Plant Disease Epidemiology is an upper-level course for students interested in plant pathology, agronomy, data-driven Ag, national or international agriculture, or closely related areas. Although some pathosystems are used as model systems, Plant Disease Epidemiology is not a "how-to" course on controlling specific plant diseases.

BTNY 53500 Plant Disease Epidemiology

Plant Disease Epidemiology

Lectures cover general features of fungi, unique characteristics of major fungal groups, fungal interactions with other organisms, and principles of fungal genetics. Lab exercises include examination of representative species from major groups of fungi and classical and molecular manipulations of fungi.  (Offered in odd-numbered years.). Typically offered Fall.

BTNY 55000 Biology Of Fungi

Biology Of Fungi

Future agricultural production and the environment will encounter multifaceted challenges from global climate change, heat and drought incidence and severity, and limited land and resources. An understanding of how plant responds to these changes is essential to develop new technologies and systems approaches to mitigate the negative impacts and enhance agricultural crop productivity. This is an advanced plant biology course covering the present state of understanding of phenological, physiological, and molecular and genetic mechanisms and processes by which plants acclimate to transient and chronic environmental extremes.

BTNY 55101 Plant Responses To The Environment

Plant Responses To The Environment

This is mainly a laboratory exercise course designed to help students to be more familiar with common molecular techniques used in plant pathology studies. Techniques will include DNA/RNA isolation, hybridization, sequence analyses, various PCR reactions, library construction and screening, protein isolation, and plant transformation. Lectures will cover basic principles and applied aspects of molecular studies in plant pathology, and recent advances in genomics and proteomics techniques. Typically offered Spring.

BTNY 55200 Molecular Approaches In Plant Biology

Molecular Approaches In Plant Biology

Plant pathology is the science of plant diseases and of the microorganisms that cause them and of our attempts to manage plant diseases. The ultimate goal of plant pathologists is to reduce the losses caused by diseases, thereby, increasing both the quality and quantity of the world food supply. Plant diseases are caused by the same types of microorganisms that cause disease in animals and humans and, as such, many of the principles that apply to human and animal medicine apply to plant diseases. It is the objective of this course to introduce students to the major types of plant pathogens (plant pathogenic bacteria, viruses, nematodes, and fungi), their basic biology and examples of the types of diseases they cause. It will be expected that students have knowledge in plant pathology.

BTNY 55800 Pathogens Of Plants

Pathogens Of Plants

This course is intended to help students understand why having some kind of model is probably essential to the scientific process. The intent is to show students that they probably already have a model in their heads, and they just don't know it! Few biologists realize that when they can draw a picture of their system, or explain important pathways in words, that this is a model. From there, it isn't hard to start some basic math. The course will be a broad overview of different techniques that can be used to model biological systems. Each lecture topic in this course could itself form an entire course, so students will not complete the course as experts in mathematical modeling. Instead, the objectives are to: 1) expose students to a number of tools in mathematical modeling; 2) give students some practical experience with these tools; and 3) develop a component of their thesis research into a model. Permission of instructor required.

BTNY 56100 Survey Of Mathematical Biology

Survey Of Mathematical Biology

This course will provide a broad and integrated overview of the current status of plant hormone research. All aspects of plant hormones including biosynthesis, metabolism, transport, signal transduction will be discussed in relation to the role of hormones in plant growth and developmental processes. Cross-talk between hormones and how plants use hormones to integrate developmental or environmental signals to regulate plant growth will be included. In addition, practical aspects of hormones in the agriculture, horticulture, and pathogen responses will be covered to demonstrate the impacts of basic plant science to a modern agriculture. The course will consist of lecture and discussion of primary research papers. Upon completion of the course, the students will acquire a comprehensive knowledge of the action of plant hormones as growth regulators, critical thinking skills, and ethical research.  Typically offered Fall.

BTNY 56200 Plant Hormone Biology

Plant Hormone Biology

Open to graduate students and qualified undergraduates who desire to study special problems in plant science not covered in regular coursework. Credit dependent upon work done. Permission of instructor required.

BTNY 59000 Intro To Biological Info

Intro To Biological Info

Open to graduate students and qualified undergraduates who desire to study special problems in plant science not covered in regular coursework. Credit dependent upon work done. Permission of instructor required. Typically offered Fall Spring Summer.

BTNY 59000 SIGP Professional Development

SIGP Professional Development

BTNY 59000 Graduate Internship Experience

Graduate Internship Experience

BTNY 59000 Scientific Presentations

Scientific Presentations

BTNY 59000 Preparing For Post-PhD Careers

Preparing For Post-PhD Careers

BTNY 59000 Cell Biology Of Plants

Cell Biology Of Plants

BTNY 59000 Plant Responses To The Envrmnt

Plant Responses To The Envrmnt

BTNY 59000 Plant Developmental Genetics

Plant Developmental Genetics

BTNY 59000 Intro Plant-Microbe Res-Honors

Intro Plant-Microbe Res-Honors

This course makes an exhaustive attempt to dissect the nature of plant disease and resistance mechanisms in plants. Special emphasis is placed on emerging concepts and paradigms that underlie a wide variety of plant-pathogen interactions, and how the knowledge gleaned from these studies is being used to devise effective and environmentally safe strategies of plant protection. It is expected that students have knowledge in genetics, molecular biology, biochemistry, and plant pathology.

BTNY 61300 Advanced Plant Pathology

Advanced Plant Pathology

Plant diseases cause billions of dollars in crop losses worldwide and play a large role in food security and the viable production of agronomic and horticulture crops. This course will center on the various aspects of managing these diseases. Specific focus areas include the effect of cultural practices and planting decisions (i.e., crop rotation, fertility, host resistance), pesticide delivery formulation, chemistry and mode of action, and integrated systems of organic and hybrid disease management. Prerequisite: BTNY 30100 or equivalent.

BTNY 62000 Plant Disease Management

This is a course on coping with publication in professional journals. It covers the full range of activities involved in carrying a piece of original research to completion as a primary research article in a refereed journal. Emphasis is on principles of clear and concise technical reporting. Topics include: research and writing goals; journals' policies; data presentations; effective style; organizing, writing, revising, and processing manuscripts; proofreading; peer review; ethics; and grant proposals. Students will use their own data to prepare a manuscript as if for publication. Permission of instructor required. Typically offered Spring.

BTNY 66000 Scientific Writing

Scientific Writing

This course is aimed at first year graduate students in the Botany department. Its purpose is to introduce the students to the department, teach them what it takes to be a successful graduate students, and to help them develop effective written and oral communication skills.

BTNY 69100 Skills For Success In Grad School

Skills For Success In Grad School

An internship experience with a for-profit, non-profit, or governmental entity to complement the student's academic coursework. The student must present a letter from the proposed employer documenting the work and expectations expected to be undertaken and must find a Botany and Plant Pathology faculty advisor/instructor to oversee the experience. Course may be taken in successive semesters. Must be enrolled in a Master's or PhD degree program in Botany and Plant Pathology and in good academic standing (cumulative GPA greater than 3.00). Permission of instructor required.

BTNY 69200 Graduate Professional Practice

Graduate Professional Practice

Advanced study of contemporary topics in plant biology, plant pathology, and weed science. Graduate students enrolled will receive training and experience in preparing and presenting seminars.

BTNY 69700 Seminar In The Plant Sciences

Seminar In The Plant Sciences

This is a weekly seminar course that features both external and Purdue speakers. Exposure to research topics outside of a student’s immediate research area is an important part of graduate student education. The goal of the seminar series course is to provide opportunities for graduate students to learn about the latest research advances plant biology, plant pathology, and weed science and to interact with visiting seminar speakers.

BTNY Courses

BoilerClassesis an unofficial catalog for Purdue courses made by Purdue students,
based in West Lafayette, Indiana. We'd love to hear your feedback!

BTNY Courses

.css-1o363pe{width:var(--chakra-sizes-4);height:var(--chakra-sizes-4);}BoilerClassesis an unofficial catalog for Purdue courses made by Purdue students, based in West Lafayette, Indiana. We'd love to hear your feedback!

BoilerClassesis an unofficial catalog for Purdue courses made by Purdue students,
based in West Lafayette, Indiana. We'd love to hear your feedback!