Fundamental chemical concepts/processes in soils, such as ion exchange, precipitation/dissolution, redox reactions, partitioning and adsorption, and solution speciation and nature of soil minerals and organic matter. Computer models used to examine current environmental, agricultural, and engineering problems. Examination of how chemical processes affect fate, transport, availability, and remediation of trace elements, heavy metals and organic contaminants in soils and sediments. Discussion on current environmental issues and problems.

With lab. The acquisition, translocation, distribution, and function of the essential inorganic elements in plants. Genetic control of plant nutrition and ecological adaptation to nutritional variables. Diagnosis of plant nutritional disorders.

With lab. The acquisition, translocation, distribution, and function of the essential inorganic elements in plants. Genetic control of plant nutrition and ecological adaptation to nutritional variables. Diagnosis of plant nutritional disorders.

This is an advanced course that will focus on plant responses to major abiotic stresses. Current research topics in stress physiology will also be discussed.

Microbial processes in the soil and sediment environment; ecology of the various microbial communities; the decomposition of organic matter, carbon transformation, nitrogen, sulfur, phosphorus and other mineral transformations. Chemistry of these reactions and their biogeochemical implications. Biological equilibrium, the rhizosphere, and microbial associations. Prerequisites: basic biology and organic chemistry.

With lab. Causes, nature, and control of plant diseases. Diagnosis of plant diseases. Mechanisms, biochemistry, and genetics of plant disease induction, development, and control.

With lab. Causes, nature, and control of plant diseases. Diagnosis of plant diseases. Mechanisms, biochemistry, and genetics of plant disease induction, development, and control.

With lab. Causes, nature, and control of plant diseases. Diagnosis of plant diseases. Mechanisms, biochemistry, and genetics of plant disease induction, development, and control.

Plant diseases are omnipresent and incredibly impactful in artificial (e.g. farms, managed landscapes,?) and natural (e.g. forests, meadows,?) systems. How do we recognize diseases and then manage them? What are the experts in the field that we can rely on to help us diagnose plant diseases? During this course, we will learn to (1) recognize important categories of plant diseases, (2) diagnose the main types of pathogens (Fungi, Bacteria, Viruses and Nematodes) and (3) manage diseases sustainably.

Not available at this time