Download grading

1
PLANT VIROLOGY (PP 74O)
COURSE SYLLABUS
> SCHEDULE + INSTRUCTOR
Lectures
Sun + Tues, 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM, Dept Meeting Rm
Instructor
Dr. Saba Goussous
Office
M1-L2
Office Phone
22241
Office Hrs
Please drop by any time you have questions. You
are also welcome to make an appointment.
Email
[email protected]
> GOALS
PP 740 a comprehensive course covering various aspects of modern plant virology. It
provides a basis for the study of plant viruses for graduate studies in Plant Pathology. As
viruses are extensively used as tools in plant molecular biology, the information is also of
value for students in these curricula.
Students completed this course are expected to gain basic information regarding viruses
as organisms in general, as well as plant disease agents: Their chemical and structural
properties, replication and pathogenicity, classification, symptomology, identification,
ecology, vector transmission, and control.
> COURSE OUTLINE
This course is divided into four major parts.
I. INTRODUCTION + BACKGROUND TO MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
[Viruses consist of mainly nucleic acids and proteins. Most of the discussions in
the class thus rely heavily on the fundamentals of nucleic acids and proteins as
well as molecular genetics. We will review the basics briefly in the beginning of
the course-- If you feel deficient in these areas, I suggest you to study
additional materials]
1) Proteins
2) Nucleic acids
3) Basics of molecular genetics: Central dogma, transcription, translation, and DNA
synthesis
II. BASIC KNOWLEDGE OF VIRUSES
1) History of Plant Virology
2) Definition of a virus
3) Basic characteristics of viruses:
- Components
- Structure
4) Nomenclature and classification of plant viruses
2
5) Genome organization, replication, and expression of representative virus groups:
- General properties of plant viral genomes
- Viral replication process
- Viral gene expression: polyproteins and subgenomic messenger, Readthrough and
frameshifting, and genome segmentation
6) Subviral pathogens:
- Viroids and virusoids
- Satellite RNA, Function of ibozymes in satellite RNA processing
III. VIRUSES AS PLANT PATHOGENS
1) Events of virus infection process
- Entry and disassembly
- Cell-to-cell movement and long distant transport, distribution in the plant
- Assembly
2) Virus ecology
- Survival and persistence in nature
- Relationships between plant viruses + invertebrates
- Transmission: Mechanical, by vectors
3) Host plant responses to virus infection
- Kinds of resposes, susceptibility, resistance
- Symptomology + host range
4) Economic importance + control
- Management practices
- Resistance
- Genetically engineered resistance
5) Important specific virus diseases prevailent in jordan
IV. DIAGNOSIS OF PLANT VIRUSES
1) Purification
2) Identification + assay
- Biological, physical, chemical, electron microscopy
- Serological methods
- Molecular techniques
Labrotary procedures will be attempted to be arranged to demonstrate major
diagnostic techniques for plant viruses.
> TEXTBOOKS + MATERIALS
- Texts
1) Matthews, R. E. F. 1992. Fundamentals Of Plant Virology, 1st Edition. Academic Press,
Inc.
2) Walkey, D. G. A. 1991. Applied Plant Virology, 2nd Edition. Champ & Hill.
3) Gibbs, A., and harrison, B. 1976. Plant Virology: Tha Principles. 1st Edition. John Wiley
& Sons.
3
- Additional Readings
Additional materials will be assigned as class readings to complement the lectures will be
assigned from other texts, reviews, journal articles, and www sites. Please read carefully
the given assignment before the class. You may be randomly asked to summarize the
readings or to answer a specific question originating from the assignment at the beginning
of a class.
> TEACHING METHODS
Teaching methods include lectures, discussions, assigned readings, class assignments,
student presentations, and exams. Lectures are generally based on the class readings. I
strongly encourage class discussions as tools to extend and clarify the lectures and
readings. Teaching as well as learning is an interactive process. Your participation in the
class discussion is an integral part of learning process.
Self-study is an important part of the class. As a rule of thumb, you are expected to
spend at least three additional hours for every hour of lectures.
> EXAMS
- Two midterm exams (see lecture schedule) cover the lecture material indicated. The
final exam will cover all the course material, with emphasis on last lectures.
- Questions may come from lectures, assigned readings, and discussions. Questions
include definitions, short answers, and short essay.
- Each exam will be graded and discussed the period following the exam. Any questions
or unjustified grades can either be discussed during the period or in the office
hours. Should you miss one or more exam due to inform instructor in advance. It's
your responsibility to present an excuse according to JUST regulations and to
schedule an alternative exam date as soon as possible.
> GRADING
- Exam 1
- Exam 2
- Comprehensive final:
30%
30%
40%
Please read this handout + keep
GOOD LUCK!