Plant Sciences B.S.

Course descriptions

ENT 286

Humans, Insects, and Disease

(3 crs.) Cross-listed as (BIO), ENT 286. Role of insects, ticks, and mites as vectors and as direct agents of diseases in humans; factors affecting the spread of these diseases and their role in our cultural development. (Lec. 3) Not for major credit for B.S. in biological sciences.

ENT 286

Humans, Insects, and Disease

(3 crs.) Cross-listed as (BIO), ENT 286. Role of insects, ticks, and mites as vectors and as direct agents of diseases in humans; factors affecting the spread of these diseases and their role in our cultural development. (Lec. 3)

ENT 350

Field Entomology and Taxonomy

(4 crs.) Cross-listed as (ENT), BIO, NRS 350. Collection, identification and study of the common families of insects, including use of keys and teaching collection specimens. Field trips throughout Rhode Island. Discussion of insect classification. (Lec. 3, Lab. 1) Pre: BIO 102 or permission of instructor.

ENT 385

Introductory Entomology

(3 crs.) Cross-listed as (ENT), BIO 385. Introduction to the diverse components of entomology, emphasizing basic principles of insect morphology, physiology, behavior, and ecology. Current topics in insect biodiversity and management strategies. (Lec. 3) Pre: BIO 102 and BIO 101, or permission of instructor.

ENT 387

Insects of Turf and Ornamentals

(3 crs.) Biology, ecology, and management of insects affecting turfgrasses, trees, and ornamental plants. (Lab. 3) Pre: PLS 200 or permission of instructor.

ENT 388

Biology of Bees and Pollination Ecology

(3 crs.) Cross-listed as (ENT), BIO, NRS 388. Learn the biology, behavior and pollination services of bees. Learn how to identify bees to family level. Understand the basics of honey bee management. Learn various types of pollination. (Lec. 3) Pre: BIO 101 and 102, or permission of instructor.

ENT 390

Wildlife and Human Disease

(3 crs.) Cross-listed as (AVS), ENT 390. Introduction to the study of human diseases carried by wildlife (zoonoses), including surveillance, epidemiology, transmission, public health impact, and prevention. Interdisciplinary approach with emphasis on problem solving using real-life examples. (Lec. 3)

ENT 390H

Honors Section of ENT/AVS 390:Wildlife&Hum Disease

(3 crs.) Honors Section of ENT/AVS 390: Wildlife and Human Disease. Cross-listed as (AVS), ENT 390. Introduction to the study of human diseases carried by wildlife (zoonoses), including surveillance, epidemiology, transmission, public health impact, and prevention. Interdisciplinary approach with emphasis on problem solving using real-life examples. (Lec. 3) Pre: Overall GPA of 3.4 or higher.

ENT 455

Sustainable Pest Management

(3 crs.) Review of historical and current pest management practices with respect to insect ecology. Discussion of pest management systems emphasizing sustainable practices such as biological control, resistant plants and ecosystem redesign (Lec. 3) Pre: PLS 200 or ENT 385 or permission of instructor

ENT 511

Pesticides and the Environment

(3 crs.) Review of the historical issues regarding pesticides, regulation, how they work, and costs/benefits associated with their use. Pre: BIO 102, CHM 103, 105; PLS 200, or permission of instructor.

ENT 519

Insect Biological Control

(3 crs.) Natural regulation of pest abundance. Theoretical issues and practical experience in the use of biological controls for managing insect and weed problems. (Lec. 2, Lab. 1) Pre: ENT 385 or permission of instructor. In alternate years.

ENT 520

Insect Morphology And Physiology

(3 crs.) An introduction to the structure and function of the insects and related arthropods. (Lec. 2, Lab. 2) Pre: ENT 385 or permission of instructor.

ENT 544

Insect Ecology

(3 crs.) Cross-listed as (ENT), BIO 544. Ecology of insects and other terrestrial arthropods at the physiological, individual, population, community, and ecosystem levels. Pre: permission of instructor. In alternate years.

ENT 550

Insect Taxonomy And Systematics

(3 crs.) External morphology of insects and taxonomy of major families. (Lec. 2, Lab. 2) Pre: ENT 385. In alternate years.

ENT 555

Insect Pest Management

(3 crs.) Evaluation of past and present pest-control strategies in light of insect ecology. Development of pest-management systems emphasizing biological control, resistant plants, and ecosystem redesign. (Lec. 3) Pre: PLS 200 or ENT 385 or permission of instructor.

ENT 561

Aquatic Entomology

(3 crs.) Biology of insects in aquatic environments, including systematics, morphology, and ecology. Field trips emphasize relations between species and habitat and the role of insects in aquatic management programs. (Lec. 2, Lab. 3) Pre: ENT 385 or permission of instructor. In alternate years.

ENT 571

Insect Microbiology

(3 crs.) Cross-listed as (ENT), CMB 571. A two-part investigation of insect-microbe associations, concentrating on the comparative pathobiology of microbial agents in the insect host and the transmission of disease organisms by the insect vectors. (Lec. 3) Pre: ENT 385 and CMB 211, or permission of instructor. In alternate years.

ENT 586

Medical and Veterinary Entomology

(3 crs.) Cross-listed as (BIO), ENT 586. Life history, classification, habits, and control of insects and other arthropods affecting human and animal health. Topics will include public health significance, vector-parasite interactions, and survey and research methodologies. (Lec. 3, Lab. 4) Pre: ENT 331 or 381 or equivalent. In alternate years.

ENT 591

Special Problems in Entomology

(1-3 crs.) Advanced independent research projects supervised by members of the research staff and unrelated to thesis research. Projects developed to meet individual needs. (Independent Study) Pre: permission of instructor.

ENT 592

Special Problems in Entomology

(1-3 crs.) Advanced independent research projects supervised by members of the research staff and unrelated to thesis research. Projects developed to meet individual needs. (Independent Study) Pre: permission of instructor.

PLS 132G

Sustainable Agriculture, Food Systems, and Society

(3 crs.) Cross-listed as (AFS), AVS, PLS 132G. Food is essential to life, and a foundation of civilization. This course will explore agriculture's history, culture, and practices world-wide, and challenge students to develop sustainable agricultural practices. (Lec. 3/Online) (A2) (GC)

PLS 132GH

Honors Section of AFS/AVS/PLS 132: Sustainable Agriculture, Food Systems, and Society

(3 crs.) Cross-listed as (AFS), AVS, PLS 132H. Honors Section of AFS/AVS/PLS 132: Sustainable Agriculture, Food Systems, and Society. (Lec. 3/Online) Pre: 3.40 overall GPA. (A2) (GC)

PLS 150

Plants, People and the Planet

(3 crs.) Fundamentals of plant biology, emphasizing the structure, physiology, and ecology of vascular plants common to gardens and landscaped environments. (Lec. 3) (A1)

PLS 150

Plants, People and the Planet

(3 crs.) Fundamentals of plant biology, emphasizing the structure, physiology, and ecology of vascular plants common to gardens and landscaped environments. (Lec. 3/Online) (A1)

PLS 190

Issues in Biotechnology

(3 crs.) Cross-listed as (AFS), CMB, NRS, PLS 190. Introduction to modern biotechnology in medical, pharmaceutical, forensic, agricultural, marine, and environmental applications. Consideration of ethical, environmental, health, and social issues. (Lec. 3/Online) (A1)

PLS 200

Introduction to Plant Protection

(4 crs.) Basic study of weeds, insects, and disease agents, and the problems they cause. Recognition of important plant pests and application of integrated cultural, chemical, and biological pest management procedures. (Lec. 4) Pre: BIO 102 or PLS 150 or permission of instructor.

PLS 210

Plant Protection Practicum

(2 crs.) Introduction to practical aspects of plant protection, concentrating on field diagnostic techniques and development of analytical and observation skills. Diagnostics are primarily an interactive field activity, supplemented by microscopy, report writing, and oral presentations. (Practicum) Pre: credit or concurrent enrollment in 200 or permission of instructor.

PLS 215

Propagation of Plant Materials

(3 crs.) The art and science of propagating ornamental and food plants by seeds, cuttings, grafting and tissue culture. (Lec. 3) Pre: BIO 102 or PLS 150 or permission of instructor.

PLS 216

Plant Propagation Practicum

(2 crs.) Practical application of the principles of propagating ornamental and food plants by seed, cuttings, grafting, layering and division. (Lab 5). Pre: PLS 215 or concurrent enrollment.

PLS 250

Plant Breeding and Genetics

(4 crs.) Introduction to the general principles of plant breeding, with emphasis on the application of genetic principles in plant improvement strategies. (Lec. 3, Lab. 2) Pre: BIO 102 or PLS 150 or permission of instructor.

PLS 250

Plant Genetics

(3 crs.) Introduction to genetics and reproduction in plants with emphasis on applications in improvement and propagation of cultivated plants. (Lec. 3) Pre: BIO 102 or PLS 150 or permission of instructor.

PLS 255

Applied Plant Biology

(3 crs.) Fundamental concepts in plant biology and applications to cultivation and management of plants. Emphasis on plant physiology, plant nutrition and plant reproduction and how they relate to horticultural plant production. (Lec. 3) Pre: BIO 102 or PLS 150 or permission of instructor.

PLS 275

Pasture and Grazing Management in Sustainable Agriculture

(4 crs.) Cross-listed as (AVS), PLS 275. An introduction to managing livestock and grasslands to promote animal health and increase food and fiber supplies while sustaining land productivity, promoting ecosystem function, and maintaining farm economic viability. Lec. 3, Lab 2) Pre: AVS 101 and 102 or permission of instructor.

PLS 306

Landscape Management and Arboriculture

(4 crs.) Culture of new and established trees, shrubs, and vines in the landscape. Practical exposure to planting, pruning, fertilization, and plant protection. Prepares the student for Arborist's Certification Examination. (Lec. 3, Lab. 3) Pre: BIO 102 or PLS 150 or permission of instructor.

PLS 311

Fruit Culture

(3 crs.) Principles of fruit production with emphasis on home gardens. Topics include propagation, planting, soils, fertilization, cultural practices, pruning and storage of tree and small fruits and dwarfs or semi-dwarf stocks. (Lec. 2, Lab. 2) Pre: BIO 102 or PLS 150 or permission of instructor.

PLS 312

Fruit Culture Practicum

(2 crs.) Hands-on propagation, grafting, pruning, fertilization, pest management and sustainable culture of various fruit plants (apple, pear, peach, blueberry, bramble, grape, strawberry). (Practicum 4) Pre: PLS 150.

PLS 320

Landscape Design

(3 crs.) Examination of landscape design principles and practices including introduction to landscape graphics, preliminary design, and planting design. (Lec. 3) Not open to landscape architecture majors.

PLS 321

Sustainable Grain Production

(4 crs.) Study of cereal, pseudocereal, and pulse crops commonly grown in the United States. Focuses on organic and agroecological systems of production appropriate for home gardeners and small-scale commercial farmers. Explores cultural uses of grains and associated end-use technologies. (Lec. 3, Lab. 1) Pre: PLS 132G or PLS 150 or BIO 102 or permission of instructor.

PLS 322

Power Units

(3 crs.) Principles of operation, maintenance, and adjustment of power units including gasoline and diesel engines and electric motors. Emphasis on tractors and other power units important in farm, nursery, greenhouse, and grounds maintenance operations. (Lec. 2, Lab. 2)

PLS 324

Vegetable Crops

(4 crs.) A study of vegetable crops including the botany and systematics of the vegetables commonly grown in the United States. Includes organic and conventional production techniques for home gardeners and market farmers. (Lec. 3, Lab. 2) Pre: PLS 150 or BIO 102 or permission of instructor. (D1) (B4)

PLS 325

Hydroponic and Greenhouse Vegetable Production

(2 crs.) Hands-on instruction in vegetable production with emphasis on season extension techniques such as high and low tunnels, hydroponic greenhouse production, and production of transplants. (Lab. 2) Pre: PLS 150 or BIO 102 or permission of instructor.

PLS 331

Horticultural Plant Production

(4 crs.) Foundation of horticulture plant production, growing facilities, equipment and cultural practices. History of the greenhouse and nursery industries, current challenges and recent innovations. (Lec. 3, Lab. 3) Pre: BIO 102 or PLS 150 or permission of instructor.

PLS 332

Plant Pathology: Introduction to Plant Diseases

(4 crs.) Cross-listed as (BIO), PLS 332. Nature, cause, and control of plant diseases. Use of basic techniques for identification of major types of plant diseases and their causal agents. (Lec. 4) Pre: BIO 102 or PLS 150 or permission of instructor.

PLS 341

Introduction To Turf Management

(3 crs.) Fundamental aspects of turfgrass science including identification, propagation, fertilization, pest control, and other soil-plant relationships. (Lec. 2, Lab. 2) Pre: BIO 102 or PLS 150 or permission of instructor.

PLS 350

Herbaceous Garden Plants

(3 crs.) Identification and use of annual and perennial herbaceous ornamental plants in the landscape. Emphasis on sustainable landscaping and the use of native plants. (Lec. 2, Lab. 2) Pre: BIO 102 or PLS 150 or permission of instructor.

PLS 353

Landscape Plants I

(3 crs.) Cross-listed as (LAR), PLS 353. Identification and description under fall conditions; classification and adaptation of the important trees and shrubs including broadleaf evergreens and their value in ornamental plantings. (Lec. 1, Lab. 4) Pre: BIO 102 or PLS 150.

PLS 354

Landscape Plants II

(3 crs.) Cross-listed as (PLS), LAR 354. Identification and description under winter and spring conditions; classification and adaptation of the coniferous evergreens, vines, and groundcovers and their value in ornamental plantings. (Lec. 2, Lab. 2) Pre: LAR 353 or PLS 353.

PLS 361

Weed Science

(3 crs.) Ecological and cultural aspects of weed problems, physiology of herbicide action, selected problem areas in weed control and plant identification. (Lec. 2, Lab. 2) Pre: BIO 102 or PLS 150 or permission of instructor.

PLS 385

Agroecology and Global Food Systems

(3 crs.) A study of agriculture and food during production, distribution and use as it relates to country, culture and science. (Lec. 3)

PLS 390

Irrigation Technology

(3 crs.) A study of the science and technology of obtaining, applying, and managing water as it relates to the culture of field, forage, vegetable, turf, and ornamental crops. (Lec. 2, Lab. 2) Service learning. Pre: MTH 107 or MTH 108 or MTH 111 or permission of instructor.

PLS 399

Plant Sciences Internship

(1-6 crs.) Directed work experience programs at nurseries, turf farms, greenhouses, plant breeding farms, arboreta, research farms, or laboratories. (Practicum) Pre: BIO 102 or PLS 150 or permission of instructor. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits. S/U credit.

PLS 401

Plant Sciences Seminar

Presentations and discussions of current topics of concern to producers and consumers of plants and plant products, including plant protection. (Seminar)

PLS 401

Plant Sciences Seminar

Presentations and discussions of current topics of concern to producers and consumers of plants and plant products, including plant protection. (Seminar)

PLS 402

Plant Sciences Seminar

(1 cr.) Presentations and discussions of current topics of concern to producers and consumers of plants and plant products, including plant protection. (Seminar)

PLS 402

Plant Sciences Seminar

(1 cr.) Presentations and discussions of current topics of concern to producers and consumers of plants and plant products, including plant protection. (Seminar)

PLS 415

Plant Plagues: Causes and Consequences

(2 crs.) Events and decisions leading to major plant epidemics, historical and current. Emphasizes causative organisms and their characteristic biology, with subsequent consideration from diverse social-political-economic viewpoints. Extensive student preparation/participation required. (Lec. 2) Pre: PLS 200 or BIO 102 or permission of instructor.

PLS 440

Diseases of Turf and Ornamentals

(3 crs.) Diagnosis, epidemiology, and control measures of common turf and ornamental plant diseases found in the Northeast United States. (Lec. 3) Pre: PLS 200 or 332. Not for graduate credit.

PLS 442

Advanced Turf Management

(3 crs.) Establishment and maintenance practices for specialty turfgrass areas (golf courses, athletic fields, and parks) including design and construction specifications and budget management. (Lec. 3) Pre: PLS 341 and 440 or permission of instructor. Not for graduate credit.

PLS 442

Advanced Turf Management

(3 crs.) Establishment and maintenance practices for specialty turfgrass areas (golf courses, athletic fields, and parks) including design and construction specifications and budget management. (Lec. 3) Pre: PLS 341 and 440 or permission of instructor. Not for graduate credit.

PLS 491

Special Projects and Independent Study

(1-3 crs.) Special work to meet individual needs of students in various fields of plant nutrition, propagation, growth and development, garden design, site planning, plant pathology, entomology, and related subjects. (Independent Study) Pre: permission of instructor.

PLS 492

Special Projects and Independent Study

(1-3 crs.) Special work to meet individual needs of students in various fields of plant nutrition, propagation, growth and development, garden design, site planning, plant pathology, entomology, and related subjects. (Independent Study) Pre: permission of instructor.

PLS 498

Teaching Practicum in Plant Sciences

(1-3 crs.) Teaching experience, for qualified undergraduate students, through direct involvement in planning and assisting in PLS courses. May include supervised participation in discussion groups, assisting in a laboratory course, or tutoring. (Practicum) Pre: Senior standing, previous enrollment in the course to be taught, and permission of instructor. Limited to PLS majors. May be repeated for a maximum of 3 credits. Not for graduate credit. S/U only.

PLS 501

Graduate Seminar In Plant Sciences

Presentation of technical reports and discussion of current research papers in crop science, landscape ecology, growth and development of economic plants, and production, protection, and management of economic crops. (Seminar)

PLS 502

Graduate Seminar In Plant Sciences

Presentation of technical reports and discussion of current research papers in crop science, landscape ecology, growth and development of economic plants, and production, protection, and management of economic crops. (Seminar)

PLS 508

Seminar in Biological Literature

(1 cr.) Cross-listed as (BIO), CMB, AFS, AVS, PLS, NRS, LIB 508. Survey of biological literature including traditional methods of bibliographic control, contemporary information retrieval services, and the development of a personalized information system. (Sem. 1) Pre: graduate standing or permission of the instructor.

PLS 540

Diseases of Turf and Ornamentals

Disease diagnosis, epidemiology and control measures of common turf and ornamental diseases found in the Northeast United States. (Lec. 3) Pre: PLS 200 or PLS 332.

PLS 542

Advanced Turf Management

(3 crs.) Establishment and maintenance practices for specialty turfgrass areas (golf course, athletic fileds and parks) including design and construction specifications and budget management. (Lec. 3) Pre: PLS 341, PLS 440.

PLS 571

Plant Improvement

(4 crs.) Traditional breeding, techniques and methods used for germplasm development and enhancement. Plant cell and tissue culture methodologies as they relate to the improvement of plant varieties through biotechnology. (Lec. 3, Lab. 1) Pre: PLS 250 and PLS 215 or permission of instructor. Offered in alternate years.

PLS 591

Nonthesis Research in Plant Sciences

(1-3 crs.) Advanced work under the supervision of researchers to expand research experience into areas other than those related to thesis research. Arranged to suit individual requirements. (Independent Study) Pre: permission of instructor.

PLS 592

Nonthesis Research in Plant Sciences

(1-3 crs.) Advanced work under the supervision of researchers to expand research experience into areas other than those related to thesis research. Arranged to suit individual requirements. (Independent Study) Pre: permission of instructor.