DETAILED COURSE INFORMATION:
This series of three 1-credit courses provides a solid introduction to the conservation and use of plant genetic resources. The series is targeted to upper-level undergraduates, beginning graduate students, and professionals undertaking continuing education. The learning outcomes, course format, computer requirements, and list of topics for the three courses are listed below.
See our informational flyer.
Learning outcomes:
SOCR 501: ORIGINS
LO.1: Understand what plant genetic resource are and why they are important to society
LO.2: Understand the processes and forces that have shaped plant genetic resources
LO.3: Understand the genetic and genomic properties of plant genetic resources
SOCR 502: CONSERVATION
LO.1: Understand the societal benefits and risks surrounding plant genetics resources
LO.2: Understand the key biological concepts that shape the management of genebanks
LO.3: Understand how societal and biological considerations underlie genebank practices
SOCR 503: DISCOVERY
LO.1: Understand what useful variation stakeholders need from genebanks
LO.2: Understand how useful variation can be identified from plant genetic resources
LO.3: Understand how useful variation that is identified can be delivered to stakeholders
Course format:
There will be two asynchronous presentations per week (students can view when they choose) plus one asynchronous discussion section, which the students will schedule in their groups.
This course has two options:(see registration information for further details)
- For-credit course. This option will provide 1 graduate-level credit that can be transferred to other universities. (available as both a CSU Student or through CSU Online)
- Non-credit course. The content and assignments will be the same as for the for-credit option, but no official credits will be earned. (Available through CSU Online)
Computer requirements:
Word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software (e.g., Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) are required, as is Adobe Reader. Students are required to have access to a computer and Internet access that meets the general CSU recommendations.
List of Topics:
All topics correspond to learning objectives. See our Topic List page for more information.