Course Syllabus

Instructor Information

Kirstin E. Bett

Professor of Plant Breeding and Genetics

Department of Plant Sciences

k.bett@usask.ca (best way to get ahold of me but be patient, I don’t always respond immediately)

306-966-4947 (will bounce to my cellphone)

Loveleen Dhillon

Graduate Teaching Fellow

Department of Plant Sciences

lok089@usask.ca

Course Description

The objective of this course is to familiarize students with the fundamental aspects of plant breeding including historical perspectives, applied plant genetics, breeding objectives and methods, selection theory and practice and modern genetic techniques.

Prerequisites: BIOL 226 for sure and PLSC 405 is highly recommended

Learning Outcomes

By the completion of this course, students will be expected to:

  • know the main types of breeding objectives for field and horticultural crops,
  • understand how to design basic programs for selecting superior progeny of self and cross pollinated crops, and how to tailor programs to specific problems,
  • be able to use statistics when evaluating breeding material,
  • understand the application of plant genetics to plant improvement including linkage, quantitative vs. qualitative inheritance, population genetics and molecular genetics,
  • have acquired some basic skills and enhanced understanding of the basic concepts of plant breeding through hands-on activities and,
  • have the ability to think critically as demonstrated by evaluating information from multiple perspectives, drawing reasonable conclusions, and defending them rationally.

Course Topics

  1. Introduction to Plant Breeding
  2. Gathering Variability
  • gene pools, germplasm collections, PNTs
  1. Breeding Methods for Self-Pollinated Crops variation, inbred line development, selection, backcrossing
  2. Breeding Methods for Cross-Pollinated Crops
  • mass selection, recurrent selection, synthetic cultivars
  1. Hybrids
  • heterosis, combining ability, hybrid seed production
  1. Breeding Methods for Clonally Propagated Crops
  2. Breeding for Specific Traits
  • biotic and abiotic stresses, quality
  1. Testing and Variety Registration
  • variety registration procedures, PBR

Remote Learning Context

We are all still charting new territory and I ask that all participants interact with empathy and care. My teaching style usually involved a lot of back-and-forth with students and I am not sure how this is going to play out this time. I will be lecturing at the usual time via MEETS (WebEx) but will record the lecture and post it in Canvas after class for those who cannot attend at the meeting time. Labs will be a combination of pre-recorded videos and recorded synchronous sessions.

Recommended Technology for Remote Learning

You will need a computer and internet access so you can access the video captures or, better yet, participate in synchronous classes. It would be ideal if you had a webcam so we can see you – it makes discussions much easier if we can see faces but it is not obligatory. There will also be additional videos and reading material uploaded to the class Canvas site that you will need to access to watch or read.

Students are reminded of the importance of having the appropriate technology for remote learning. The list of recommendations can be found at https://students.usask.ca/remote-learning/tech-requirements.php.

Textbooks

There is no one text required so the following useful texts are not necessarily in the Campus Bookstore. Most are easily obtained from online sources or the library.

  • Sleper, David Allen and John Milton Poehlman. 2006. Breeding Field Crops. 5th Iowa State Univ. Press, Ames. SB185.7 P63 2006 (there is a new version by just Poehlman from 2013)
  • Simmonds, N.W. and J. Smartt. 1999. Principles of Crop Improvement. 2nd Blackwell Science SB123.S53
  • Schlegel, Rolf H. J. 2010. Dictionary of Plant Breeding, Second Edition SB123 .S32 2010eb – online resource
  • Allard, R.W. 1999. Principles of Plant Breeding. 2nd John Wiley & Sons. SB123.A41
  • Deppe, C. 2000. Breed Your Own Vegetable Varieties: The Gardener's and Farmer's Guide to Plant Breeding and Seed Saving. Chelsea Green Publishing Co.

Evaluation Components

1. Best 4 of 5 Quizzes - 25%

These short-answer quizzes will cover any material presented since the previous quiz. Except under exceptional circumstances, if you miss a quiz it will count as your dropped one. Dates: Jan 26, Feb 9, Mar 2, Mar 16, Mar 30

2. Laboratory Assignments and Projects – 50%

Lab assignments and projects will be carried out throughout the semester on topics related to those covered in class.  Assignments and grading will be covered in the first lab session - Jan 25.

3. Final Exam – 25%

The final will be a written exam covering all topics covered during the course including lecture and labs. It will include short-answer and essay questions.

You will be graded on your ability to integrate and apply the material, as well as on your understanding of it. Answers should be as clear and concise as possible.

 

Information on literal descriptors for grading at the University of Saskatchewan can be found at: http://students.usask.ca/academics/grading/grading-system.php Please note: There are different literal descriptors for undergraduate and graduate students.

More information on the Academic Courses Policy on course delivery, examinations and assessment of student learning can be found at:  http://policies.usask.ca/policies/academic-affairs/academic-courses.php

The University of Saskatchewan Learning Charter is intended to define aspirations about the learning experience that the University aims to provide, and the roles to be played in realizing these aspirations by students, instructors and the institution. A copy of the Learning Charter can be found at: https://teaching.usask.ca/about/policies/learning-charter.php

Attendance Expectations (for synchronous components)

All students are encouraged to attend lectures and labs synchronously and to participate in discussions as this enhances learning. There will be no mark penalty for not showing up, however students are expected to at least watch the recorded sessions.

Land Acknowledgement

As we engage in Remote Teaching and Learning, I would like to acknowledge that the Saskatoon campus of the University of Saskatchewan is on Treaty Six Territory and the Homeland of the Métis. We pay our respect to the First Nation and Métis ancestors of this place and reaffirm our relationship with one another. I would also like to recognize that some may be attending this course from other traditional Indigenous lands. I ask that you take a moment to make your own Land Acknowledgement to the peoples of those lands. In doing so, we are actively participating in reconciliation as we navigate our time in this course, learning and supporting each other.

Use of Video and Recording of the Course

Video conference sessions in this course, including your participation, will be recorded and made available only to students in the course for viewing via Canvas after each session. This would be done, in part, to ensure that students unable to join the session (due to, for example, issues with their internet connection) can view the session at a later time. This will also provide you the opportunity to review any material discussed.  

Please remember that course recordings belong to your instructor, the University, and/or others (like a guest lecturer) depending on the circumstance of each session, and are protected by copyright. Do not download, copy, or share recordings without the explicit permission of the instructor.

For questions about recording and use of sessions in which you have participated, including any concerns related to your privacy, please contact your instructor. More information on class recordings can be found in the Academic Courses Policy https://policies.usask.ca/policies/academic-affairs/academic-courses.php#5ClassRecordings.

Copyright

Course materials are provided to you based on your registration in a class, and anything created by your professors and instructors is their intellectual property, unless materials are designated as open education resources. This includes exams, PowerPoint/PDF slides and other course notes. Additionally, other copyright-protected materials created by textbook publishers and authors may be provided to you based on license terms and educational exceptions in the Canadian Copyright Act (see http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/C-42/index.html). 

Before you copy or distribute others’ copyright-protected materials, please ensure that your use of the materials is covered under the University’s Fair Dealing Copyright Guidelines available at https://library.usask.ca/copyright/general-information/fair-dealing-guidelines.php. For example, posting others’ copyright-protected materials on the open web is not covered under the University’s Fair Dealing Copyright Guidelines, and doing so requires permission from the copyright holder.  

For more information about copyright, please visit https://library.usask.ca/copyright/index.php where there is information for students available at https://library.usask.ca/copyright/students/rights.php, or contact the University’s Copyright Coordinator at mailto:copyright.coordinator@usask.ca or 306-966-8817.

Integrity in a Remote Learning Context

Although the face of teaching and learning has changed due to COVID-19, the rules and principles governing academic integrity remain the same. If you ever have questions about what may or may not be permitted, ask your instructor. Students have found it especially important to clarify rules related to exams administered remotely and to follow these carefully and completely.

The University of Saskatchewan is committed to the highest standards of academic integrity and honesty.  Students are expected to be familiar with these standards regarding academic honesty and to uphold the policies of the University in this respect.  Students are particularly urged to familiarize themselves with the provisions of the Student Conduct & Appeals section of the University Secretary Website and avoid any behavior that could potentially result in suspicions of cheating, plagiarism, misrepresentation of facts and/or participation in an offence.  Academic dishonesty is a serious offence and can result in suspension or expulsion from the University.

All students should read and be familiar with the Regulations on Academic Student Misconduct (https://secretariat.usask.ca/student-conduct-appeals/academic-misconduct.php) as well as the Standard of Student Conduct in Non-Academic Matters and Procedures for Resolution of Complaints and Appeals (https://secretariat.usask.ca/student-conduct-appeals/academic-misconduct.php#IXXIIAPPEALS)

For more information on what academic integrity means for students see the Academic Integrity section of the University Library Website at: https://library.usask.ca/academic-integrity#AboutAcademicIntegrity

You are encouraged to complete the Academic Integrity Tutorial to understand the fundamental values of academic integrity and how to be a responsible scholar and member of the USask community - https://library.usask.ca/academic-integrity.php#AcademicIntegrityTutorial

Student Supports

Examinations with Access and Equity Services (AES)

Students who have disabilities (learning, medical, physical, or mental health) are strongly encouraged to register with Access and Equity Services (AES) if they have not already done so. Students who suspect they may have disabilities should contact AES for advice and referrals at any time. Those students who are registered with AES with mental health disabilities and who anticipate that they may have responses to certain course materials or topics, should discuss course content with their instructors prior to course add / drop dates. In order to access AES programs and supports, students must follow AES policy and procedures. For more information or advice, visit https://students.usask.ca/health/centres/access-equity-services.php, or contact AES at 306-966-7273 or aes@usask.ca.

Students registered with AES may request alternative arrangements for mid-term and final examinations. Students must arrange such accommodations through AES by the stated deadlines. Instructors shall provide the examinations for students who are being accommodated by the deadlines established by AES.

For information on AES services and remote learning please visit https://updates.usask.ca/info/current/accessibility.php#AccessandEquityServices

Academic Help for Students 

The University Library offers a range of learning and academic support to assist USask undergrad and graduate students. For information on specific services, please see the Learning page on the Library web site https://library.usask.ca/support/learning.php.

Remote learning support information https://students.usask.ca/remote-learning/index.php

Class and study tips https://students.usask.ca/remote-learning/class-and-study-tips.php

Remote learning tutorial https://libguides.usask.ca/remote_learning

Study skills materials for online learning https://libguides.usask.ca/studyskills

A guide on netiquette, principles to guide respectful online learning interactions https://teaching.usask.ca/remote-teaching/netiquette.php

Teaching, Learning and Student Experience

Teaching, Learning and Student Experience (TLSE) provides developmental and support services and programs to students and the university community. For more information, see the students’ web site http://students.usask.ca.

Financial Support

Any student who faces challenges securing their food or housing and believes this may affect their performance in the course is urged to contact Student Central (https://students.usask.ca/student-central.php).

Aboriginal Students’ Centre

The Aboriginal Students’ Centre (ASC) is dedicated to supporting Aboriginal student academic and personal success. The centre offers personal, social, cultural and some academic supports to Métis, First Nations, and Inuit students. The centre is also dedicated to intercultural education, brining Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal students together to learn from, with and about one another in a respectful, inclusive and safe environment. Students are encouraged to visit the ASC’s Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/aboriginalstudentscentre/) to learn more.

International Student and Study Abroad Centre

The International Student and Study Abroad Centre (ISSAC) supports student success and facilitates international education experiences at USask and abroad.  ISSAC is here to assist all international undergraduate, graduate, exchange and English as a Second Language students in their transition to the University of Saskatchewan and to life in Canada.  ISSAC offers advising and support on matters that affect international students and their families and on matters related to studying abroad as University of Saskatchewan students.  Please visit students.usask.ca or updates.usask.ca for more information.

Remember, there are many supports available to help you thrive in the remote learning context.