PhD in Molecular Plant Sciences

Washington State University

Graduate study leading to the Doctor of Philosophy degree is offered as an interdepartmental curriculum by graduate faculty from the Departments of Crop and Soil Science, Food Science and Human Nutrition, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Molecular Biosciences, Plant Pathology, Biological Sciences, and the Institute of Biological Chemistry. The objectives of the program are to provide the graduate student with a broad knowledge in molecular plant sciences and with research experience in a chosen area within this discipline. Specialization includes cellular and subcellular physiology, the molecular biology and biochemistry of plant-related processes, photosynthesis and photorespiration, nitrogen fixation, phytochemistry, the physiology of vascular plants, metabolism, plant pathogen interactions, hormonal interactions and regulation of growth, crop production physiology, and physiological ecology as well as related areas in agriculture and biology.Students entering the program must have completed their baccalaureate degree with training in one year each of elementary biology or botany, and physics, chemistry through one semester of organic chemistry and biochemistry, one semester each of molecular plant sciences and genetics, and mathematics (through calculus). Limited undergraduate deficiencies may be remedied by taking the appropriate courses upon enrollment in the graduate program on a provisional basis.

College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resources Sciences