Instructor(s): Blaine Johnson, Ph.D., and Lorena Dumbá (email)
Number of Credits: 2
Prerequisites: Permission of Instructor required.
Introduction to Hybrid Breeding Syllabus
Recommendations: Minimum of one semester of undergraduate or graduate level genetics. Minimum of one course in plant breeding.
How: The course consists of pre-recorded lectures, multiple projects and assignments, and interactive Zoom held twice each week. Canvas is used to publish course information, pre-recorded lectures, and otherwise exchange files and documents.
Description: An on-line course on breeding hybrid crops, focusing on logistics and strategies used by hybrid breeders to create and identify genetically superior hybrids that bring value to producers and end users. The course stresses a comprehensive, end-to-end view of hybrid breeding beginning with seed in breeding inventories, passing through all stages of breeding, including recombination, evaluation, and seed increases, to the final production of commercial seed. While underlying genetic theory is touched upon, the course centers on practical decisions that must be made on the structure, logistics, and management of a hybrid breeding program.
Note on instructor availability: The instructor strongly encourages participant/instructor interactions. While there are no formal scheduled office hours, please contact the instructors for either in-office or Zoom consultation, and appointments will be made as requested. Also, time is allocated during the weekly Discussions and Workshops (described in the Syllabus) for questions, answers, and discussion of course content.
Course Requirements & Materials:
- Technical Requirements: Access to high-speed internet and email, with up-to-date browsers and the ability to view videos (recommended browsers include Firefox, Chrome, and Safari) and access to Zoom for optional help sessions.
- There is no textbook per se required for the course. Recorded Lectures serve as the "textbook" for the course and are "required reading". Other recommended references are listed at the end of this syllabus with other useful resources referenced as the course progresses.
- To participate in this course Participants must have access to:
- A university E-mail address for communication purposes
- An Internet browser
- Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint
- Adobe Acrobat Reader, or other means of viewing pdf files.
- RealPlayer
- Speakers, headphones, or earbuds for listening to lectures
- Zoom Client for Meetings, available at zoom.us/download or in the app store for Android or iOS
- Ability to download and install statistical software
This Course is Ideal For…
- Individuals who want to learn the basics of, or otherwise extend their knowledge of, hybrid breeding.
- The course is open to upper-level undergraduates, and to graduate students who want to learn about hybrid breeding.