Seed Biotechnology Center 

Policies & Procedures

The UC Davis Plant Breeding Academy is a professional development course teaching the principles of plant breeding to address the reduced numbers of plant breeders being trained in academic programs. It is targeted toward people who are currently involved in plant breeding or wish to become plant breeders, but who lack sufficient knowledge of genetics, statistics and breeding methodology to direct a breeding program. The format is designed to allow participants to maintain their current positions while learning the theory and practice of plant breeding. Participants will meet at UC Davis for three 6-day weeks per year over two years (six sessions).  Readings and exercises will continue between sessions via internet to allow participants to maintain their current positions while being involved in the Academy.  At the end of the two-year course, participants are expected to have the skills and knowledge to manage an independent plant breeding program.

Course goal: This course will develop the participants' skills and abilities in genetics, statistics and plant breeding to enable them to become independent breeders or more valuable contributors to larger breeding programs.  

Target audience: The course is targeted primarily toward personnel currently involved in private breeding programs who lack the academic background in genetics theory and practice to advance as independent breeders.  Current breeders who desire a refresher course or would like to broaden their expertise are also potential participants.  Persons who have a background in biological or plant sciences who wish to become plant breeders would also benefit from this course.

Course format: Participants will meet at the University of California, Davis for three 6-day weeks per year over two years (six sessions). This will allow participants to continue in their current employment while being involved in the course.  The format will be a combination of lectures, discussions, practical experience and lab/computer sessions.  Homework and exercises will be conducted during the course and via the internet between sessions with the course coordinator and instructors serving as mentors for participants over the two-year period.  

Course prerequisites: Knowledge and/or experience equivalent to a Bachelor of Science degree in biology or related field and some experience in plant breeding is expected.  A working knowledge of basic genetics and statistics, such as completion of introductory courses in these subjects, is also expected; a brief review of the principles of these subjects will be included in the course.  The course will be taught in English.

Course level: The Academy will provide training in plant breeding equivalent to that obtained in a Master of Science program.  It will provide greater depth in the specific subject matter of plant breeding but possibly less breadth that some MS programs require. As participants will not be enrolled in a formal degree program, they would not be eligible for a graduate degree. However, the Academy program may be recognized by graduate institutions, at their discretion, as equivalent to formal university courses for transfer credit.  For topical course content, go to Instructors & Curriculum.

Homework expectations: Participants should plan for approximately 1 to 2 hours/week of homework between in-residence sessions, or no more that 15 to 20 hours per trimester.  Assignments may include reading, problems or analyses.  Quizzes and in session exercises are part of the curriculum. A case study analysis of a breeding program will be a required assignment prior to the final session.

Successful completion of the course: Participants will be expected to attend all in-residence sessions, complete all assigned homework and pass periodic evaluations indicating academic mastery. Participants successfully completing the Academy will receive an official Certificate of Completion from the University of California, Davis. 

Application and Admission: To provide a personalized learning environment, the program is limited to 25 participants.  Applicants should complete the on-line form and separately mail or email a resume in order to be considered for enrollment.  Applicants' background and experience will be reviewed to ensure they meet the minimal requirements before acceptance.  Applicants must have a Bachelor of Science degree (or demonstrate equivalent professional experience) and have taken introductory courses in statistics and genetics.  Practical experience, academic standing (GPA or equivalent) and rationale for participation in the Academy will be evaluated.  Among applicants meeting the program requirements, acceptance will be on a first-come, first-served basis. Acceptance is not secured until the first year's tuition is received.

Administration: An academic coordinator will administer the logistics of the program, coordinate curriculum development, maintain the internet materials, and serve as a dedicated primary contact for participants between in-residence sessions.

Timeline: Instruction for the 2006-2008 Academy cohort begins Fall 2006 and runs through Summer 2008. Dates of in-residence sessions in Davis are:

                              2006-2007                                      2007-2008 
                              September 11-16, 2006                  September 10-15, 2007 
                              February 12-17, 2007                      February 11-16, 2008 
                              June 4-9, 2007                                June 2-7, 2008

Tuition: Tuition is US$20,000 per participant for the two-year program. Tuition includes all course materials and fees.  Lunches and breaks during residence in Davis are provided.  Travel, accommodations and other meals during in-residence sessions are not included. The first-year tuition ($10,000) must be received by June 1, 2006 or 30 days after accepted into the Academy, and the second-year tuition ($10,000) by June 1, 2007.  No refunds will be issued for an annual payment.  Payment procedures will be provided to applicants following acceptance into the Academy.

For more information: Call Cathy Glaeser at (530) 752-4414 or email clglaeser@ucdavis.edu.