What are the goals of the Academy?
Who is the target audience?
What is the format of the course?
What are the prerequisites?
At what level will the course be taught?
How much homework is expected between in-residence sessions?
What is required to successfully complete the course?
Is there a degree or certificate awarded at completion of the course?
How do I apply?
How will the Academy be administered?
When will the in-residence sessions be held?
How much is the tuition?
Is the tuition refundable if I cannot contue the course for unexpected reasons?
How do I pay the tuition?
How do I get to Davis?
Where can I find accomodations in Davis?
Where can I get more information?
What is the UC Davis Plant Breeding Academy? 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.
What are the goals of the Academy? The Academy 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.
Who is the 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.
What is the format of the course? 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 via the internet between sessions with the course coordinator and instructors serving as mentors for participants over the two-year period.
What are the prerequisites for the Academy? 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.
At what level will the course be taught? 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, see the Curriculum and Learning Objectives.
How much homework is expected between in-residence sessions? Participants should plan for approximately 1 to 2 hours per week of homework between in-residence sessions, or no more that 15 to 20 hours per trimester. Assignments may include reading, problems or analyses. A case study analysis of a breeding program will be a required assignment prior to the final session.
What is required to successfully complete the course? Participants will be expected to attend all in-residence sessions, complete all assigned homework and pass periodic evaluations indicating academic mastery.
Is there a degree or certificate awarded at completion of the course? As participants will not be enrolled in a formal degree program, they would not be eligible for a graduate degree. However, if participants successfully complete the Academy they will receive an official Certificate of Completion from the University of California, Davis.
How will the Academy be administered? The UC Davis Seed Biotechnology Center will provide the administrative home for the Academy. An academic coordinator dedicated to the Academy will administer the logistics of the program, coordinate curriculum development, maintain the internet materials, and serve as a primary contact for participants between in-residence sessions.
When will the in-residence sessions be held? 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 10-15, 2007 February 11-16, 2008 June 2-7, 2008