The Plant Sciences Graduate Handbook contains information specific to our degree programs and administration of the grad student experience.
Graduate students are expected to meet at least once a semester with the assembled members of their graduate committee. These meetings help ensure that students are:
- keeping their research on-track,
- achieving committee member & faculty mentor expectations,
- designing their experiments in ways appropriate for publication in peer reviewed journals, and can;
- help in making course selections appropriate for the degree
Where can I find Syllabi for Plant Sciences courses?
Work with your Faculty Mentor (and graduate committee) to identify coursework appropriate to your Plan of Study. Plant Sciences syllabi for Graduate-student appropriate [selected 400-level courses or 500-level(*), and above] coursework can be found at the bottom of Plant Sciences Faculty profiles. Also via:
Are you academically on track and making progress on your research projects?
Regularly update and keep track of your progress through Plant Sciences Graduate Degree Programs
- MS Degree Program Checklist (see Appendix II (pg. 50) PS Grad Handbook)
- PhD Degree Program Checklist (see Appendix II (pg. 51) PS Grad Handbook)
Yearly, often at the start of each calendar year, graduate students should schedule an Annual Progress Review meeting with your Faculty Advisor. Come to that meeting prepared by completing:
- an Annual Progress Review form, and;
- print an up-to-date Academic History for your graduate coursework at UTK
How can I pursue a Minor degree in Statistics?
Graduate students can work toward obtaining a Minor in Statistics through the Intercollegiate Graduate Statistics and Data Science Minor (IGSDSP) program at Haslam College of Business. Talk to your advisor about this possibility. Your committee will need to include an IGSDSP approved faculty member. HCA and Plant Sciences have faculty who serve in this role (currently, Dr. Vince Pantalone and Dr. Mitchell Richmond).
- Details about the Intercollegiate Graduate Statistics and Data Science Minor can be found at this site.
- You will also need to submit a required form for approval.
Plan to Compete in Plant Sciences’ Departmental Oral & Poster Presentations
The departmental seminar coordinator hosts annual poster (spring) and oral (fall) presentation events. Participating students interact with faculty and peers while competing for top honors.
Plan also to register and compete in the UT Graduate School’s 3MT Competition event held every Spring Semester.
Consider Professional Society Membership and Service
Discuss with your faculty mentor, the benefits that you may appreciate by joining a professional society that is appropriate for your project and career path. As graduate students, you are likely to be eligible for reduced rates or free society memberships that also provide reduced conference registration costs.