Plant Protection

The Bachelor of Science in Plant Protection at the American University of Beirut is a comprehensive undergraduate program designed to equip students with fundamental knowledge and practical skills essential for the sustainable management of plant health. This program aims to prepare future leaders in agriculture, horticulture, and environmental protection sectors by providing a multidisciplinary education that combines aspects of biology, ecology, chemistry, and agricultural sciences. Students will explore the biology of plant pests, diseases, and weeds, and learn about integrated pest management strategies, crop protection techniques, and sustainable agricultural practices. The curriculum includes courses in entomology, plant pathology, nematology, weed science, and pesticide management, allowing students to develop a deep understanding of plant threat identification and control methods. Practical training through laboratory work, field visits, and internships is an integral part of the program, providing students with hands-on experience in diagnosing plant health problems and applying modern protection methods. Graduates of this program will be prepared to work in governmental agencies, research institutions, agricultural industries, and consulting firms, focusing on improving crop yields, reducing crop losses, and promoting environmentally friendly pest control methods. The program also emphasizes research and innovation, encouraging students to contribute to advancements in plant protection technologies and practices. Graduates will possess the analytical skills necessary to evaluate pest risks, develop management plans, and implement effective solutions that balance productivity and environmental sustainability. Ultimately, the program aims to foster a new generation of professionals committed to the advancement of plant protection sciences and the sustainable development of agricultural systems in Lebanon and beyond.

Core Courses for the MS Degree in Plant Protection

AGSC 301             Statistical Methods in Agriculture                                                      2.3; 3 cr.

An investigation of the statistical techniques needed to design experiments and analyze and interpret agricultural research data. Prerequisites: STAT 210 or EDUC 227 and CMPS 209. Fall and spring.

AGSC 311             Advanced Principles and Methods in Plant Pathology                   2.3; 3 cr.

Serological and molecular diagnostic techniques, nucleic acids hybridization, PCR, marker assisted selection, brief review of physiology of host-pathogen relationships, and current methods of research including cloning and transgenic plants. Prerequisite: AGSC 232 or consent of instructor.

AGSC 322           Plant Parasitic Fungi and Bacteria                                                      2.3; 3cr.

Morphology, taxonomy, and identification of fungi and bacteria parasitic on plants.  Prerequisite:       AGSC 232.  Alternate years.

AGSC 332             Plant-Pest Interactions                                                                        3.0; 3 cr.

Principles and factors involved in interactions between pests and their host plants; application of perspectives in chemical ecology to agricultural systems; effect of biotic and abiotic factors on the physiology, adaptation, and survival of pest populations in agroecosystems.  Prerequisites: AGSC 221, AGSC 232, and AGSC 284.

AGSC 388           Integrated Pest Management                                                              3.0; 3 cr.

Principles and concepts of integrated pest management; monitoring and forecasting of pest population, tactics, strategies, and implementations of IPM in the agricultural ecosystems; and environmental, economic, and social implications of IPM. Prerequisites: AGSC 221, AGSC 232, and 
AGSC 284.

AGSC 395             Special Topics in Agricultural Science                                              1.0; 1 cr.

AGSC 396/396A   Comprehensive Exam                                                                                 0 cr.

AGSC 399             MS Thesis

Elective Courses for the MS Degree in Plant Protection

AGSC 300             Graduate Tutorial                                                                                     1–3 cr.

Directed Study.

AGSC 307             Advanced Crop Production                                                                3.0; 3 cr.

Theories and principles of plant growth, development, and responses to the environment, with an integrated approach to understanding crop productivity. Prerequisites: AGSC 220 and AGSC 231.

AGSC 319             Advanced Vegetable Production                                                        3.0; 3 cr.

Physiological and genetic control of growth and management of vegetable plants and their products; effects of nutrition, irrigation, and other variables on crop performance and quality of produce; presentation and interpretation of recent research progress in vegetable production.

AGSC 323             Plant Virology                                                                                        2.3; 3 cr.

Fundamental and practical aspects of plant virology including isolation, characterization, identification replication, and management of plant pathogenic viruses, including gene silencing and transgenic plants. Prerequisite: AGSC 232. Alternate years.

Requirements for graduate admissions to AUB are as follows:

1- Official university transcript(s) – All levels 

2- Graduate Application (apply online)

3- 2 recommendation letters 

4- English Language Proficiency Requirements: Upon admission, the applicant must show a level of  proficiency in the English language by obtaining a minimum  score of 530 on the English Entrance Examination (EEE), OR 583 on the paper-based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), OR 250 on the computer-based TOEFL OR 97 on the Internet-based TOEFL OR 7.0 on IELTS OR 147 on the GRE Verbal part OR 25 on the GMAT Verbal part.

The University provides fellowships covering partial or full tuition and a small stipend for students at the graduate level in return for a specified number of work hours per week in an academic department. Recipients are selected on the basis of their academic record and departmental needs.

The Plant Protection program at the American University of Beirut is a specialized undergraduate degree designed to equip students with comprehensive knowledge and practical skills in the management and control of plant pests, diseases, and weeds. This program aims to prepare future professionals capable of addressing challenges in agriculture, horticulture, and environmental conservation through integrated pest management strategies, sustainable practices, and scientific research. Students participating in this program study a diverse curriculum that includes courses in entomology, plant pathology, weed science, integrated pest management (IPM), crop protection, and environmental impact assessment. The program also emphasizes laboratory work, field training, and research projects to ensure graduates gain hands-on experience and are well-versed in modern technology and methodologies used in plant protection.

The faculty members involved in this program are experienced researchers and practitioners dedicated to advancing knowledge in plant health and sustainable agriculture. The program encourages interdisciplinary approaches, combining biology, ecology, chemistry, and technology to develop innovative solutions for pest and disease management. Students are also introduced to regulatory and safety considerations, including pesticide use, biological control methods, and environmental protection laws. Upon completion, graduates are qualified to work in various sectors, including agriculture industries, government agencies, research institutions, and private consulting firms. They may also pursue graduate studies for further specialization in plant protection, plant health, or related fields.

The university provides state-of-the-art laboratories, greenhouses, and research facilities to support the academic curriculum and research activities. The program aligns with global standards and offers opportunities for students to participate in internships and exchange programs to gain international exposure. The overall goal of the Plant Protection program is to develop competent professionals who can contribute to sustainable agricultural development, food security, and environmental health. No detailed official information is available beyond this general overview, but similar programs at the American University of Beirut highlight its focus on integrating scientific research with practical application to address real-world challenges in plant health management.