The objective of this course is to introduce students to classical and modern methods used for the identification of pathogens and harmful organisms at the species level in the fields of crop production, food, the environment, and health. The course will cover the basic principles, applications, advantages, and limitations of morphological, microscopic, biochemical, serological, and molecular diagnostic methods.

The concept of species and the basic principles of taxonomy; biological sampling and specimen preparation methods; morphological and microscopic identification techniques; the use of identification keys; biochemical and serological identification methods; DNA-based molecular identification techniques; the barcoding approach; databases and digital identification systems; current approaches used in the identification of disease-causing and pest species.