Metal homeostasis plays a critical role in all kingdoms of life including plants. This course will start with an overview of metals in plant systems and an introduction to concepts related to molecular and cellular mechanisms of metal homeostasis. The focus of the first half of the course will then be on the physiological and biochemical functions of essential metallic nutrients in plants and plant responses to their deficiencies including tolerance mechanisms. The second part of the course will begin with a discussion of Al and heavy metals toxicities (Cd, Fe, Mn, Cu, Ni etc.) and focus on the relevant tolerance and detoxification mechanisms. Metalloids in plant systems, soil and environmental parameters affecting metal homeostasis, metal hyperaccumulation and phytoremediation will also be covered. Finally, the discussion will focus on the biofortification of food crops with micronutrients (Zn, Fe, Se etc.) and the connection between metal homeostasis in plants and human nutrition.