  We exploit the rich algebraic structure of the interacting boson model to
explain the notion of partial dynamical symmetry (PDS), and present a procedure
for constructing Hamiltonians with this property. We demonstrate the relevance
of PDS to various topics in nuclear spectroscopy, including K-band splitting,
odd-even staggering in the gamma-band and anharmonicity of excited vibrational
bands. Special emphasis in this construction is paid to the role of
higher-order terms.
