BIOL404-12W (C) Whole Year 2012
Special Topic

Description

This course will cover aspects of plant development which underpin current developments in plant biotechnology. Attendance at all lectures (not laboratory classes) in BIOL352 is required. In addition, in depth three hour seminars will be held on three selected topics, including biology of adventitious root formation, florigen and flowering. An extended essay on one of the three selected topics for the seminars is required for assessment.

In the lectures, the basic concepts of classical plant breeding will be introduced. The principles and applications of plant tissue culture research as well as the biology of cultured plant cells will then be discussed showing the connections between developmental processes and plant biotechnological applications.  An overview of genetic engineering of plants, its potential use and public concerns will follow. In the following section of the lectures, research into the biology and importance of plant cell walls will be examined.  In the last section of the lectures, research advances on aspects of plant hormone biology, development, and disease resistance will be covered. Towards the end of this section, all students are required to complete a written report as well as class presentation following library research on a topic in genetic engineering of plants.

Learning Outcomes

• An in depth understanding of aspects of plant development which underpin current developments in plant biotechnology
• The ability to access and utilize the scientific literature on plant biotechnology and genetic engineering of plants
• The ability to analyse and critically interpret experimental data in published plant physiology research
• Good academic practice  in the oral and written presentation of scientific ideas

Pre-requisites

For further information see School of Biological Sciences.