PBR-20306 Plant Biotechnology

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Studiepunten 6.00

Language of instruction:

Dutch and/or English

Assumed knowledge on:

Celbiologie I, Algemene genetica

Contents:

This tutorial builds upon Cell Biology I (CBI-10304) and the general tutorials Plant and Crop Sciences I and II (YLS-11804/YLS-12304) and is a preparation for Molecular aspects of bio-interactions. During the course lectures will be given to introduce various aspects of Plant Biotechnology. Various laboratory techniques will be taught during practical courses. During the whole period all students will work on a case study. The results of this case study are presented at the end of the teaching period to the whole group. In the case studies the students can focus on:
- study a specific Plant Biotechnology subject more in depth;
- risks of transgenes in ecosystems;
- public acceptation;
- patenting genes;
- work on a Plant Biotechnology subject as a consultant.

Aims:

General goals are:
- to use the knowledge about the structure and expression of genes for their isolation and transfer to plants;
- to realise what the impact on society can be of this action;
Specific goals are:
- knowing how genes are expressed and how their expression is regulated;
- knowing the molecular biology of fundamental processes in plant cells ;
- realising what the consequences are of the complexity of the cells metabolism for making transgenic plants ;
- applying relevant laboratory techniques for gene isolation, plant transformation and analysis of gene expression patterns in transgenic plants;
- realising what the possibilities and impossibilities are with regard to applying Plant Biotechnology both from a technical viewpoint and as a consequence from the opinion in our society.

Activities:

1. practical training;
2. case study;
3. lectures.

Examination:

The final mark will consist of the following elements:
- practical skills;
- report on case study ;
- oral presentation;
- exam.

Literature:

A syllabus and additional documentation will be available at the start of the course and electronically via an internet site with restricted access.