PPH-10306 Biology of Plants

Course

Credits 6.00

Language of instruction:

Dutch

Contents:

In this introductory course on plant biology, the focus is on understanding of the development, structure and function of plants. Emphasis is placed on the relations between cellular and molecular processes at one side and whole plant functioning at the other side. The course consists of a cell biological/structural part (with emphasis on cell structure and organisation, cell division, genetic regulation, plant morphogenesis, differentiation and interaction between plants and micro-organisms) and a physiological part (focussing on e.g. photosynthesis, respiration, water and ion transport, regulation of growth by plant hormones and light).

Learning outcomes:

After this course the students are able to:
- explain the relation between structure and function of plants
- comprehend and explain the most important structural/cell biological and physiological phenomena essential for (the survival of) higher plants
- understand the processes that regulate growth and development of plants
- translate the effects of environmental changes on plant growth, development, structure and function in plant cell biological and physiological processes
- understand and use basic skills necessary to investigate structural and physiological characteristics of plants
- obtain basic knowledge with regard to plant structure by interpretation of microscopical preparations of plant parts
- set up, execute and interpret basic physiological experiments and report on these experiments in a group discussion.

Activities:

The course consists of lectures and practicals. In the practical part physiological experiments will be performed and microscopical plant (cell) structure will be studied; this part also includes discussion sessions on the results of the practicals.

Examination:

The theory, including the topics of the practicals, will be tested through an exam in Dutch. Reports about some aspects of the practical work have to be written and short presentations have to be given.

Literature:

At the start of the course, syllabi for the practical work and a study guide will be distributed.