PBR-35303 Wageningen Weeks Part 2 (DL)

Course

Credits 3.00

Language of instruction:

English

Assumed knowledge on:

Theoretical knowledge from the courses preceding the stay in Wageningen.

Contents:

NOTE: this course is taught specifically for the students in Distance Learning Specialization and is not available for the on-Campus students. Self-registration for this course is not possible.
Note: The period mentioned below is the period in which this course starts. For the exact academic weeks see the courseplanning on www.wur.eu/schedule.

During this two week practical, students of the Distance Learning Specialization return to Wageningen to meet again with each other and with Wageningen University staff. This practical period builds on the theory of the preceding courses. The programme will include practicals, excursions, and plenary presentations and discussions of the group work related to the Continuous Course and the course Design of Plant Breeding programmes.

Learning outcomes:

After successful completion of this course students are expected to be able to:
- assess quality criteria, by evaluating biochemical properties (lab test) and taste (student panels);
- design experiments to map monogenic traits involving phenotyping and genotyping in Brassica rapa;
- isolate DNA , run genetic markers and score allelic variation;
- understand the Gene-for-gene model in potato - Phytophthora infestans pathosystem;
- inoculate Phytophthora isolates on potato and phenotyping the reaction to Phytophthora;
- use effectors to detect R genes in plants (functional markers): functional assay effectors in potato / tobacco;
- explain resistance phenotypes to pathogen isolates based on responses to effectors;
- write scientific reports of the different practical assignments;
- present the design of plant breeding program using PowerPoint;
- define questions and recommendations as a group to breeding programs presented by others.

Activities:

- practical experiments to apply theoretical knowledge from the preceding courses of the programme, aimed to improve research skills and practical skills, and deepen the understanding of theoretical concepts;
- give presentations, give feedback on programs of others, including questions and recommendations.

Examination:

The practicum weeks consist of experiments (80%), presenting Design of Plant Breeding program proposals and group work on the breeding programs (10%) and presenting Genomics and Bioinformatics projects (10%). The examination consists of three small reports of practical experiments by small groups of students(85%) and evaluation of the presentations (15%).

Literature:

Available through the course website.