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BB40140: Plant biotechnology & the environment

Follow this link for further information on academic years Academic Year: 2015/6
Further information on owning departmentsOwning Department/School: Department of Biology & Biochemistry
Further information on credits Credits: 6
Further information on unit levels Level: Masters UG & PG (FHEQ level 7)
Further information on teaching periods Period: Semester 2
Further information on unit assessment Assessment Summary: ES 20%, EX 30%, OT 10%, SM 40%
Further information on unit assessment Assessment Detail:
  • Essay (ES 20%)
  • Seminar (SM 40%)
  • Handout (OT 10%)
  • Examination (EX 30%)
Further information on supplementary assessment Supplementary Assessment: Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations)
Further information on requisites Requisites:
Further information on descriptions Description: Aims:
To define 'Plant Biotechnology' and describe the categories included within the definition and their applications.

Learning Outcomes:
After taking this course the student should be able to:
* describe the various categories of plant biotechnology;
* explain the direct and indirect effects of plant biotechnology on the environment in terms of socio-economic costs and benefits;
* explain and discuss the policy and institutional issues related to the exploitation of plant biotechnology by both the public and private sectors in a democratic society.

Skills:
Learning and studying T/F/A, Written communication T/F/A, Oral communication T/F/A, Information handling & retrieval T/F/A, Working independently T/F.

Content:
The definition of 'Plant Biotechnology', the categories included within the definition and their applications. The link: population + consumption level + (bio) technology = environmental impact. World, regional and national trends in population size and food consumption levels and their implications for agricultural and natural ecosystems. The contribution of plant biotechnology to agricultural systems and their environmental implications. Ex situ and in situ biodiversity conservation strategies and the impact of biotechnology. Risk analysis and the release of genetically manipulated organisms into the environment. Public and private sector research, ownership of biological resources and intellectual property rights. Control of biotechnology R & D and implementation: priority setting; public participation; policies and institutions; developed and developing countries. The Cassava Biotechnology Network as an example of control and implementation of plant biotechnology.
Further information on programme availabilityProgramme availability:

BB40140 is Optional on the following programmes:

Department of Biology & Biochemistry
Notes:
* This unit catalogue is applicable for the 2015/16 academic year only. Students continuing their studies into 2016/17 and beyond should not assume that this unit will be available in future years in the format displayed here for 2015/16.
* Programmes and units are subject to change at any time, in accordance with normal University procedures.
* Availability of units will be subject to constraints such as staff availability, minimum and maximum group sizes, and timetabling factors as well as a student's ability to meet any pre-requisite rules.