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Department of Biology & Biochemistry, Unit Catalogue 2011/12


BB40140: Plant biotechnology & the environment

Click here for further information Credits: 6
Click here for further information Level: Masters UG & PG (FHEQ level 7)
Click here for further information Period: Semester 2
Click here for further information Assessment: ES 20%, EX 30%, OT 10%, SM 40%
Click here for further information Supplementary Assessment: Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations)
Click here for further information Requisites:
Click here for further information 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.
Click here for further informationProgramme availability:

BB40140 is Optional on the following programmes:

Department of Biology & Biochemistry
  • USBB-AFB03 : BSc (hons) Biology (Full-time) - Year 3
  • USBB-AKB07 : BSc (hons) Biology with Professional Placement (Full-time with Thick Sandwich Placement) - Year 4
  • RSBB-AFM07 : Integrated PhD Postgenomic Biosciences (Biosciences Route) (Full-time) - Year 1
  • RSBB-AFM17 : Integrated PhD Postgenomic Biosciences (Molecular Plant Sciences Route) (Full-time) - Year 1
  • TSBB-AFM03 : MRes Biosciences (Full-time) - Year 1
  • TSBB-AFM17 : MRes Molecular Plant Sciences (Full-time) - Year 1
  • TSBB-AFM06 : MSc Biosciences (Full-time) - Year 1
  • TSBB-AFM08 : MSc Evolutionary and Population Biology (Full-time) - Year 1
  • TSBB-AFM11 : MSc Molecular Plant Sciences (Full-time) - Year 1
Department of Mathematical Sciences
  • TSXX-AFM01 : MSc Mathematical Biology (Full-time) - Year 1

NB. Programmes and units are subject to change at any time, in accordance with normal University procedures.