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BB20031: Plant biotechnology

Follow this link for further information on academic years Academic Year: 2014/5
Further information on owning departmentsOwning Department/School: Department of Biology & Biochemistry
Further information on credits Credits: 6
Further information on unit levels Level: Intermediate (FHEQ level 5)
Further information on teaching periods Period: Semester 2
Further information on unit assessment Assessment Summary: EX 80%, PR 20%
Further information on unit assessment Assessment Detail:
  • Examination (EX 80%)
  • Practical (PR 20%)
Further information on supplementary assessment Supplementary Assessment: Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations)
Further information on requisites Requisites: Before taking this unit you must take BB10006
Further information on descriptions Description: Aims:
To introduce the techniques used in Plant Biotechnology, discuss their applications in Crop Production and Protection, and consider public debate over GM plants.

Learning Outcomes:
After taking this course the student should be able to:
* describe and explain the role that biotechnology and recombinant DNA techniques play in the development of novel plants and crop production methods.
* actively participate in the debate over the deployment of GM crops.

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

Content:
This unit introduces the techniques and targets of plant Genetic Modification and provides background to conventional agricultural practices against which to judge this new technology. The process of GM plant production from construction of recombinant plant genes to their transfer to plants via Agrobacterium - mediated and direct transformation e.g. particle bombardment is described. Applications of plant genetic engineering are discussed with examples drawn from a wide range of Crop Production and Protection situations e.g. insect and herbicide resistance; manipulation of floral development; fruit ripening; golden rice and the synthesis of novel products such as pharmaceuticals. The role of patents and other intellectual property protection devices is also considered. The socioeconomics of Plant Biotechnology and the debate over the deployment of GM crops are discussed. Practical sessions provide experience in the use of tissue culture and transformation techniques in the study of Plant Development and Biotechnology.
Further information on programme availabilityProgramme availability:

BB20031 is Optional on the following programmes:

Department of Biology & Biochemistry
  • USBB-AFB03 : BSc(Hons) Biology (Year 2)
  • USBB-AKB07 : BSc(Hons) Biology with Professional Placement (Year 2)
  • RSBB-AFM17 : Integrated PhD in Postgenomic Biosciences (Molecular Plant Sciences)
  • USBB-AFB05 : BSc(Hons) Molecular and Cellular Biology (Year 2)
  • USBB-AKB08 : BSc(Hons) Molecular and Cellular Biology with Professional Placement (Year 2)
  • TSBB-AFM17 : MRes Molecular Plant Sciences
  • TSBB-AFM11 : MSc Molecular Plant Sciences

Notes:
* This unit catalogue is applicable for the 2014/15 academic year only. Students continuing their studies into 2015/16 and beyond should not assume that this unit will be available in future years in the format displayed here for 2014/15.
* 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.