Undergraduate - UnitBTH3820 - Plant biotechnology

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.

Synopsis

This unit introduces the role of plant breeding and its significance in plant biotechnology, plant genomes and organisation, the regulation of gene expression, plant cell and tissue culture methodologies, gene transformation techniques, the application of transgenic technology for crop improvement (including the production of transgenic plants resistant to abiotic and biotic stresses and crops with prolonged shelf life and enhanced nutritional value) and the use of transgenic plants as bioreactors for the production of novel proteins in medicine and industry.

Outcomes

Upon completion of this unit students will have developed an overall view of plant biotechnology; a clear understanding of the techniques involved in plant tissue culture; the ability to design constructs for genetic manipulation of specific agronomic characteristics in crops species; an understanding of the various strategies involved in the creation of existing plant transgenic crops; an appreciation of the potential role of genetic manipulation to produce novel plant products of potential economic importance; and will have further developed skills in analysis, interpretation and presentation of data.

Assessment

Practical reports (including assignments): 40%
Mid-semester test: 20%
Final examination: 40%

Chief examiner(s)

Dr Lakshminarasimhan Krishnaswamy

Contact hours

Three hours of lectures and three hours of practical per week

Prerequisites

BTH1802 and GEN2041