BOT3PB
PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY
BOT3PB
2017
Credit points: 30
Subject outline
Plant biotechnology, based on cell and molecular biology, has become a central part of the biological revolution. This subject familiarises students with some of the latest developments and specific technologies in plant biotechnology. The advantages and problems associated with biotechnology are debated. Topics include the role of gene technology in the improvement of insect and disease resistance and specific technologies, including plant genome sequencing, RNA interference, functional genomics and microarray analysis. Plant responses to hormones and environmental changes and herbicide resistance are discussed. The practical component involves working in small groups of 2-4 students in a research laboratory, supervised by research staff pursuing an original research project. Students are introduced to the scientific method and some of the formal lectures are replaced by informal discussions. Excursions to local plant biotechnology companies and guest lecturers are also organised.
SchoolSchool of Life Sciences
Credit points30
Subject Co-ordinatorMichael Emmerling
Available to Study Abroad StudentsYes
Subject year levelYear Level 3 - UG
Exchange StudentsYes
Subject particulars
Subject rules
Prerequisites One of BOT2MPN, BOT2ILP, MIC2IM, MIC2MVM, BCH2BMA, BCH2BMB, GEN2HMG, GEN2EEG, BCH2IBM, GEN2MHG, MIC2MI, BCH2MBC, GEN2EGE, MIC2MMV.
Co-requisitesN/A
Incompatible subjects BOT3ABT
Equivalent subjectsN/A
Special conditionsN/A
Learning resources
Readings
| Resource Type | Title | Resource Requirement | Author and Year | Publisher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Readings | Plant Physiology and Development | Recommended | Taiz, L., Zeiger, E., Møller, I.M, Murphy, A. | SINAUER ASSOCIATES INC, 2006. |
Graduate capabilities & intended learning outcomes
01. Describe and discuss key technologies used to identify and understand gene function in plants and plant pathogens
- Activities:
- Lectures, in-lecture discussions and activities, guest lecturers, lab visits, actual lab work, and final theory examination.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Speaking(Speaking)
- Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)
- Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
- Writing(Writing)
- Discipline-specific GCs(Discipline-specific GCs)
- Creative Problem-solving(Creative Problem-solving)
02. Prepare an overview of a research topic.
- Activities:
- Writing of topic overview based on topic introduction by the demonstrator, and independent literature search
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Discipline-specific GCs(Discipline-specific GCs)
- Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
- Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)
- Writing(Writing)
03. Work independently and as part of a small group to design and conduct lab experiments that address a specific question in the area of plant/pathogen biology
- Activities:
- With initial guidance by demonstrators, students will perform lab experiments in a "real world" setting
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Discipline-specific GCs(Discipline-specific GCs)
- Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)
- Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
- Creative Problem-solving(Creative Problem-solving)
- Teamwork(Teamwork)
04. Apply the scientific method to design and conduct experiments, and to assess and interpret scientific data.
- Activities:
- With initial guidance by demonstrators, students will design, perform, and analyse results from lab experiments in a "real world" setting
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Creative Problem-solving(Creative Problem-solving)
- Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)
- Discipline-specific GCs(Discipline-specific GCs)
- Ethical Awareness(Ethical Awareness)
- Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
- Teamwork(Teamwork)
05. Record experimental progress in a lab notebook to internationally recognised standards
- Activities:
- Describe experiments, and record and interpret data to internationally recognised standards
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Discipline-specific GCs(Discipline-specific GCs)
- Writing(Writing)
- Ethical Awareness(Ethical Awareness)
- Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
- Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)
06. Present research outcomes as a conference-style poster, a short oral presentation, and a report.
- Activities:
- Students prepare and present a scientific poster and a short oral presentation. Both will be to academic staff, postgraduate students and their cohort.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Discipline-specific GCs(Discipline-specific GCs)
- Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
- Writing(Writing)
- Speaking(Speaking)
- Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)
- Ethical Awareness(Ethical Awareness)
- Teamwork(Teamwork)
Subject options
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Melbourne, 2017, Semester 2, Day
Overview
Online enrolmentYes
Maximum enrolment sizeN/A
Enrolment information
Subject Instance Co-ordinatorMichael Emmerling
Class requirements
PracticalWeek: 31 - 43
Two 4.0 hours practical per week on weekdays during the day from week 31 to week 43 and delivered via face-to-face.
"Research projects equivalent to two 4-hour practical classes per week. Will be performed in AgriBio Research labs and scheduled according to availability of supervisors and students."
LectureWeek: 31 - 43
Two 2.0 hours lecture per week on weekdays during the day from week 31 to week 43 and delivered via face-to-face.
"Concurrent with BOT3ABT lectures."
Assessments
| Assessment element | Comments | % | ILO* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Final Group Report (2000 words) | 9 | 02, 06 | |
| Group Poster Presentation (approx 5 minutes per student) | 9 | 06 | |
| Laboratory participation, assessed via lab books | Lab books are collected twice during the semester and marked. | 5 | 03, 04, 05 |
| Lecture-associated activities (1500-2000 words) | e.g. quizzes, one paragraph summaries of guest lectures | 9 | 01 |
| One 3-hour examination | 50 | 01 | |
| Two 5-minute individual oral presentations | 18 | 06 |