PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY
BOT3PB
2014
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.
Faculty: Faculty of Science, Tech & Engineering
Credit points: 30
Subject Co-ordinator: Michael Emmerling
Available to Study Abroad Students: Yes
Subject year level: Year Level 3 - UG
Exchange Students: Yes
Subject particulars
Subject rules
Prerequisites: One of BOT2MPN, BOT2ILP, MIC2IM, MIC2MVM, BCH2BMA, BCH2BMB, GEN2HMG, GEN2EEG, BCH2IBM, GEN2MHG, MIC2MI, BCH2MBC, GEN2EGE, MIC2MMV.
Co-requisites: N/A
Incompatible subjects: N/A
Equivalent subjects: N/A
Special conditions: N/A
Learning resources
Readings
| Resource Type | Title | Resource Requirement | Author and Year | Publisher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Readings | Plant Physiology | Recommended | Taiz, L. and Zeiger, E. | 5TH EDN., SINAUER ASSOCIATES INC, 2010 |
Melbourne, 2014, Semester 2, Day
Overview
Online enrolment: Yes
Maximum enrolment size: N/A
Enrolment information:
Subject Instance Co-ordinator: Michael 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"
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.
Assessments
| Assessment element | Comments | % |
|---|---|---|
| Final Group Report (2000 words) | 9 | |
| Group Poster Presentation (approx 5 minutes per student) | 9 | |
| Laboratory participation | 5 | |
| Lecture-associated activities (e.g. quizzes, one paragraph summaries of guest lectures) | 9 | |
| One 3-hour examination | 50 | |
| Two 5-minute individual oral presentations | 18 |