Print Syllabus

Syllabus

BI1407 Advanced Plant Breeding and Genetic Resources, 15.0 Credits

Avancerad växtförädling och genetiska resurser

Subjects

Horticultural Science Biology Biology Horticultural science

Education cycle

Master’s level

Advanced study in the main field

Second cycle, has only first-cycle course/s as entry requirements
Master’s level (A1N)

Grading scale

Language

English

Prior knowledge

Knowledge equivalent to 120 credits, including 45 credits in Biology or 45 credits in Horticultural Science or 45 credits in Technology and English 6.

Objectives

On completion of the course, the student will be able to:

• understand the role of genetic resources in plant breeding

• evaluate and utilize genetic resources for a given species

• understand issues about intellectual property and freedom of operation of plant genetic resources

• discuss the potential of modern breeding tools in plant breeding for achieving sustainable agriculture

• apply modern technologies independently in plant breeding

• use genetic theory to design a breeding strategy for a given species.

Content

The course content consists of the following main items:

• Importance of genetic resources and plant breeding for sustainable plant production

• Genetic variation and gene erosion in horticultural plant species

• Collections and international aspects of genetic resources and freedom of operation of plant materials

• Modern breeding technologies and their uses in plant breeding

• Project design e.g. improving disease resistance or product quality by using different modern breeding methods. Designed projects are reported in writing and orally

• Excursions to institutes or companies involved in plant breeding

• Laboratory practicals

• Seminars on literature study, laboratory practicals and designed project will provide students with opportunities to discuss pros and cons of various breeding methods.

Scheduled lab practicals, seminars and study visits are compulsory.

Grading form

The grade requirements within the course grading system are set out in specific criteria. These criteria must be available by the course start at the latest.

Formats and requirements for examination

The examination consists of written reports and oral presentations. To pass the course, approved written reports, passed in the oral presentations and approved compulsory components are required.

• If a student has failed an examination, the examiner has the right to issue supplementary assignments. This applies if it is possible and there are grounds to do so.

• The examiner can provide an adapted assessment to students entitled to study support for students with disabilities following a decision by the university. Examiners may also issue an adapted examination or provide an alternative way for the students to take the exam.

• If this syllabus is withdrawn, SLU may introduce transitional provisions for examining students admitted based on this syllabus and who have not yet passed the course.

• For the assessment of an independent project (degree project), the examiner may also allow a student to add supplemental information after the deadline for submission. Read more in the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.

Other information

• The right to participate in teaching and/or supervision only applies for the course instance the student was admitted to and registered on.

• If there are special reasons, students are entitled to participate in components with compulsory attendance when the course is given again. Read more in the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.

Responsible department

Department of Plant Breeding