Advanced Plant Breeding and Genetic Resources
Course description
This course is designed for students who want to understand both the theory and practice of plant breeding. It explores how genetic resources are used in breeding, including issues related to intellectual property rights, as well as different breeding methods, including modern breeding technologies and how they can be used to develop improved crops.
Students will gain hands-on experience with key molecular methods used for trait improvement, with particular emphasis on DNA markers, omics technologies, and genome sequencing. The course combines lectures, laboratory exercises, literature studies, seminars, project work, and study visits to plant breeding companies to create an interactive learning environment.
A central component of the course is an independent project in which students design a breeding strategy to address a real breeding problem in a chosen crop species.
By integrating theory with practical applications, the course equips students with the knowledge and skills needed to address current and future challenges in plant breeding for sustainable agriculture.
Entry Requirements
Course facts
BI1407, Advanced Plant Breeding and Genetic Resources, 15.0 Hp
Print syllabus
Syllabus
Finalized by: Programnämnden för utbildning inom landskap och trädgård (PN - LT), 2021-11-15
Valid from : Autumn semester 2022 (2022-08-29)
Level
Second cycle (A1N)
Main field of study
Biology, Horticultural Science
Grading Scale
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.
Course language
English
Entry Requirements
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.
Examination Formats and Requirements for Passing the Course
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.
Responsible Department/Equivalent
Department of Plant Breeding
Supplementary information
Included in program
- Plant Biology for Sustainable Production - Master's Programme
- Plant Biology for Sustainable Production - Master's programme
- Horticultural Science Programme
- Horticultural Science - Master's Programme
Module set
| Title | Credits | Code |
|---|---|---|
| Single module | 15.0 | 0001 |
The Course Replaces
BI0901, BI1057, BI1345