BI1482, Plant Growth and Development, 15.0 Hp
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Syllabus

Finalized by: Ordförande PN-LT Programnämnden för utbildning inom landskap och trädgård , 2025-11-14
Valid from : Autumn semester 2026 (2026-08-31)

Level

Second cycle (A1N)

Main field of study

Biology

Subject

Science

Biology Area

Botany (plant biology)

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

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to

• Apply knowledge about the anatomy of primary and secondary growth and to distinguish molecular processes controlling cell division cell elongation and polarity establishment during plant growth and development.
• Apply and analyze gene mapping in plants as well as both forward and reverse genetic methodology in plant model organisms.
• Apply knowledge about synthesis, transport and signal transduction of plant hormones and its importance for growth and development in plants.
• Apply knowledge about light perception and signaling as well as circadian control and its importance for growth and development in plants.
• Apply knowledge about environmental perception and signaling and its importance for growth and development in plants.
• Independently seek, analyze, evaluate and summarize this information in written reports and presentations in English.
• Independently perform practical experiment based on written manuals. Statistically analyze, summarize and interpret experimental data and present this in a written report.

Content

Subject-related content

The course deals with developmental biology of plants and environmental constrains upon plant growth. Focus is on regulation of cell division, meristem activity, plant stem cells, embryogenesis and organogenesis, signal transduction and plant hormones. Molecular techniques such as recombinant DNA techniques, protein targeting, gene and protein expression analysis, and mutant screening are included. The course has a strong connection to ongoing and current research, both in terms of lectures and laboratory experiments.

Teaching formats

To further student learning and promote discussion, a variety of methods are used:

lectures, group discussions, literature discussions, own seminar and laboratory exercises.

The course is divided into three parts: Theory section, Literature study with seminar and Laboratory exercises.

The course focuses on the following generic competencies:

• Scientific methods: Common scientific methods and their advantages and disadvantages are explained and discussed in lectures, discussions of scientific articles and laboratory exercises, which increases the students' ability to interpret scientific results.
• Critical thinking: The course will contribute to critical thinking through discussions of scientific publications and discussion and analysis of results from laboratory exercises
• Oral communication: Literature study with subsequent oral presentation practices students in planning and presenting a research topic that is new to them

The following course elements are compulsory:

Laboratory work and seminars

Collaboration with the surrounding community takes place through:

The course has a strong connection to ongoing research of relevance for the agricultural, horticultural, and forest sectors.

Examination Formats and Requirements for Passing the Course

Passed written exam, passed mandatory written reports and oral presentations, and active participation in mandatory activities.

Responsible Department/Equivalent

Department of Forest Genetics and Plant Physiology

Supplementary information

Included in program

• Plant Biology for Sustainable Production - Master's Programme

The Course Replaces

BI1293

Other Information

The course has a strong connection to ongoing research at SLU and Umeå University.

SLU is environmentally certified according to ISO 14001. A large part of our courses cover knowledge and skills that contribute positively to the environment. To further strengthen this, we have specific environmental goals for the education. Students are welcome to suggest actions regarding the course’s content and implementation that lead to improvements for the environment. For more information, see webpage www.slu.se.