Science without Borders - Plant and Forest Biotechnology
Do you want to have insight in the plant cell and its unique structures, learn more about the use of biotechnology in agriculture and forestry and possible gains, challenges and problems with deployment of transgenic trees? The course package in Plant and Forest Biotecnology offers all of that and more.
The course package provides students with a strong theoretical background and practical skills in plant physiology, molecular biology, biotechnology and molecular breeding.
A special section is dedicated to raise awareness and understanding of the ethical, ecological and legal aspects of plant biotechnology. Advanced knowledge is given in plant cell and molecular biology as well as plant growth and development. This knowledge is then applied in the fields of plant biotechnology and plant breeding.
The courses contain a variety of laboratory exercises providing the students with hands-on experience and training in how to design, perform, interpret and report scientific experiments. Lectures are given by field expert teachers who are actively engaged in research.
Courses:
1) Plant Cell and Molecular Biology
The course serves as an introduction to the Master’s programme and begins with an overview of the plant cell and its unique structures and a review of basic molecular cell biology. It is followed by lectures in plant cell biology; including the role and function of the plant organelles, primary and secondary plant metabolism, and the unique features of the plant cell wall.
2) Plant Growth and Development
The course covers various processes of plant development such as cell division, meristem activity, embryogenesis and organogenesis. Signal transduction and regulation of growth and development by plant hormones are other central topics of the course.
This course presents both the basics and the most recent advances within molecular plant developmental biology and how environmental constrains affect plant growth and development. Lectures are given by scientists from UPSC and by invited guest lecturers.
3) Plant Biotechnology and Molecular Breeding
The course provides knowledge about the use of biotechnology in agriculture and forestry as well as how modern molecular techniques can be used in plant breeding.
4) Biology and Biotechnology in Forest Production Systems
The course provides knowledge and overview of contemporary issues and approaches in Forest Tree Biotechnology. Particular attention will be given to the deployment of transgenic trees, with practical examples and discussions of possible gains, challenges and problems.
Necessary qualifications for all four courses:
15ETC in Chemistry; 60ETC in Biology of which a minimum of 30 ECT should be in Plant Biology or Cell- and Molecular Biology.
In addition English (B) is required.
All 4 courses are mandatory.
