Main Field of Study and progress level:
Molecular Biology: Second cycle, has only first-cycle course/s as entry requirements
Biology: Second cycle, has only first-cycle course/s as entry requirements
Grading scale: TH teknisk betygsskala
Responsible department: Department of Plant Physiology
Established by: Faculty Board of Science and Technology, 2016-12-22
Revised by: Faculty Board of Science and Technology, 2018-10-31
Contents
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 used. The course connects research at Umeå Plant Science Centre. The course is divided into the following sections: Theory 9 ECTS, Literature study with seminar 3 ETCS, Practical 3 ETCS.
Expected learning outcomes
Part 1 After the course the students are expected 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. - Understand basal principles concerning microscopy, including confocal laser scanning microscopy. - 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.
Part 2 After the course the students are expected to: - Independently seek, analyze, evaluate and summarize this information in written reports and presentations in English.
Part 3 After the course the students are expected to: - Independently perform practical experiment based on written manuals. Statistically analyze, summarize and interpret experimental data and present this in a written report.
Required Knowledge
90 ECTS credits, of which at least 15 ECTS credits are in the main area of chemistry and 60 ECTS credits in the main area of biology where at least 30 ECTS credits should be in plant biology and cell- and molecular biology. Swedish for basic eligibility for higher education programmes and English B/6. Requirements for Swedish only apply if the course is held in Swedish.
Form of instruction
Instruction is given through lectures, exercises, and seminars, where students are expected to participate actively. The course is given in English.
Examination modes
The final grade is based on the individual’s performance in the examination as well as in the mandatory seminars and practicals. In order to pass the course all mandatory elements have to be fulfilled. Grades given are not passed (U), Passed (G) or Passed with distinction (VG) or U, 3, 4, 5. Examination based on the same syllabus as at the ordinary examination is guaranteed during two years after the first registration to the course. Students who have passed an examination cannot redo the examination to receive a higher grade. When a student has failed an examination on two occasions, he or she has a right to have another grading teacher. A written request for an alternative examiner should be handed to the director of studies
Part 1 The course is examined by written exam in the end of the course. Students who failed the exam have the right to re-exam after the finishing of the course. Grades given are Underkänd (U), Godkänd (G) or Väl godkänd (VG) or U, 3, 4 eller 5.
Part 2 Seminars are examined with active participation in mandatory scheduled activities and a presentation in the end of the course, where deep understanding of the presented original research activity is expected. Student who fail in the presentation will be offered a second opportunity after the course and if wanted the possibility to give the seminar the following time the course is given. Students who fail due to absence during mandatory scheduled parts are offered to participate the following time the course is given. Grades given are Underkänd (U), Godkänd (G) or Väl godkänd (VG) or U, 3, 4 or 5.
Part 3 The part is examined with active participation in mandatory scheduled activities and a reports to be handed in before the end of the course. Student who fail in the report will be offered a second opportunity after the end of the course. Students who fail due to absence during mandatory scheduled parts are offered to participate the following time the course is given. Grades given are Underkänd (U), Godkänd (G) or Väl godkänd (VG) or U, 3, 4 or 5.
Final grade is decided when all of the three parts have been done and individual grades are decided. For the final grade Godkännd (G) or 3 all parts must be passed with at least the grade Godkännd (G) or 3. For final grade Väl godkänd (VG) or 4 part 1 must be passed with grade Väl godkänd (VG) or 4 and at least on of part 2 or 3 have to be passed with grade Väl godkänd (VG) or 4. For final grade 5 part 1 have to be passed with grade 5 and at both part 2 and 3 have to be passed with grade 4 or 5.
Literature
The literature list is not available through the web.
Please contact the faculty.
