Main Field of Study and progress level:
Biology: Second cycle, has second-cycle course/s as entry requirements
Grading scale: Pass with distinction, Pass with merit, Pass, Pass with distinction, Pass, Fail
Responsible department: Department of Plant Physiology
Established by: Faculty Board of Science and Technology, 2018-09-25
Contents
The course provides in-depth knowledge of quantitative genetics and forestry and increased understanding of how to gather qualitative and quantitative data on growth characteristics of forest trees and link such knowledge to efficient modern forestry. The course is divided into three parts: 1. Genetics and breeding (50%), 2. Biology and wood chemistry (25%) and 3. Ecophysiology (25%). The concept of quantitative genetics is emphasized during the course and the course aims at providing an in depth understanding of how genetic methods and forest management can interact in modern forestry. The course also deals with specific topics such as: genetic variation (e. g. "single nucleotide polymorphisms"), genomic selection, genetic techniques such as "GenomeWideAssociationStudies", phenotype characterization, plantation / plantation techniques for forest plants, tree physiology, modern forestry and importance of soil fertility. The importance of data collection strategies and statistical analysis is also evaluated during the course. Integrative methods are discussed to provide an understanding of forest growth. Through lessons, excursions and group discussions, with emphasise on knowledge about eco-physiological processes, and the relationship between tree growth and forest health dependent on gene set-up, stock history and environmental factors. During the course, validation methods are also discussed with focus on ethics and sustainability.
Expected learning outcomes
Upon completion of the course, the student is expected to be able to 1. Demonstrate general knowledge and understanding of genetic and eco-physiological forestry strategies. 2. Show specific knowledge and understanding of concepts in quantitative genetics and their applications in forestry. 3. Show specific and basic knowledge of collection of phenotypic characters, for example, in biology and chemistry. 4. Show specific and basic knowledge about the balance between growth and nutrient supply in forestry. 5. Gain an overall understanding of the steps in the chain of genetic rejuvenation and critically and systematically account for the consequences of changes in individual steps and / or longer processes. 6. Perform basic calculations within QTL analyses and critically analyse their applications. 7. Critically and systematically evaluate the benefits of using DNA technology (molecular markers) in forestry nationally and internationally. 8. Identify and formulate differences between genomic selection and GWAS and sustainability applications. 9. Critically analyse the impact of relevant genetic applications from an eco-physiological and practical perspective. 10. From ethical and sustainability perspectives, argue and analyse issues related to forestry, biotechnology, ecophysiology and industrial forestry, including clonal forestry and its consequences.
Required Knowledge
Two compulsory courses on the Master program in Plant and forest biotechnology (Plant growth and development, 15 ECT and Plant biotechnology and molecular breeding 15 ECT). 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
The course consists of lectures, assignments, group discussion and excursions. The assignments give hands on experience in the three main parts of the course: 1. Genetics and breeding, 2. Wood biology, and 3. Plant physiology.
Examination modes
The ELOs are evaluated as follow: 1. Compulsory parts are reported through discussions (SIGs), oral presentations and written reports. Each compulsory part is graded (U / G) based on individual achievements. For an approved grade on the course, G is required on all compulsory assignments. If a student fails with any of the assignment (s), the student can be examined individually in an oral hearing between students and course responsible teacher(s) (ELOs 1-10). 2. Each moment is examined separately during a written exam. The exam questions will evaluate knowledge of the expected study results (ELOs 1-10). The three main course parts are weighted according to: 1. Genetics and Processing - 50% 2. Biology - 25% - and 3. Ecophysiology - 25% -. Within one part, if the result is less than 60% of the maximum score, the grade is passed (U), between 60 and 80% approved (G) over 80% Passed (VG). The final grade is given when all the courses are rated and will depend on the results from the written examination. For engineers: 3 - when G is obtained for all three course parts; 4 - when in addition the score in part 1 or in part 2 and 3 is VG; 5 - when VG is obtained for all three parts. For Master's Degree: G - when G is obtained in all three points, VG - when in addition the grade in moment 1, or in points 2 and 3 is VG. If an element is failed (U), the entire course is failed (U) until the student has been approved (G) for all assignments and parts. Only failed parts must be re-examined. Course evaluation is made available after the course closing on intern web or according to agreement between the teachers and students. Students who have passed in one part cannot be re-examined in the same part. Students who do not participate in the regular exam may undergo a review in accordance with Umeå University Regulations for Examinations and Degrees at First Level and Postgraduate Studies (FS 1.1.2-553-14). The first re-examination will be offered no later than two months after the first exam, except if an ordinary exam takes place in May or June, in which event a first re-examination will be offered within three months after the first exam. In addition, at least one further reassessment will be offered within one year after the re-examination. In cases where the examination cannot be repeated in accordance with current rules for reassessment, the exam shall be replaced by an alternative. The scope and content of such information should not be disproportionate to the missed exam. A student who has taken two exams on a course or part of a course is entitled to appoint another examiner unless there are special reasons for it (Chapter 6, Chapter 22). The request for a new examiner should be addressed to the faculty of the Department of Physiological Botany. In the event, that the curriculum expires or if major changes are made, a student is secured at least three test opportunities (including a regular exam) based on the syllabus that the student has taken for a maximum of two years from the date of the course plan change.
Literature
The literature list is not available through the web.
Please contact the faculty.
