Module BIOL3321: CROP PROTECTION (L)

Department: BIOLOGICAL AND BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES

BIOL3321: CROP PROTECTION (L)

Prerequisites

• None.

Corequisites

• None

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None.

Aims

• To give the student a thorough understanding of the interactions between plants and their major pests and pathogens, with an emphasis on understanding those interactions at the molecular level.
• To outline how modern technology is developing new methods of protecting crops against pests and pathogens, and to set this new technology in the context of modern agriculture.
• To conduct a supervised investigation of an area within Biological Sciences where knowledge obtained by laboratory experimentation is important.

Content

• Molecular techniques in plant breeding.
• Genome analysis.
• Marker assisted gene isolation.
• Interaction of plants with pathogens: cell signalling.
• The oxidative burst.
• PR proteins, cell wall modification, phytoalexins.
• Systemic responses.
• Fungicides.
• Constitutive and induced defences.
• The role of secondary metabolism.
• The wounding response.
• Digestive systems in phytophagous insects.
• Detoxification mechanisms in insects.
• Genetics and evolution in the host-predator interaction.
• Molecular technologies for protection of plants against insects.
• BT toxins, plant defensive proteins, other strategies.
• Transgenic technologies: protection of crops against viruses.
• protection of crops against nematodes.
• Environmental impact of insect-resistant GM crops.

Learning Outcomes

• By the end of this module each student should be able to: Appreciate how the life cycles of microorganisms make them suitable candidates for carrying out biotechnological processes.
• Describe the different systems used for producing recombinant proteins in microorganisms or cell cultures, and understand their advantages and limitations.
• Understand the principles of plant genetic engineering technologies, and how they are applied to the production of transgenic crops.
• Appreciate the evolution and deployment of cell and tissue and organ culture systems for higher mammals.

• Critically assess selected aspects of the role of biotechnology in industry and society.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• Taught Component: Teaching and learning in this component is primarily through the means of lectures and seminars.
• Skills will be acquired through the searching, retrieval and presentation of data.
• Knowledge will be summatively assessed through a written examination.
• Understanding will be assessed by means of a multiple choice question test at the end of the module to ensure students have understood the material presented.
• Project Component: Teaching and learning in this component is primarily through supervised individual laboratory work.
• Skills will be acquired through advanced practical work and through the searching, retrieval and presentation of relevant data.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Self-assessed problem solving exercise.

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University