Sex, Flowers and Biotechnology
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| BIOS4023 | Biosciences | 4 | 10 | Spring UK |
- Code
- BIOS4023
- School
- Biosciences
- Level
- 4
- Credits
- 10
- Semesters
- Spring UK
Summary
The processes of floral development and reproduction are fundamental for plant breeding, crop productivity and horticulture. This module focuses on recent developments that have been made in the understanding of floral development, reproduction and seed production. Topics focus on how such processes can be manipulated for commercial exploitation and to provide greater understanding of these critical developmental pathways.
Target Students
Only available to MSc Biotechnology students.
Classes
- One 3-hour lecture each week for 10 weeks
Lectures and seminars.
Assessment
- 25% Coursework 1: Essay (1,500 words).
- 75% Exam 1 (2-hour): Written examination
Assessed by end of spring semester
Educational Aims
To provide a detailed knowledge on the developmental and molecular processes associated with flowering and fruit development. Particular emphasis will be applied to aspects of reproductive biology or fruit production which could be manipulated to facilitate crop improvement. The objectives are to enable a student to: i) understand the molecular processes associated with flowering and fruit production in higher plants ii) understand how such complex processes may be manipulated to facilitate crop improvement.Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module, students will be able:
1) To demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the fundamental principles and practices that underpin plant reproductive development.
2) To evaluate specialist information focusing on floral and reproductive development and its biotechnological applications.
3) Develop an appreciation of the targets of the horticulture and agriculture industry and the approaches that can be used to meet these targets.
4) To communicate effectively knowledge of different aspects of floral and reproductive development.