BIOL40370 Plant Pathology and Biotechnology

Academic Year 2021/2022

This course requires a basic prior knowledge of genetics and biotechnology. It introduces students to the EU Green Deal and the new directives on biodiversity and reduced pesticide usage. Thereafter, it explains how plant breeding and the use of biotechnology can help Ireland and the globe reach its sustainability targets. It overviews the use of biotechnology for disease diagnostics, crop and pathogen biodiversity analysis and breeding for disease resistance. It will provide students with a theoretical understanding of the principals underlying disease control, including those focused on low input biotechnological applications.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this course you should be able to :
• Understand the EU Green Deal concepts and EU directives relevant to crop production and disease control
• Contrast and appraise disease control strategies.
• Apply DNA, protein and metabolome technology to plant disease studies.
• Understand the concepts of disease resistance breeding.
• Understand the principles underpinning genetic engineering of crops and the application of this technology to disease control.

Indicative Module Content:

In this module, you will develop a portfolio based on this disease on key topics (see below, from weeks 2-6) and this portfolio will be examined in week 8 as an in-class exam question.


With a focus on case study diseases, the course will overview
o the diseases, their disease cycles and the current control strategies
o pathogen diagnostics
o the importance of pathogen and host genetic diversity studies for disease control
o Breeding for disease resistance
o Genetic engineering
o Biological disease control
o Future trends in disease control

We will also review the emerging threats and opportunities in Plant Pathology and Biotechnology.

Each Tuesday there will be an online lecture from 9-11. On Thursdays, we will have virtual/real classroom tutorials, the aim of which is to discuss papers on the topics and guide you in the preparation of your portfolio.

As part of the course, you will produce a portfolio on which you will be assessed in week 8. This counts as 40% of your final grade. This assessment will comprise an essay exam question on a specific component of your portfolio. 60% will be based on the final written exam.

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

36
Tutorial

8
Autonomous Student Learning

81
Total

125
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Task-based learning
Peer and group work
Face to face and Online lectures;
Critical writing
Reflective learning 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Requirements:

Plant Diseases, Biology and Control - BIOL30010

Learning Exclusions:

MSc in Plant Biology & Biotechnology


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Examination: This in term examination will be based on your portfolio and will take place week 8-9. Varies over the Trimester No Standard conversion grade scale 40% No

40
Examination: Final exam - 1 of 2 questions Week 10 No Standard conversion grade scale 40% No

60

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring Yes - 2 Hour
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Group/class feedback, post-assessment
• Peer review activities

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Class will be given feedback on their portfolios and also peer review of portfolios will be encouraged.