BOTN20050 Principles of Plant Biology and Biotechnology

Academic Year 2024/2025

The aim of this module is to introduce students to the fundamental principles of plant biology. Topics covered will include physiology of plant cells and plants, plant anatomy, morphology and development, plant nutrition, plant hormones, photosynthesis and interactions with other organisms and the environment. Through these topics you will also learn how plants can be applied in biotechnology to solve global challenges including sustainable food and energy production, mitigation of the effects of climate change and production of valuable medicines.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this course, students will:

Have a clear understanding of plant physiology and development - how plants harvest light energy and acquire nutrients from the soil to sustain growth and the role of plant hormones in development.

Appreciate the importance of interaction with beneficial microorganisms for plant health.

Be introduced to plant biotechnology and its applications for solving problems associated with population growth and climate change.

Gain useful laboratory skill in working with plants.

Have an understanding of the breadth of research in Plant Biology at and the national and global problems these research efforts are endeavouring to solve.

Indicative Module Content:

Why study plant biology.
Plant evolution and diversity: Transition from water to land and evolution.
Plant cell: Plastids/pigments/endosymbiosis theory - differences with mitochondria.
Plant anatomy, morphology, and plant nutrition: Leaf, root, xylem, phloem, nutrient uptake and transport.
Photosynthesis and gaseous exchange: Different kinds of photosynthetic systems (C4/C3/CAM), and their biochemistry, stomatal function, including applications, and ecological implications.
Plant hormones – regulation of development and stress responses: Classical versus new hormones, functions of plant hormones.
Plants are not alone: mutualistic interactions with pollinators, mutualistic interactions with soil fungi - mycorrhizae - feed into hormones (strigalactones), plant microbiome, plant pathogens including Agrobacterium and biotech, competition - interaction with other plants.
Plant Biotechnology: plant tissue culture and importance in medicine and bioactive compound production, uses in agriculture and horticulture (including mycorrhizal and endophyte biotechnology).
Plant diversity and ecology: Why is plant biodiversity important, including plant-climate interactions.

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

24
Laboratories

12
Specified Learning Activities

8
Autonomous Student Learning

81
Total

125
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Key teaching and learning approaches used in the module include active/task-based learning, peer and group work, lectures, critical writing, problem-based learning, etc. 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade

Not yet recorded.

Carry forward of passed components
No
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Autumn No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Feedback for workshop and practical assignments will be available to students post-assessment via BrightSpace.

Name Role
Dr Nicholas Brereton Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Grace Cott Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Ms Ciara Graham Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Olga Lastovetsky Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Rainer Melzer Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Sonia Negrao Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Susanne Schilling Lecturer / Co-Lecturer