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HORT30390

Academic Year 2025/2026

Plant Biotechnology & Micropropagation (HORT30390)

Subject:
Horticulture
College:
Health & Agricultural Sciences
School:
Agriculture & Food Science
Level:
3 (Degree)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Dr Aisling Reilly
Trimester:
Spring
Mode of Delivery:
On Campus
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

Plant biotechnology represents a significant advancement in plant science for food and environmental plant production, which has never been more important with a burgeoning global population. In this module, students will be taught the application of biotechnology and micropropagation of plant material, particularly in regard to its applications for plant-based food production.

Module content will include: totipotency in plant cells; in-vitro cultivation of cells and tissues; plant regeneration from single cells; plant hormones to induce roots and shoots; acclimation of in-vitro plants to external environment; importance of aseptic techniques; and use of plant bioreactors. Methodologies will include training in aseptic tissue culture for the purpose of plant propagation, and production of propagules.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this module students should be able to:
- Understand the application of plant biotechnology for plant production
- Recognise the importance of plant totipotency and the scientific basis of in-vitro micropropagation
- Correctly apply micropropagation techniques in a laboratory setting
- Produce aseptic plant propagules
- Understand and apply molecular technologies for plant production
- Critically discuss the future role of biotechnology in producing food for a growing global population

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

24
Laboratories

36
Field Trip/External Visits

7
Autonomous Student Learning

60
Total

127

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Lectures; lab work; student project.

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Exam (In-person): Examination: End of Trimester Examination End of trimester
Duration:
2 hr(s)
 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No
60
 No
Report(s): Lab Report: Laboratory and field trip reports Week 7, Week 11 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No
40
 No

Carry forward of passed components
No
 

Resit In Terminal Exam
Autumn Yes - 2 Hour
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?

Not yet recorded.

Name Role
Dr Noeleen Smyth Lecturer / Co-Lecturer

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
Spring Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 Mon 09:00 - 10:50
Spring Laboratory Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 Tues 15:00 - 16:50
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