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2017/18 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

BIOL5251M Plant Biotechnology

10 creditsClass Size: 14

Module manager: Dr Stefan Kepinski
Email: s.kepinski@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2017/18

Pre-requisite qualifications

BSc Biological Sciences

This module is not approved as an Elective

Objectives

This module addresses areas of current research related to plant biotechnology. It focuses on plant responses to abiotic stresses and the regulation of specific organ development. Some of the topics covered are: how to engineer plants to produce novel cell wall materials, how to produce stress tolerant plants or modify the architecture of plants using existing knowledge and different biotechnological approaches. It is based largely on self-directed learning with tutorial support. A major aspect is an appreciation of and detailed analysis and critical appraisal of the scientific literature.

Learning outcomes
On completion of this module, students should:
- have developed skills in understanding and critical analysis of plant science literature;
- have developed their skills in data anlysis and problem solving;
- demonstrate an ability to contribute constructively to discussion of scientific literature.


Syllabus

This module is based largely on self-directed learning and consists of 4 journal club sessions:
- Each session will consider a current topic in the plant science area and students will be assigned a research paper to read and evaluate prior to attending the session.
- Students will be assessed on their ability to produce either a written critique of the topic area (after the session) or present orally during the session. All students must read the reference papers before the sessions so that they are able to contribute to the discussion.

Teaching methods

Delivery typeNumberLength hoursStudent hours
Tutorial61.006.00
Private study hours94.00
Total Contact hours6.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)100.00

Private study

Analysis of selected papers for tutorial discussion sessions.
Preparation of written critiques and oral presentation.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Attendance and contributions at tutorials.

Methods of assessment


Coursework
Assessment typeNotes% of formal assessment
Oral PresentationOral presentation25.00
Critique3 research paper critiques (1000 words minimum)75.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)100.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 04/04/2017

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