Plant cell and molecular biology, 15 Credits

Contents

The course serves as an introduction to the Plant orientation in Civil Engineering Program in Biotechnology and Genomics as well as to the Master's Programme in Plant and Forest Biotechnology. After a brief overview illustrating different aspects of plant and forest biotechnology, an introduction is given to the plant cell and its unique characteristics. The course further aims to provide knowledge of how the various organelles and processes are regulated at the cellular and molecular level such to enable the plant cell and the plant to grow and adapt to their environment. Areas which are then particularly addressed are: photosynthesis, respiration, carbohydrate and nitrogen metabolism, plant organelles and the cytoskeleton, intracellular signaling, and the biosynthesis and turnover of proteins.

The course is divided into three modules: theory (10.5 credits), literature studies and written assay (3 credits), laboratory exercises (1.5 credits).

Expected learning outcomes

After completing the course the students should be able to:

• Discuss the unique features of plant cells
• Describe and analyze how plant proteins are synthesized, transported, fold, form complexes and finally break down
• Demonstrate a sound knowledge of the regulation of photosynthetic light and dark reactions and apply that knowledge to modulate these processes
• Characterize and evaluate plant carbohydrates that are used for example to build the cell wall, the respiration in mitochondria, as well as transportation to other parts of the plant
• Apply knowledge of the uptake and metabolism of nitrogen and other nutrients in plants
• Demonstrate knowledge about the structure and function of plant organelles, plant cell wall and cytoskeleton
• Critically assess and discuss literature as well as primary research data in plant biology both in oral and written English

Required Knowledge

90 ECTS credits, of which at least 15 ECTS credits are in the main area of chemistry and 60 ECTS credits in the main area of biology where at least 30 ECTS credits should be in plant biology and cell- and molecular biology. Swedish for basic eligibility for higher education programmes and English B/6. Requirements for Swedish only apply if the course is held in Swedish.

Form of instruction

The course includes lectures, guest lectures, group discussions, seminars, literature discussions, and laboratory exercises. Laboratory exercises, group and literature discussions and seminars are compulsory. Some other parts can be mandatory according to the current schedule. In the event of absence from any of the compulsory parts, the examiner decides on the replacement assignment or if the student should redo the missed part at a later time.

Examination modes

To pass the course student has to participate in group discussions, seminars, and laboratory work, and all laboratory reports have been approved. Students who have failed, have the right to undergo a renewed examination to obtain an approved grade. Furthermore, students who have failed twice in a test for a certain course or part of the course have the right to request from the head of department of the Department of Plant Physiology that another teacher be
appointed to determine the grade for a renewed examination. Student who has been approved in a test cannot retake the test for a higher grade.

Module 1 (Theory): is examined in the form of a written exam. Students who have failed have the right to undergo a renewed examination to obtain an approved grade. Grades given are Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with Distinction (VG), or U, 3, 4 or 5.

Module 2 (Laboratory): examined through participation in the laboratory exercises and by assessment of written lab reports. Students who fail because of absence from compulsory laboratory exercises are entitled to participate in the missed parts at a later course occasion. Grades given are Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with Distinction (VG), or U, 3, 4 or 5.

Module 3 (Literature): examined by a written essay on a selected topic in plant biology that is prepared individually. Students who fail the essay are entitled for re-examination after the course ends. Grades given are Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with Distinction (VG), or U, 3, 4 or 5.

The final grade for the entire course is decided when all the tests have been completed and the grades of all modules have been set. For the final grade Pass (G) or 3 on the whole course, at least grade (G) or 3 are required for all modules. For the grade Pass with Distinction (VG) on the entire course, Pass with Distinction (VG) grades are required on modules 1,2 and 3. A final grade 5 for the whole course requires grade 5 on module 1 and at least grade 4 on modules 2 and 3.

Deviations from the course syllabus examination form can be made for a student who has a decision on pedagogical support due to disability. Individual adaptation of the examination form should be considered based on the student's needs. The examination form is adapted within the framework of the expected syllabus of the course syllabus. At the request of the student, the course responsible teacher, in consultation with the examiner, must promptly decide on the adapted examination form. The decision must then be communicated to the student.

Other regulations

In the event that the syllabus ceases to apply or undergoes major changes, students are guaranteed at least three examinations (including the regular examination opportunity) according to the regulations in the syllabus that the student was originally registered on for a period of a maximum of two years from the time that the previous syllabus ceased to apply or that the course ended.