Biology and biotechnology in forest production systems, 15 Credits
The course is discontinued
Swedish name: Biologi och bioteknik för skogliga produktionssystem
This syllabus is valid: 2016-10-31
and until further notice
Course code: 5BI219
Credit points: 15
Education level: Second cycle
Main Field of Study and progress level:
Molecular Biology: Second cycle, has only first-cycle course/s as entry requirements
Grading scale: TH teknisk betygsskala
Responsible department: Department of Plant Physiology
Established by: Faculty Board of Science and Technology, 2019-06-04
Contents
The course starts with an overview of current concepts, issues, methods and strategies in forest biotechnology. Forest biotechnology is presented as a tool to increase the production of raw materials with the desired fiber and wood properties of both the traditional forest industry but also for the emerging green materials, energy and chemical industries. The course highlights the important processes in forest production systems such as clonal forestry, plantation forestry, optimization of growth using modern farming methods and fertilizers as well as other ways to optimize wood production. Topics covered include: 1) Domestication of tree types, gene discovery programs and breeding based on molecular markers, 2) transgenic trees and clonal forestry including environmental and social issues, 3) wood as a raw material for improvement using biotechnology methods. The course further addresses studies of wood formation processes and methods used to measure various physicochemical properties of wood. The genetic and cellular regulation of wood formation will also be discussed. Other topics covered are: 1) clonal propagation of elite genotypes, 2) in vitro propagation and induction of adventitious roots, 3) somatic embryogenesis in conifers and deciduous trees, 4) the production of transgenic trees, 5) plantation forestry, the environmental constraints of forest production and modeling of plantation forestry.
Expected learning outcomes
After completing the course the students should be able to: - Demonstrate an advanced theoretical knowledge of the biology that controls the optimal production of tree biomass - Characterize and assess optimal wood and fiber properties - Describe the theories that govern modern forest biotechnology as well as strategies for forest production systems - Apply analytical methods for wood and fiber properties - Demonstrate the ability to analyze, summarize and present possible experiments and the results thereof - Understand, critically evaluate and discuss new discoveries from the scientific literature - Compile and apply the current knowledge in various disciplines - Perform oral presentation in an easily understandable and convincing manner.
Required Knowledge
At least 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, literature discussions, and laboratory exercises.
Examination modes
Assessment of the study results is based on a written examination, a written summary of literature study and presentations of laboratory work and seminars. To pass the course the written exam, literature study, reports and presentations are all must be approved and student attended the seminars and workshops. Students who fail have the right to retake the examination to get a passing grade. Furthermore, students who twice failed an exam for a certain course or part of course, have the right to request from the head of the Department of Plant Physiology that another teacher is appointed to determine the grade at the test again (HF 6 Chap. 22 §). Anyone who has passed an examination may not retake the test for a higher grade.
Literature
The literature list is not available through the web.
Please contact the faculty.
