Genetics and biotechnology in forest production systems, 15 Credits

Contents

The course provides in-depth knowledge of quantitative genetics and forestry and increased understanding of how to gather qualitative and quantitative data on growth characteristics of forest trees and link such knowledge to efficient modern forestry. The course is divided into three topics: 1. Genetics and breeding (50%), 2. Nursary (25%) and 3. Ecophysiology (25%). The concept of quantitative genetics is emphasized during the course and the course aims at providing an in depth understanding of how genetic methods and forest management can interact in modern forestry. The course also deals with specific topics such as: genetic variation (e. g. "single nucleotide polymorphisms"), genomic selection, genetic techniques such as "GenomeWideAssociationStudies", phenotype characterization, plantation / plantation techniques for forest plants, tree physiology, modern forestry and importance of soil fertility. The importance of data collection strategies and statistical analysis is also evaluated during the course. Integrative methods are discussed to provide an understanding of forest growth. Through lessons, excursions and group discussions, with emphasise on knowledge about eco-physiological processes, and the relationship between tree growth and forest health dependent on gene set-up, stock history and environmental factors. During the course, validation methods are also discussed with focus on ethics and sustainability.

Expected learning outcomes

Upon completion of the course, the student is expected to be able to
1. Demonstrate general knowledge and understanding of genetic and eco-physiological forestry strategies.
2. Show specific knowledge and understanding of concepts in quantitative genetics and their applications in forestry.
3. Show specific and basic knowledge of collection of phenotypic characters, for example, in biology and chemistry.
4. Show specific and basic knowledge about the balance between growth and nutrient supply in forestry.
5. Gain an overall understanding of the steps in the chain of genetic rejuvenation and critically and systematically account for the consequences of changes in individual steps and / or longer processes.
6. Perform basic calculations within QTL analyses and critically analyse their applications.
7. Critically and systematically evaluate the benefits of using DNA technology (molecular markers) in forestry nationally and internationally.
8. Identify and formulate differences between genomic selection and GWAS and sustainability applications.
9. Critically analyse the impact of relevant genetic applications from an eco-physiological and practical perspective.
10. From ethical and sustainability perspectives, argue and analyse issues related to forestry, biotechnology, ecophysiology and industrial forestry, including clonal forestry and its consequences.

Required Knowledge

Two compulsory courses on the Master program in Plant and forest biotechnology (Plant growth and development, 15 ECT and Plant biotechnology and molecular breeding 15 ECT). 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 consists of lectures, assignments, group discussion and excursions. The mandatory modules are: 1. Genetics and breeding, 2. Nursary 3. Ecophysiology 4. Exam

Examination modes

The ELOs are evaluated as follow:
1. Compulsory parts are reported through discussions (SIGs), oral presentations and written reports. Each compulsory part is graded (U / G) based on individual achievements. For an approved grade on the course, G is required on all compulsory assignments. If a student fails with any of the assignment (s), the student can be examined individually in an oral hearing between students and course responsible teacher(s) (ELOs 1-10).
2. Each module is examined separately and at the final exam, according to the scope of the modules(see content). 
The final grade is given when all the modules are rated.
If a module is failed (U), the entire course is failed (U). Only failed parts can be re-examined. Course evaluation is made available after the course closing.
Students who do not participate in the regular exam may undergo a review in accordance with Umeå University Regulations for Examinations and Degrees at First Level and Postgraduate Studies (FS 1.1.2-553-14). The first re-examination will be offered no later than two months after the first exam, except if an ordinary exam takes place in May or June, in which event a first re-examination will be offered within three months after the first exam. In addition, at least one further reassessment will be offered within one year after the re-examination.
In cases where the examination cannot be repeated in accordance with current rules for reassessment, the exam shall be replaced by an alternative. The scope and content of such information should not be disproportionate to the missed exam.
A student who has taken two exams on a course or part of a course is entitled to appoint another examiner unless there are special reasons for it (Chapter 6, Chapter 22). The request for a new examiner should be addressed to the faculty of the Department of Physiological Botany.
In the event, that the curriculum expires or if major changes are made, a student is secured at least three test opportunities (including a regular exam) based on the syllabus that the student has taken for a maximum of two years from the date of the course plan change.

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.