Entry requirements

150 credits including (1) 60 credits in biology and 30 credits in chemistry, or (2) 90 credits in biology.

Learning outcomes

After having completed the course the student should be able to

• account for mechanisms that control development in the life cycle of the plant
• explain how environmental factors are integrated and influence the development of plants
• discuss applications of basic plant research
• critically review and discuss publications on current plant research
• plan, carry out, evaluate and present genetic and moelcular experiments within the subject area of plant developmental biology
• identify and discuss ethical aspects related to genetic engineering.

For a student who takes the course as the starting course for the Master's Programme in Biology, an Introduction to Master Studies is included. After passing this part of the course, the student should

• be aware of the ethical aspects of research and development, including questions of plagiarism and equal opportunities/equal treatment
• demonstrate an understanding of the possibilities and limitations of biology and its role in society
• be able to identify his/her need of further knowledge

Content

The course focuses on mechanisms on the molecular, cell and organism level that control the different phases in the development of the plant, how endogenous mechanisms intersect with external signals, and how one can study these processes.

Instruction

The teaching consists of lectures, literature and discussion seminars, as well as a minor laboratory research project. Students not taking the Introduction to Master Studies, which runs as a seminar series during the course, instead carry out a small literature project. Participation in seminars and theoretical or laboratory exercises is compulsory.

Assessment

Parts of the course: Theory 7 credits; Laboratory work 6 credits; Introduction to Master Studies 2 credits alternatively Literature project 2 credits.

The theory part is examined by a written examination and requires active participation in seminars. The module Laboratory work requires a written report and an oral presentation. The Literature project is reported orally. The Introduction to Master Studies requires active participation in seminars, a written report, and the completion of a study plan.