PLANT SC 7123WT - Applications of Plant Biotechnology in Production

Waite Campus - Semester 2 - 2014

This course involves teaching sessions that may be attended by both Undergraduate and Postgraduate students. In addition to the currently commercial applications of plant biotechnology, such as insecticide synthesis and herbicide resistance, there is a large number of other potential applications of plant biotechnology to enhance plant productivity and quality. In this course, a range of potential applications will be investigated, and the implications of the deployment of this powerful technology discussed. The effects of biotechnology on reducing inputs and increasing or altering outputs will be covered. Yield increase and yield maintenance will be compared, and the influence of biotechnology on quality traits will be studied. Students will look at alterations in disease resistance, abiotic stress tolerance, crops for biofuels, and crops as future factories.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code PLANT SC 7123WT
    Course Applications of Plant Biotechnology in Production
    Coordinating Unit School of Agriculture, Food and Wine
    Term Semester 2
    Level Postgraduate Coursework
    Location/s Waite Campus
    Units 3
    Contact Up to 8 hours per week for 6 weeks
    Assumed Knowledge PLANT SC 7225WT & PLANT SC 7226WT
    Restrictions Available to GradCertBiotech, GradDipBiotech & MBiotech students only
    Assessment Reports, assignments
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Professor Rachel Burton

    Course Timetable

    The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

     

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    Successful students will be able to:
    1 Understand the basis and application of genetic modification of plants as it applies to current global problems.
    2 Understand and explain the development and application of biotechnology as it relates to many global situations.
    3 Evaluate new biotechnological advances.
    4 Communicate effectively using written means.

     

    University Graduate Attributes

    This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

    University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s)
    Knowledge and understanding of the content and techniques of a chosen discipline at advanced levels that are internationally recognised. 1
    The ability to locate, analyse, evaluate and synthesise information from a wide variety of sources in a planned and timely manner. 1,2,3
    An ability to apply effective, creative and innovative solutions, both independently and cooperatively, to current and future problems. 3
    Skills of a high order in interpersonal understanding, teamwork and communication. 4
    A proficiency in the appropriate use of contemporary technologies. 3
    A commitment to continuous learning and the capacity to maintain intellectual curiosity throughout life. 1,2,3
    A commitment to the highest standards of professional endeavour and the ability to take a leadership role in the community. 1,2,3,4
    An awareness of ethical, social and cultural issues within a global context and their importance in the exercise of professional skills and responsibilities. 1,2
  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes

    This course relies heavily on a traditional lecture format, designed to complement the concurrent unit Techniques in Plant Biotechnology.

    Workload

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

    A full-time student should expect to spend, on average, a total of 48 hours per week on their studies.  This includes both the formal contact time required to the course (e.g. lectures, tutorials, practicals), as well as non-contact time (e.g. reading and revision).

    Learning Activities Summary

    No information currently available.

  • Assessment

    The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

    1. Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
    2. Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
    3. Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
    4. Assessment must maintain academic standards.

    Assessment Summary

     

     

    Assessment Detail
    Assignment 1. Set question. 20% of course mark.
    All students are expected to complete this assignment. A FOUR page limit applies.

    “Describe the development of genetically engineered virus resistant papaya. What are the current obstacles impeding the widespread adoption of this GM crop?”

    Assignment 2. Students have a choice- you should answer ONE of the following questions. A TEN page limit applies, excluding references. 40% of course mark.

    “For what purposes are bananas currently being genetically modified? What factors might limit both the success of these experiments and the widespread use of the modified products?
    or

    “How and why is BarleyMAX grain that is used to make breakfast cereal different from wild type barley? How do the changes in this grain benefit human health?”
    or

    “Describe the advantages and disadvantages of using algae to make biofuels. In your opinion, do they have a future as a biofuel feedstock?”

    or

    “What is the difference between a probiotic and a prebiotic? Describe how prebiotics may be used to improve human health.”

    Written examination. 40% of course mark.
    This will be held in the last week of the course. It is NOT an open book examination. Students MUST pass the exam to pass the course.
    Submission

    No information currently available.

    Course Grading

    Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

    M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
    Grade Mark Description
    FNS   Fail No Submission
    F 1-49 Fail
    P 50-64 Pass
    C 65-74 Credit
    D 75-84 Distinction
    HD 85-100 High Distinction
    CN   Continuing
    NFE   No Formal Examination
    RP   Result Pending

    Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

    Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

    Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

  • Student Feedback

    The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

    SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.

  • Student Support
  • Policies & Guidelines
  • Fraud Awareness

    Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student’s disciplinary procedures.

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