BIO 3302 Plant Biochemistry And Biotechnology

STAFFING:

REQUISITES:

OTHER-REQUISITES:

RATIONALE:

The purpose of this course is to give students a theoretical overview of advanced topics in plant biochemistry and biotechnology with particular regard to the interactions of plants with their environment. In addition they will gain practical experience in techniques in plant biotechnology and an understanding of their ethical and legislative contexts.

SYNOPSIS:

This course is offered in odd years only. This course introduces students to current areas of current research in plant biotechnology and biochemistry. Topics include: plant tissue culture; plant genetic engineering; secondary plant metabolites and their potential uses in biotechnology; environmental regulation of photosynthesis; and the effects of environmental stimuli on plant development. The importance of cell signalling mechanisms in response to environmental cues and the regulation of gene expression is emphasised. In the laboratory students gain practical experience in the application of tissue culture and gene transfer techniques to plant research.

OBJECTIVES:

On completion of this course students will be able to:

1. demonstrate an understanding of the factors controlling the maintenance and differentiation of plant cells and tissues in sterile culture;
2. demonstrate an understanding of the major concepts concerned with plant genetic engineering, including social, ethical and legislative contexts;
3. demonstrate an understanding of the mechanisms and regulation of nutrient assimilation and photosynthetic processes in plants.
4. demonstrate an understanding of the effects of major environmental factors on plant growth and development and of the mechanisms which control plant responses and adaptations of these external factors;
5. demonstrate knowledge of, and experience in, current methodologies in plant biotechnology;
6. report scientific information and research results in a clear, concise and rigorous manner.
7. demonstrate enhanced skills in the oral and written presentation of scientific information and research results.

TOPICS:

TEXT and MATERIALS required to be PURCHASED or accessed:

ALL textbooks and materials are available for purchase from USQ BOOKSHOP (unless otherwise stated). Orders may be placed via secure internet, free fax 1800642453, phone 07 46312742 (within Australia), or mail. Overseas students should fax +61 7 46311743, or phone +61 7 46312742. For costs, further details, and internet ordering, use the 'Textbook Search' facility at http://bookshop.usq.edu.au click 'Semester', then enter your 'Course Code' (no spaces).

REFERENCE MATERIALS:

STUDENT WORKLOAD REQUIREMENTS:

ASSESSMENT DETAILS:

NOTES:

1.

Examiner to advise due dates for practical reports

2.

Examiner to advise due date of Essay

3.

Examination dates will be available during the Semester. Please refer to the examination timetable when published.

IMPORTANT ASSESSMENT INFORMATION

1. Attendance requirements:
   It is the students' responsibility to attend and participate appropriately in all activities (such as lectures, tutorials, laboratories and practical work) scheduled for them, and to study all material provided to them or required to be accessed by them to maximise their chance of meeting the objectives of the course and to be informed of course-related activities and administration. To maximize their chances of satisfying the objectives of the practical component of the course, students should attend and actively participate in the laboratory sessions in the course.
2. Requirements for students to complete each assessment item satisfactorily:
   To complete each of the assessment items satisfactorily, students must obtain at least 50% of the marks available for each assessment item.
3. Penalties for late submission of required work:
   If students submit assignments after the due date without prior approval then a penalty of 10% of the total marks available for the assignment will apply for each working day late.
4. Requirements for student to be awarded a passing grade in the course:
   To be assured of a passing grade, students must demonstrate, via the summative assessment items, that they have achieved the required minimum standards in relation to the objectives of the course by: (i) satisfactorily completing the examination and assignments; and (ii) obtaining at least 50% of the total weighted marks available for all summative assessment items.
5. Method used to combine assessment results to attain final grade:
   The final grades for students will be assigned on the basis of the weighted aggregate of the marks obtained for each of the summative assessment items in the course.
6. Examination information:
   In a Restricted Examination, candidates are allowed access to specific materials during the examination. The only materials that candidates may use in the restricted examination for this course are: writing materials (non-electronic and free from material which could give the student an unfair advantage in the examination); calculators which cannot hold textual information (students must indicate on their examination paper the make and model of any calculator(s) they use during the examination. With the Examiner's approval, candidates may, take an appropriate non- electronic translation dictionary (but not technical dictionaries) into the examination. This will be subject to perusal and, if it is found to contain annotations or markings that could give the candidate an unfair advantage, it may be removed from the candidate's possession until the appropriate disciplinary action is completed.
7. Examination period when Deferred/Supplementary examinations will be held:
   Any Deferred or Supplementary examinations for this course will be held in the Semester 3 examination period following the offering of the course.
8. University Regulations:
   Students should read USQ Regulations 5.1 Definitions, 5.6. Assessment, and 5.10 Academic Misconduct for further information and to avoid actions which might contravene University Regulations. These regulations can be found at the URL http://www.usq.edu.au/corporateservices/calendar/part5.htm or in the current USQ Handbook.

ASSESSMENT NOTES