Genetic diversity and plant breeding

Description

Entry Requirements: Knowledge equivalent to 180 credits including 90 credits Biology and English B from upper secondary school or equivalent. As an alternative to the above, equivalent to 120 credits including 60 credits Biology of which at least 5 credits Genetics and at least 5 credits Plant Biology/Plant Physiology must be included. English skills equivalent to English B from upper secondary school. Entry Requirements: Knowledge equivalent to 180 credits including 90 credits Biology and English B from upper secondary school or equivalent. As an alternative to the above, equivalent to 120 credits including 60 credits Biology of which at least 5 credits Genetics and at least 5 credits Plant Biology/Plant Physiology must be included. English skills equivalent to English B from upper secondary school. Objectives: After completion of the course the student is expected to be able to: explain the concept of genetic diversity and how evolutionary processes and domestication affect genetic diversity explain concepts of quantitative genetics, breeding methods and regulations for the development of plant varieties understand principles of mapping quantitative traits in plant genomes and how to use this as a first step towards the identification of genes controlling phenotypic traits broadly explain next generation sequencing technologies and perform basic sequence analyses describe different biotechnological applications within plant breeding independently search, summarize and interpret literature within the topics covering genetic diversity and/or plant breeding and present this information in writing and orally conduct laboratory work to demonstrate genetic diversity at the molecular level, compile the results and write a lab-report Content: The course deals with issues within evolution, domestication and breeding. More specifically it focuses on different reproductive systems and their breeding strategies, on the use of next generation sequencing technologies to sequence whole genomes and their applications in breeding. Important qualitative and quantitative plant traits will be high-lighted both genetically and phenotypically. Practical exercises are parts of the course including both wet lab, phenotyping of plants and computer exercises. Application of molecular marker systems in selection processes as well as other methods in plant biotechnology constitutes a section of the course besides bioethical aspects. Legislation connected with variety production and the ownership of variety material will be discussed.