Genetics and Advanced Breeding in Crop Plants

Code

BIOS4174

School

Biosciences

Level

4

Credits

10

Semesters

Autumn Malaysia

Summary

There are many factors and disciplines important for crop breeding and improvement more generally. The module will focus on developing an understanding of how genetic improvement and biotechnology is being applied to crop plant challenges through breeding. It also provides the context in which this is happening and raises the question of how does fundamental research work in the laboratory translate through into impact in farmer’s field? The focus is world-wide but draws upon research expertise and experience particularly in the University of Nottingham to explore potential ways to use our new knowledge and tools to bring about beneficial changes in the real world. Students will explore crop breeding innovations and genetic improvement programmes and how these have been utilised. This will include an understanding of the domestication of crop plants, the genetics of different desirable traits and how crops are bred in practice.

Target Students

Biosciences

Classes

• One 2-hour tutorial each week for 2 weeks
• Two 2-hour lectures each week for 8 weeks
• Two 4-hour computings each week for 2 weeks

Assessment

• 100% Exam (2-hour): 2 hours written exam; answer 2 out of 4 essay questions

Assessed by end of spring semester

Educational Aims

Learning Outcomes

Explain the domestication of crops, the genetics of traits and how crops are bred.
Describe the application of molecular markers to assist crop breeding.
Identify major traits and issues that will need to be tackled by crop breeding and improvement.   
 

Conveners

• Prof Festo Massawe