6 EC
Semester 1, periode 3
5142PLBI6Y
Plant biotechnology plays an important role in addressing some of the most pressing global challenges, including food security, climate change, and sustainable agriculture. By enabling precise modifications in plant genomes, biotechnological tools allow for the development of crops with improved yield, resilience to pests and environmental stress, and enhanced nutritional value. In parallel, plant biotechnology contributes to the production of pharmaceuticals, biofuels, and food substances, expanding its relevance beyond agriculture into healthcare and industry.
This course offers a comprehensive overview of modern plant biotechnology, combining theoretical insights with hands-on laboratory experience. Over four weeks, students explore key themes including plant genomics, gene editing (CRISPR/Cas), molecular farming, plant transformation techniques, and synthetic biology. Lectures (HC) provide the scientific foundation, covering topics such as the structure and expression of plant genomes, vector systems for gene transfer, tissue culture, plant cell biology, and the genetic basis of plant traits.
Laboratory components (P and LC/WC sessions) allow students to apply theoretical knowledge through a structured series of experiments, from vector construction and transformation in E. coli and Agrobacterium to agroinfiltration and metabolite extraction.
By bridging molecular techniques with practical applications and ethical considerations, this course equips students with a foundational skillset for further study or research in plant biotechnology and related life sciences fields.
Plant Biotechnology: The Genetic Manipulation of Plants, 2e by Adrian Slater; Nigel Scott; Mark Fowler
Will be provided through canvas
Will be provided during the practical
Lectures introduce and structure core theoretical knowledge in plant biotechnology, plant genetics, development, and breeding, providing the conceptual framework needed to understand modern biotechnological methods and their applications.
Fieldwork / excursion (breeding company visit) exposes students to real-world plant breeding and biotechnology applications, linking theoretical concepts to industrial practice.
Computer lab sessions train students in designing primers and gene constructs and in analyzing molecular and experimental data using specialized software, allowing students to practice applying theoretical knowledge to realistic research tasks.
Practical training enables students to develop hands-on skills in molecular cloning, plant transformation, agroinfiltration, and metabolite analysis, while integrating theory with experimental practice and fostering accurate data collection, interpretation, and reporting skills.
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Activiteit |
Uren |
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Excursie |
8 |
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Hoorcollege |
22 |
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Laptopcollege |
2 |
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Practicum |
62 |
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Tentamen |
3 |
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Werkcollege |
2 |
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Zelfstudie |
69 |
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Totaal |
168 |
(6 EC x 28 uur) |
Aanvullende eisen voor dit vak:
Attendance at lectures is highly recommended. Attendance for the (computer) practical and tutorials (werkcollege, WC) sessions is mandatory. If you are unable to participate due to personal circumstances (such as illness or special family circumstances), please contact the course coordinator by e-mail. The course coordinator will then discuss with you whether there are options to participate/contribute in an alternative way (e.g. online) or compensate your absence later. If you are not able to follow education for a long time (longer than 1 week), please also contact the study advisor.
| Onderdeel en weging | Details | Opmerkingen |
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Eindcijfer | The weighted final grade should be 5.5 or higher | |
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0.5 (50%) Tentamen | Moet ≥ 5 zijn, Vereist | |
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0.5 (50%) Practical and labjournal | Vereist |
The final grade is composed of the exam (0.5), the practical (Labjournal, performance)(0.5). A student has passed the course when the exam scores 5.0 or higher and the weighted final grade is 5.5 or higher.
For at least twenty working days after the announcement of the results of a written examination, the student can, on request, inspect his/her assessed work, the questions and assignments set, as well as the standards applied for marking. The place and time will be announced via Canvas (from Teaching and Examination Regulations).
Students must complete the lab journal and finish the assignment given during the practical session. The lab journal and practical attendance will be graded according to the rubric.
Dit vak hanteert de algemene 'Fraude- en plagiaatregeling' van de UvA. Hier wordt nauwkeurig op gecontroleerd. Bij verdenking van fraude of plagiaat wordt de examencommissie van de opleiding ingeschakeld. Zie de Fraude- en plagiaatregeling van de UvA: http://student.uva.nl
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Students are expected to have a basic understanding of molecular biology, genetics, and cell biology. Familiarity with key concepts such as DNA/RNA structure and function, gene expression, PCR, and the principles of cloning and transformation will be beneficial. Prior experience with laboratory techniques in molecular biology or bioinformatics tools (e.g., sequence alignment, primer design) is helpful but not mandatory.