606-314 Experimental Techniques in Plant Science

Credit Points

Coordinator

Prerequisites

Completion of, or concurrent enrolment in, at least one of: Botany 606-303, 606-304, 606-307 or Biochemistry 521-306

Semester

Contact

Subject Description

This subject involves instruction in experimental methods in plant science useful for plant biotechnologists, physiologists, plant pathologists, environmental biologists and systematists. It will include a research project in an area of student's choice. Methods to be covered in this subject will be selected from:

• extraction, handling and manipulation of plant nucleic acids and proteins;

• extraction and analysis of plant carbohydrates;

• gas exchange analysis;

• chlorophyll fluorescence;

• secondary metabolite analysis;

• microscopy;

• analysis of pest and disease resistance mechanisms in plants; and

• data acquisition, analysis and presentation.

By the end of the subject, students should have:

• a knowledge of basic methods and experimental design in plant science:

• experience in written and oral presentation of original research: and

• experience of working in a research team.

Assessment

A research report of up to 4000 words due at the end of semester, a seminar on the research project, and two laboratory tests held within timetabled classes.