606-314 Experimental Techniques in Plant Science

Completion of, or concurrent enrolment in, at least one 300-level botany subject or biochemistry 521-306. Other subjects that provide a similar background will be considered by the coordinators.

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

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

• gas exchange analysis;

• plant tissue culture;

• 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.

Two laboratory tests (10%); reports on laboratory exercises totalling 2000 words (30%); seminar based on the research project (15%); research project report of up to 3000 words due at the end of semester (45%).