Print Syllabus

Syllabus

BI1437 Applied tree breeding and biotechnology, 7.5 Credits

Tillämpad trädförädling och bioteknologi

Subjects

Biology

Education cycle

Bachelor’s level

Advanced study in the main field

First cycle, has at least 60 credits in first-cycle course/s as entry requirements
Bachelor’s level (G2F)

Grading scale

Language

English

Prior knowledge

Knowledge equivalent to 60 credits Biology and 15 credits Chemistry. As the language of instruction is English, the Swedish language general entry requirement may not apply.

Objectives

The purpose of the course is to give students an understanding of how applied genetics, breeding and biotechnology work and can contribute to increased forest productivity, forest management and sustainable timber production based on conventional tree breeding, new genomic breeding and biotechnology. How can we increase forest productivity from managing natural genetic variation via the use of breeding populations to modern plant breeding techniques using genetic modification and gene editing? Which breeding and phenotyping techniques are used in the practical work of tree breeding? The course aims to answer these questions and to introduce some basic concepts and techniques for molecular biology and genetic conservation.

After completing the course, the student should be able to

• Describe the variation in forest trees, from geographic to within-family variation.

• Explain and argue for different ways of studying the causes of genetic and non-genetic (environment-related) variation within tree species and relate how these variations can be used for climate adaptation and breeding

• Explain how to establish adaptive breeding zones, breeding populations and deployment populations for different forest regeneration materials including materials derived from seed plantations

• Describe and discuss phenotyping techniques suitable for evaluating tree breeding performance, including non-invasive measurement of wood traits and remote or drone-based instruments

• Explain genomic-based breeding methods including genomic selection and gene editing process

• Define a number of different qualitative wood properties of significance for future forestry and bio-based economy and account for their breeding potential

• Describe and reason how breeding technology and forest conservation can be integrated with each other

• Apply popular science writing and oral presentation to argue and evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of genetically modified trees and plantation forestry from an ethical and scientific perspective

• With some supervision, carry out laboratory work in molecular plant biology and evaluate the results

Content

Thematic content

The course addresses the general process of tree breeding that selection of genetic material must take into account in a changing climate. Students learn traditional breeding selection, climate adaptation and new phenotyping methods that enable us to breed and select better trees for breeding and further use. New genome-based breeding methods and practical considerations for further deployment with respect to plant material propagated vegetatively or seedlings are discussed. We will highlight how local climate and light conditions affect plant growth and development to provide an understanding of why seedlings from seed plantations in other latitudes or climates may be challenged in their development. Here the students will also be introduced to clonal tree propagation. The course covers tree biotechnology, from selection of genes to generating and selecting genetically modified trees. The process is illustrated with examples for changing wood properties as well as a lab practice. Finally, we integrate the various techniques and strategies available. From an international perspective, we shift to a local perspective and reflect on which techniques will be relevant in future forestry in different parts of Sweden, what potentials and risks they have and how they can contribute to creating a resilient and sustainable forest. Different ethical viewpoints on the available technology are discussed. The pros and cons of plantation forestry compared to traditional forestry are evaluated by the students in a mandatory essay writing and a seminar. The student is given the opportunity to practice peer review during these course elements.

Implementation

The course uses different teaching methods to promote student learning and discussion.

In addition to lectures, we work in the course with a project work that involves literature studies, assignments and a seminar as well as labs with an assignment (lab report) and a study visit.

The course focuses on the following general skills:

Critical thinking, collaboration, scientific methods, oral communication, written communication, time management

Cooperation with the surrounding society takes place through

Study visit

Grading form

The grade requirements within the course grading system are set out in specific criteria. These criteria must be available by the course start at the latest.

Formats and requirements for examination

Passed written exam, approved written report of submissions and approved oral presentation.

• If a student has failed an examination, the examiner has the right to issue supplementary assignments. This applies if it is possible and there are grounds to do so.

• The examiner can provide an adapted assessment to students entitled to study support for students with disabilities following a decision by the university. Examiners may also issue an adapted examination or provide an alternative way for the students to take the exam.

• If this syllabus is withdrawn, SLU may introduce transitional provisions for examining students admitted based on this syllabus and who have not yet passed the course.

• For the assessment of an independent project (degree project), the examiner may also allow a student to add supplemental information after the deadline for submission. Read more in the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.

Other information

• The right to participate in teaching and/or supervision only applies for the course instance the student was admitted to and registered on.

• If there are special reasons, students are entitled to participate in components with compulsory attendance when the course is given again. Read more in the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.

Additional information

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Responsible department

Department of Forest Genetics and Plant Physiology