University of Wales Bangor
Molecular Plant Breeding and
Biotechnology
Master of Science (MSc)
School of Biological Sciences (College of
Environmental & Life Sciences)
with major input from
The Institute of Grassland & Environmental Research
(IGER, BBSRC), Aberystwyth
Version: July 2006
Rationale
This one year M.Sc. course provides intensive training in modern plant breeding and
plant biotechnology. It is designed both for fresh graduates and for individuals
wishing to develop and extend their expertise in this area. This course has a strong
practical emphasis, and students will be trained in a wide range of molecular plant
breeding techniques. Graduates from this programme will acquire a wide range of
expertise, and will be able to fill posts in government and independent research
organisations and plant biotechnology companies.
The main educational aims
1. To provide an advanced theoretical background in all major facets of
Molecular Plant Breeding and related Biotechnology. This includes
i. Plant Breeding Technologies.
ii. The Basis of Biotic and Abiotic challenges to plant growth and
productivity and how these can be addressed by molecular plant
breeding.
iii Systems Biology (the integration of “omics”* technologies) on
model and non-model systems.
iv. Socio-economic interests:
public perception, hazards and
legislation, intellectual property and economics.
2. To provide advanced training in the practical skills involved in the study and
promotion of Molecular Plant Breeding and related Biotechnology.
3. To provide an advanced generic training in the relevant Professional Research
Skills (Information Processing, Information Technology and written, graphic
and verbal Communication Skills).
(* “omics” is shorthand for the suite of recent technologies into the high
throughput analysis of the genome, transcriptome, proteome and metabolome)
Programme Structure
The course will be taught under a modular scheme, full time, over the course of one
year comprising of 180 credits, of which 120 come from taught modules and 60 from
independent project work and submitted thesis. The scheme is designed to train fresh
graduates as well as individuals who wish to gain experience of modern plant
breeding and biotechnology. The course has a very strong practical emphasis and
includes a 4 months research project. Much of the earlier part of the course – although
fully self standing – is also a preparation for this project. All taught modules are at
Level 4. Students will take modules in Plant Breeding (20 credits); Molecular
Aspects of Plant Biotic and Abiotic Stress and related defence and tolerance (10
credits each); Functional Genomics (or Systems Biology) in Plant Breeding (10
credits); Plant Genetic Manipulation (20 credits); Professional Research Skills –
including Health & Safety, Information Technology, Statistics, Scientific Writing and
Grant Capture (15 credits), Biotechnology & Society – including Public Perception,
Safety and the Environment, Legislation, Commercialisation and Intellectual Property
Issues (10 credits); a Literature Survey (25 credits) and a 4 month Research Project
(60 credits).
Individual Module Details
Plant Breeding (20 credits)
This module is taught by breeding practitioners at an international breeding institute
(IGER, Aberystwyth) and will reflect current state-of-the-art crop breeding practice
along with practical examples. Topics will include: Revision of Mendelian genetics
and linkage analysis. Quantitative genetics and how it is an extension of Mendelian
genetics. Mapping and quantitative trait locus location (QTL). Marker assisted
selection. Breeding strategies (backcrossing etc). Relating strategies to objectives –
using examples from work at IGER. Creating variation. Genetic resources – locating
using ecotypes and biodiversity, inter-specific (wide) crosses. Mutation breeding –
mutagens and genetic modification. Chromosome manipulation – polyploidy and
introgression. Practical aspects of pollination – inbreeders and outbreeders. Practical
sessions of research/commercial glasshouse use and manual and insect pollination.
Plant Biotic Stress (10 Credits)
The strategies that plants employ to respond to biotic stresses are currently the subject
of intensive research, much of it at the molecular level. This module examines how
higher plants cope with external challenges such as pathogen and pest attack by
initiating specific gene expression programmes that act to minimise and overcome the
effects of the stress. Topics covered include changes in cell wall protein composition
in response to wounding and mechanical stress; the synthesis of phytoalexins; the role
jasmonate, systemin, and salicylic acid play in localised and systemic responses; and
the pathways of electrical and hydraulic signalling within the plant. Recently
developed technologies of reverse genetics, microarray analysis, proteomics has
revolutionised our understanding of plant defence, and the course will consider these
in some detail. The course will be illustrated with examples of ongoing research that
is currently in progress at Bangor.
Plant Abiotic Stress (10 Credits)
Crop growth, productivity and quality are strongly influenced by both biological and
non-biological external stresses. This module will address the most common abiotic
stresses and deal with breeding strategies that are being used to minimise their
negative impact. The chemistry and physics underlying each stress will be outlined. In
addition to improving crop quality, in some cases, eg heavy metal tolerance, the aim
of the breeder is to use plants to restore damaged environments. In others, the aim is
ensuring high mineral and nutrient value for human and animal health (eg. vitamins
and minerals). Stresses included are: Drought, cold, freezing, heat, waterlogging, salt
and sodicity, heavy metal tolerance and mineral deficiency. The target processes
include membrane transport, compatible solutes, growth rate and timing and drought
responsive elements. Some, such as oxidative stress, are common to several
conditions. Practical emphasis will be made to the exploitation of variation and
contrasting genotypes available to the breeder – using rice and wheat as examples.
Practical classes and demonstrations will include demonstrations of the effect of
stresses on contrasting genotypes and in the application of conventional breeding
techniques to the highlighted crops.
Systems Biology in Breeding (10 Credits)
The purpose of this module is to introduce the theory, practice and application of
Systems Biology. This new field has emerged from the application and combination
of information derived from new techniques that provide high volume and density
data on the molecular biology of organisms. Generally it has been applied to model
systems – eg rice and Arabidopsis - where the full genomic sequence is known. The
module will deal with the analysis of the genome, transcriptome, proteome and
metabolome. (These are often refered to as “omics”.) Of central importance is the use
of high throughput bioinformatics in general and sequence databases in particular to
correlate the results of the different “omic” levels.
Transcriptomics: The relationship of the transcriptome with the genome. What
microarrays are and how different types are used. How microarray technology is
applied to specific questions – eg the interactions of metabolite levels and gene
expression. Software for image analysis. How data is obtained and processed
(including practical sessions.)
Proteomics: The relationship of the proteome to the transcriptome. Methods of
separating and analysing the proteome. 2D electrophotresis and spot recovery.
MALDI-TOF. Practical sessions.
Metabolomics: The relationship between the metabolome and the previous two
headings. Metabolite and plant product analysis by Chromatography, Electrophoresis,
Mass Spectrometry and NMR. Practical Sessions.
Practical Genetic Manipulation (10)
The practice of plant genetic manipulation. This is a predominantly practical module
that will instruct each student in the techniques of DNA manipulation, plant
transformation and the analysis of the transformed plant. RNA and DNA extraction.
DNA cloning, including design of inserts and use of vectors. Selection of vectors.
Transformation of Arabidopsis using Agrobacterium. Transformation of monocots
using Agrobacterium. Tranformation by particle bombardment. Introduction of
reporter genes and their associated promoters. (Use of promoter gene products.)
Analysis of the genome and transcriptome – radiolabelling probes, Southern analysis,
Northern analysis. Reverse transcriptase (RT)-PCR and real time RT-PCR.
Microsatellite, RAPD, AFLP and RFLP. Sterile plant tissue culture and
micropropagation. Protoplast preparation. Single cell gene expression.
Professional Research Skills (15 Credits)
This module provides a training in both “generic” range of skills and the use of key
examples of Bioinformatics software that are essential for research scientists in the
field of molecular plant breeding and biotechnology.
These are:
Health and Safety issues related to working in the laboratory and in the field.
Introduction to UWB and IGER Information Services. Information technology
(appropriate to the previous experience of the student), such as e-mail and web
searching; Word processing including multilingual use and referencing (Endnote);
Powerpoint and Graphics; Spreadsheets and Databases). Bioinformatics applications
include database delving such as MSQT (for SNP), CropNet (germplasm), Gramene
(cereal) and phylogeny (NTSYS) programmes. Interpretive programmes such as
vxInsight (expression), BLAST, Primer Design, Mapmaker and WinQTL (mapping).
Scientific writing, poster and paper design and preparation. Statistics, including
opportunities offered by Matlab (starting at a level appropriate to the previous
experience of the student). Preparation of grant and research funding applications –
including advice on sources of funding.
Biotechnology and Society (10 Credits)
This module deals with four matter of interest both within and beyond the scientific
community directly involved. These will be:
The public perception of plant biotechnology (including relevant animal and
microbial issue). Safety in biotechnology. Intellectual Property Protection. Economics
of plant biotechnology. An introduction to the field of relevant national and
international legislation.
Literature Survey (25 Credits)
This module will provide the opportunity to explore at depth the literature concerning
one topic from within the field of Molecular Plant Breeding and Biotechnology. This
topic will be chosen following consultation between student and one or more
members of the teaching staff. Following a general introduction to the requirements
of the written review, the student will use skills taught in the co-required module on
Professional Research skills (BSB4006) to review the written and electronic literature
on the topic. A comprehensive review of 5,000-10,000 words will then be submitted.
A poster and a 20 min oral presentation will also be required.
Research Project (60 Credits)
This is a major component of the Molecular Plant Breeding and Biotechnology M.Sc.
Programme. All registered students undertake a research project under the supervision
of a member of academic staff. The project addresses a biological question or topic
by practical experimentation in a laboratory or field setting. Experimental work can
be conducted either as an individual or as a member of a small group researching
related aspects of a single topic. The project is generally fluid in nature, with the
direction of investigation being dictated by results obtained, or problems encountered.
Results are presented in a written report and through an oral presentation to student
peers and academic staff.
Teaching and learning strategies and methods
Due to the likely wide range of previous experience and background of the enrolled
students, a wide range of teaching and learning strategies and methods have been
adopted. The proportion of self-study time (60%) will allow each student to exploit to
the full his or her personal strengths. Because of the practical nature of the subject, the
practical component is also high (28%, of which 25% is a project). The 12% direct
contact time is distributed between formal lectures (7%), discursive tutorials (4%) and
supervised exercises (2%). (Figures are rounded up). The material is distributed
between subject-based knowledge and practical skills and generic transferable skills.
Numeracy and literacy (both book and computer) are covered. A wide range of
teaching experiences is provided both in UWB and IGER (Lecture and Tutorial
Rooms, Research and Teaching Laboratories, Glasshouses and Field Sites).
Assessment
Assessment methodologies are also varied and reflect the distribution of training
methods. A mixture of formal examinations (11%), Oral and Poster Presentations
(14%), Numerical/IT Skill (12%) and reports of various sizes (64%). The rules of
assessments and re-assessment (where necessary) will be according to the rules of the
University of Wales. The learning and assessment load has been spread as widely as
possible over the 12 month period of the Programme.
Information about the University of Wales Bangor and its
School of Biological Sciences can be obtained via the
websites
UWB Website: http://www.bangor.ac.uk
UWB/SBS Website: http://biology.bangor.ac.uk
Involvement of the Institute of Grassland & Environmental
Research (IGER).
IGER is a major government (BBSRC)-funded Research Institute of international
importance situated some 2 h drive from the University at Bangor. Staff from the
Plant Genetics and Breeding Department at IGER will teach on the Plant Breeding
module, and contribute fully in the literature survey and project modules. Some
projects will be performed at IGER. Arrangements will be made to transport staff and
students between the two campuses and, where appropriate, videoconferencing will be
used. In the case of students performing their project in IGER, it is likely that this will
involve staying in Aberystwyth for an extended period.
IGER Website: http://www.iger.bbsrc.ac.uk
Direct contact can be made via
Mrs. Tracey Johnstone,
(Admissions Officer)
School of Biological Sciences,
University of Wales Bangor,
Bangor, Gwynedd,
Wales LL57 2UW
UK
(international code + or 0) tel: 1248 382527 fax: 1248 370731
[email protected]