Plant and Agri-Biotechnologies

(3 Credit Hours) · Undergraduate

This module provides an advanced understanding of plant and agri-biotechnologies via weekly lectures on current topics given by experts conducting research in that area. Such biotechnologies encompass a wide range of technologies and they can be applied for a range of different purposes, such as the genetic improvement of plant varieties and animal populations to increase their yields or efficiency; genetic characterisation and conservation of genetic resources; plant or animal disease diagnosis; vaccine development; and improvement of feeds. Some of the technologies may be applied to all the food and agriculture sectors, such as the use of molecular DNA markers or genetic modification, while others are more sector-specific, such as tissue culture (in crops and forest trees), embryo transfer (livestock) or triploidisation and sex-reversal (fish). When appropriately integrated with other technologies for the production of food, agricultural products and services, biotechnology can be of significant assistance in meeting the needs of an expanding and increasingly urbanised population. Course meets twice a week (8 weeks total) each for two hour lectures (4 hrs per week). The course runs for Assessment is one multiple choice exam at midterm and one final written exam, as well as keeping track of attendance for participation.