Plant Genetics and Crop Improvement

该硕士课程借鉴了BIO和JIC的专业知识，并包括英国和跨国育种公司对教学和研究部分的投入。这为在学术和研究卓越的环境中研究植物遗传学和作物改良提供了机会。与其他理科硕士课程一样，学生在学习期间需要180个学分。教学模块组成120学分，基于实验室的研究项目60学分。所有组件都是强制性的M级模块。下文简要介绍这些单元及其主要学习目标。进一步的细节可以在程序说明中找到。（注：奇数模块在秋季学期，偶数模块在春季学期;以“Y”结尾的模块是全年的）。BIO-M82 Y研究生培训计划（10学分）-为学生提供关键可转移技能的培训，以帮助他们的学习和职业发展，包括科学写作，演讲技巧，利用基于IT的资源和科学交流。BIO-M109遗传学，基因组学和生物信息学（10学分）-M级介绍原核生物和真核生物的分子生物学和遗传学，调查模式生物的基因组，分析基因功能和表达，以及在基因组进化研究中使用生物信息学。本模块为课程后面更深入地介绍这些主题奠定了基础。BIO-M637实践班（10学分）-为学生提供生物技术和分子生物学实验室实践和技术技能的培训。BIO-M107生物燃料生物技术（10学分）-涵盖了对植物材料的微生物发酵产品的使用和微藻作为能源的生产的研究，与生物柴油，乙醇，甲醇，甲烷和氢气的应用正在开发。这是一个新的模块，解决了替代石化燃料的需求。BIO-M621植物育种（20学分）-涵盖了传统植物育种的原则，包括孟德尔，人口和数量遗传学;标记辅助育种和选择的理论和应用。涵盖生物技术和植物育种中双单倍体的使用，选择程序，杂种优势的原理和应用，以及英国一系列作物的杂交育种。BIO-M112植物基因组学和生物技术（20学分）-植物遗传学和生物技术在理解植物生物学的基本方面发挥了重要作用，并将在未来的作物改良中发挥核心作用。本单元涵盖了植物分子遗传学、植物基因组学和转化技术在模式植物和作物中的理论和实际应用。BIO-M114作物改良的目标性状（20学分）-作物改良将需要表达新性状的品种，无论是使用传统育种还是通过遗传修饰。这些性状包括与引起疾病的微生物的相互作用和营养获取的共生相互作用。其他性状包括对非生物胁迫的耐受性，如干旱、盐碱和极端温度，以及具有增强的营养品质的作物。该模块研究了大量关键性状的遗传基础以及将其引入作物的策略。BIO-M116研究项目计划（20学分）-在研究项目主管的监督下由学生进行的个人工作。涉及与研究项目（BIO-M70 X）相关的当前文献的广泛研究，假设的制定和实验设计。与BIO-M70 X连接，学生可以进行研究，分析研究数据，并批判性地评估他们的假设。BIO-M70 X实验室研究项目（60学分）-一个为期六个月的实验室研究项目，在JIC的主要研究者的监督下进行，塞恩斯伯里实验室

This M.Sc draws upon expertise in BIO and JIC and includes input to the taught and research components by UK and multinational breeding companies. This provides an opportunity to study plant genetics and crop improvement in an environment of academic and research excellence. In common with other M.Sc programmes students require 180 credits during their period of study. The taught modules make up 120 credits, and the laboratory-based research project 60 credits. All components are compulsory M-level modules. A brief description of these modules and their major learning objectives are described below. Further details can be found in the Programme Specification. (N.B. odd-numbered modules are in the autumn semester, even-numbered in the spring semester; modules ending in 'Y' are year-long). BIO-M82Y Post graduate training programme (10 credits) - provides students with training in key transferable skills to assist their learning and career development including; scientific writing, presentation skills, utilisation of IT-based resources and science communication. BIO-M109 Genetics, Genomics and Bioinformatics (10 credits)- M-level introduction to molecular biology and genetics in pro- and eukaryotes, investigating the genomes of model organisms, analysing gene function and expression, and the use of bioinformatics in genome evolution studies. This module forms the foundation for more in-depth coverage of these topics later in the course. BIO-M637 Practical Class (10 credits)- provides students with training in laboratory practical and technical skills for biotechnology and molecular biology. BIO-M107 Biofuel biotechnology (10 credits)- covers research into use of microbial fermentation products of plant material and the production of microalgae as an energy source, with applications being developed for biodiesel, ethanol, methanol, methane and hydrogen. This is a new module which addresses the need for replacing petrochemical fuels. BIO-M621 Plant Breeding (20 credits)- covers the principles of conventional plant breeding including Mendelian, population and quantitative genetics; the theory and application of marker assisted breeding and selection. Covers biotechnology and the use of doubled haploids in plant breeding, selection procedures, the principles and application of heterosis, and hybrid breeding in a range of UK crop plants. BIO-M112 Plant Genomics and Biotechnology (20 credits)- plant genetics and biotechnology have played a significant role in understanding fundamental aspects of plant biology, and will play a central role in crop improvement in the future. This module covers the theory and practical applications of plant molecular genetics, plant genomics and transformation technologies in both model and crop plants. BIO-M114 Target Traits for Crop Improvement (20 credits)- crop improvement will require varieties expressing novel traits, either using conventional breeding or by genetic modification. These traits include interactions with microbes that cause disease and symbiotic interactions for nutrient acquisition. Other traits include tolerance to abiotic stresses such as drought, salinity, and extremes of temperature, and crops with enhanced nutritional quality. This module investigates the genetic basis underlying a large number of key traits and the strategies for introducing them into crop plants. BIO-M116 Research project plan (20 credits)- individual work carried out by the student under supervision of the research project supervisor. Involves an extensive study of current literature related to the research project (BIO-M70X), the formulation of hypotheses, and experimental design. Linked with BIO-M70X where students conduct research, analyse research data, and critically assess their hypotheses. BIO-M70X Laboratory research project (60 credits)- a six month laboratory research project conducted under the supervision of a principal investigator at JIC, the Sainsbury Laborator