Plant Genetics and Crop Improvement

该硕士课程借鉴了生物技术和JIC的专业知识，并包括英国和跨国育种公司的教学和研究部分。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。与其他硕士课程一样，学生在学习期间需要获得180个学分。授课模块占120学分，实验室研究项目占60学分。所有组件都是必修的m级模块。这些模块的简要说明及其主要学习目标如下。详情请参阅课程规格。（注意：奇数模块在秋季学期，偶数模块在春季学期；以“Y”结尾的模块是一年）。BIO-M82Y研究生培训课程（10学分）-为学生提供关键的可转移技能培训，以帮助他们的学习和职业发展，包括；科学写作，演讲技巧，利用信息技术资源和科学传播。BIO-M109遗传学，基因组学和生物信息学（10学分）- m级介绍原核和真核生物的分子生物学和遗传学，研究模式生物的基因组，分析基因功能和表达，以及生物信息学在基因组进化研究中的应用。本模块为课程后期更深入地介绍这些主题奠定了基础。BIO-M637实践课程（10学分）-为学生提供生物技术和分子生物学的实验室实践和技术技能培训。BIO-M107生物燃料生物技术（10学分）——包括研究利用植物材料的微生物发酵产物和生产微藻作为能源，正在开发生物柴油、乙醇、甲醇、甲烷和氢气的应用。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；标记辅助育种与选择的理论与应用。涵盖生物技术和双单倍体在植物育种中的应用，选择程序，杂种优势的原理和应用，以及一系列英国作物的杂交育种。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了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。本模块涵盖了植物分子遗传学、植物基因组学和转化技术在模型植物和作物植物中的理论和实际应用。BIO-M114作物改良的目标性状（20学分）-作物改良将需要使用传统育种或基因改造来表达新性状的品种。这些特征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。其他性状包括对干旱、盐度和极端温度等非生物胁迫的耐受性，以及营养质量提高的作物。该模块研究了大量关键性状的遗传基础以及将它们引入作物植物的策略。BIO-M116研究项目计划（20学分）-学生在研究项目主管的监督下进行的个人工作。包括广泛研究与研究项目（BIO-M70X）相关的当前文献，制定假设和实验设计。与BIO-M70X相关联，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-M70X实验室研究项目（60学分）——在英国联合研究中心塞恩斯伯里实验室的首席研究员的监督下进行的为期六个月的实验室研究项目

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