Phytobiotechnology BIPH 5245

Course description:

This course provides an introduction to the principles and practical techniques of plant biotechnology. Topics include fundamentals of molecular biology, plant tissue culture and micro propagation, plant DNA and RNA extraction, PCR, DNA cloning, DNA sequencing, plant functional genomics, plant genetic engineering, gene silencing, molecular farming, and their applications.

Course Aims:

Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be able to:
  • The basic principles of plant tissue culture and its applications that can be practiced later in the laboratory course "Plant Tissue Culture
  • The basic principles of genetic variations; sources, conservation, analysis and utilizations in improving plants through breeding.
  • The different methods used for plant transformation and the use of transgenic plants in crop improvement or other biotechnological applications.

Course outcomes:

Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to:  
  • Understand the basic techniques and principles of plant genetic engineering.
  • Understand the benefits and the risks of plant DNA technology.
  • Appreciate the significance and the vital role played by the plant species in the human.
  • Food, feed, industry and pharmaceutics.
  • Use the acquired information as guidance in debating issues like global warming,World hunger and agricultural and environmental sustainability.