PLNT*6290 Physiological and Developmental Genetics in Plants

course node page

The following description is for the course offering in Fall 2022 and is subject to change. It is provided for information only. The course outline distributed to the class at the beginning of the semester describes the course content and delivery, and defines the methods and criteria to be used in establishing the final grades for the course.
 

A lecture and discussion course examining classical and molecular genetic investigations to understand the genetic basis and regulation of physiological and developmental processes in plants.

This discussion-based course uses primary research literature to analyze how genetic approaches can be used to understand developmental and physiological processes in plants. A select group of topics are chosen to illustrate the research connections among traditional genetics, molecular biology, developmental biology and physiology. Participants must have a working knowledge of Mendelian genetics, molecular biology, and gene structure/function. Grading is based on participation in class (50%) and two manuscript reviews, each worth 25%.

Instructors:

Manish N. Raizada
David Wolyn

Teaching Assistant:

Credit Weight:

0.50

Course Level:

  • Graduate

Academic Department (or campus):

Department of Plant Agriculture

Campus:

Guelph

Semester Offering:

  • Fall

Class Schedule and Location:

Please refer to WebAdvisor for class schedule and location.

Learning outcomes:

By the end of this course students will be able to:

  1. Critically analyze primary literature in plant genetics at the level required to be an ad hoc anonymous peer reviewer for scientific journals
  2. Determine the logical flow of experiments to answer a scientific question
  3. Determine the optimum methodology when designing experiments
  4. Be aware of the state-of-the-art methodologies currently used in plant research
  5. Understand the molecular basis of fundamental physiological and developmental phenomena in plants

Lecture Content:

Topics to be covered in lectures include:

  • Auxin perception and signaling (development)
  • Nitrogen signaling (nutrition)
  • ABA perception and signaling (abiotic stress)
  • Plant-symbiotic microbe interactions (biotic)
  • Small RNA and epigenetics
  • Flowering pathways
Labs & Seminars:

Course Assignments and Tests:

Assignment or Test Contribution to Final Grade Learning Outcomes

Participation - weeks 1-6

25%

 2, 3, 4, 5

Manuscript Review 1

25%

 1, 2, 3, 4

Participation - weeks 7-12

25%

 2, 3, 4, 5

Manuscript Review 2

25%

 1, 2, 3, 4

Additional Notes: Late Penalty 20% per day, except in compassionate circumstances (e.g. death in family, medical) which must be communicated to the Instructor prior to the deadline
 

 

Final examination:

Course Resources:

Required Texts:

NA

Recommended Texts:

NA

Lab Manual:

NA

Other Resources:

Course materials will be posted in CourseLink

Field Trips:

NA

Additional Costs:

NA

Course Policies:

Grading Policies:

A missed class will result in loss of participation except if the student speaks to the instructor in advance with a legitimate reason (e.g. conference) and/or because of compassionate reasons which must be communicated to the Instructor prior to class. In these situations, extra weight in participation will be assigned to other class sessions.

Course Policy on Group Work:

All written work is an individual effort.  Students are not permitted to collaborate or discuss take-home assignments.

Course Policy regarding use of electronic devices and recording of lectures:

Electronic recording of classes is expressly forbidden without consent of the instructor.  When recordings are permitted they are solely for the use of the authorized student and may not be reproduced, or transmitted to others, without the express written consent of the instructor.

Cell phones and electronic devices (except laptops) are prohibited during class.

Other Course Information:

University Policies

Academic Consideration

When you find yourself unable to meet an in-course requirement because of illness or compassionate reasons, please advise the course instructor in writing, with your name, id#, and e-mail contact. See the academic calendar for information on regulations and procedures for Academic Consideration:

Academic Misconduct

The University of Guelph is committed to upholding the highest standards of academic integrity and it is the responsibility of all members of the University community, faculty, staff, and students  to be aware of what constitutes academic misconduct and to do as much as possible to prevent academic offences from occurring.

University of Guelph students have the responsibility of abiding by the University's policy on academic misconduct regardless of their location of study; faculty, staff and students have the responsibility of supporting an environment that discourages misconduct. Students need to remain aware that instructors have access to and the right to use electronic and other means of detection. Please note: Whether or not a student intended to commit academic misconduct is not relevant for a finding of guilt. Hurried or careless submission of assignments does not excuse students from responsibility for verifying the academic integrity of their work before submitting it. Students who are in any doubt as to whether an action on their part could be construed as an academic offence should consult with a faculty member or faculty advisor.

The Academic Misconduct Policy is detailed in the University Calenders:

Accessibility

The University of Guelph is committed to creating a barrier-free environment. Providing services for students is a shared responsibility among students, faculty and administrators. This relationship is based on respect of individual rights, the dignity of the individual and the University community's shared commitment to an open and supportive learning environment. Students requiring service or accommodation, whether due to an identified, ongoing disability or a short-term disability should contact the Student Accessibility Services (SAS), formerly Centre for Students with Disabilities (CSD), as soon as possible.

For more information, contact CSD at 519-824-4120 ext. 56208 or email sas@uoguelph.ca or visit the Student Accessibility Services website: http://www.uoguelph.ca/csd/.

Course Evaluation Information

Your ratings and comments are important.  Course evaluation data are used to assess and enhance the quality of teaching and student learning at the University of Guelph.  Student course ratings and comments are used as an important component in the Faculty Tenure & Promotion process, and as valuable feedback to help instructors improve their teaching effectiveness and to improve the delivery of the course.

Your responses will not affect your grade.  Course evaluation data are distributed to individual instructors after final grades have been submitted to the Registrar, following the completion of each academic semester.

Please be honest, respectful, constructive and thorough.  Instructors and review committees place great value on student course ratings and read all comments provided in course evaluations. It is helpful to provide comments on the strengths of the course, in addition to the areas for improvement.  Please refrain from personal comments unless they relate to teaching and learning.

Click here for the University of Guelph Course Evaluation System