MSc in Plant Genetic Manipulation
Why study this course?
Plant biotechnology, genome research and plant breeding now underpin all aspects of agriculture and horticulture world-wide. The objective of this course is to provide students with the theory and practical skills of plant genetic manipulation relevant to plant biotechnology, plant breeding and genome research.
The University has one of the largest Plant and Crop Sciences Divisions in the UK with 20 permanent academic staff. Students have an exciting opportunity to study with world renowned researchers in this important and rapidly advancing field which offers major career opportunities in agro-industry, academia and research institutes.
Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) is the UK's definitive guide to research quality and excellence, ranking all universities on research strength and rating the academic disciplines they submit on the basis of their international standing. Measured by means of 'research power' - taking into account both quality and the number of academics within a discipline - Nottingham's status in the 2008 RAE is again confirmed as a world-class institution. The School of Biosciences is ranked in top position in the UK in our subject areas (joint submission with the School of Veterinary Medicine and Science in 'Agriculture, Veterinary and Food Science').
Course Summary
12 months full-time, starting September
2 years part-time (usually starting September)
The course consists of two semesters of taught modules (120 credits) and a Research Project and Dissertation (60 credits). More details can be found in the University's module catalogue at the links below. Training is also provided in Information Technology.
Taught modules
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Plant Genetic Manipulation - Practical Techniques D24002
Laboratory-based instruction in conventional and non-conventional techniques of plant hybridisation, including in vitro pollination, Agrobacterium-induced transformation using wild-type and engineered strains, tissue culture and micropropagation, fusion of protoplasts, plasmid isolation for DNA uptake studies, RAPD and microsatellite analyses for confirmation of hybridity/DNA fingerprinting, biolistics, analyses of transgenic plants (PCR and RT-PCR), Southern analyses, chromosome preparations and physiological analyses of transgenic plants.
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Plant Cell Signalling (Lecture/Laboratory module) D241P2
This module covers plant gene regulation by endogenous and exogenous factors incorporating structure/function of plant cell membranes, membrane receptors and transduction chains activated by them. Topics focus on the range of genes induced by internal/external stimuli, gibberellins and cytokinin signalling, newly discovered systems (brassinosteroids, jasmonates), signalling with pathogens, light perception and signal transduction, temperature sensing/heat shock, touch and movement in plants and long-distance electrical sensing. Practical skills focus on handling of plant cell fractions.
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Fundamental and Applied Aspects of Plant Genetic Manipulation D24003
Innovative techniques for genetic manipulation of plants are presented against a background of a continuing need for plant improvement in agriculture, horticulture and forestry. Other topics include cell fusion technology for novel hybrid production, the development of plant transformation systems including Agrobacterium-mediated gene delivery, direct DNA uptake and biolistics; vector design; molecular methods in crop improvement are discussed alongside the value of gene mapping and genetic fingerprinting for germplasm evaluation.
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Plant Biotechnology (including Site Visits) D24009 This module covers the application of the latest biotechnology options for crop improvement and production, including plant products for non-food uses, toxicology of natural pharmacologically active constituents and the use of transgenic plant technology for medical purposes. A series of linked practical sessions involve comparisons of mutant with wild-type Arabidopsis lines, since their different morphologies may have commercial and research applications, particularly in crop species. On-line bioinformatics analysis of the genes involved in these phenotypes is undertaken. Students also probe transcriptomic databases to determine how gene expression influences plant development. Off-site visits (IACR-Rothamsted, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, National Institute of Agricultural Botany and biotechnology and seed companies) provide students with first-hand knowledge of how biotechnology is being utilised by agro-industry. Areas include plant breeders rights, the impact of genetically modified organisms and environmental monitoring, molecular approaches to varietal profiling, seed quality testing, transformation technology for modifying plant metabolism and modern breeding perspectives and strategies in a commercial context.
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Over the past few years major developments have occurred regarding the study of genomes. Sequencing programmes now mean that the complete DNA sequence is known for a number of species and are revealing high levels of genome conservation. This module will focus on the applications and approaches behind such developments using a number of case-studies. Topic areas will include genetic analysis, transcriptomics, bioinformatics and proteomics, and how such developments are influencing biotechnological improvement.
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Sex, Flowers and Biotechnology D24008
This module, covering methods and achievements in the genetic engineering of crops is focused on the key area of modifying floral development and reproduction in higher plants and the implications for horticulture and crop production. Specific topics include genetic control of floral development, applied aspects of flowering and reproduction, the molecular basis of self incompatibility, floral senescence, seed storage proteins and the physiology, biochemistry and molecular biology of fruit ripening.
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Genetic Improvement of Crop Plants D24G10 (full year)
The genetic improvement of crop plants is critical to address issues of food security for a growing world population. It is also the key to tackling environmental degradation and to meeting the increasingly strict regulations on agricultural pollution which are coming into force in many Western countries. While these issues are not identical, they are linked and efficient plant breeding can be part of the solution to both. The module will use lectures, case and literature studies, research plan presentations, external expert seminars and practical exposure to crop breeding and molecular techniques to provide a firm basis for future crop breeding. The emphasis is the application of Biotechnology to conventional breeding, but the place of Genetic Modification in the genetic improvement of crops is also addressed. Crops covered include temperate and tropical, annual and perennial, in-breeding and out-breeding with emphasis on how genetic improvement will be achieved in the near future, while recognising the potential of novel techniques and the existence of varying priorities, in the face of a changing climate.
Research Project
Summer Period
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Research Project 2 (Full-time Research Project, 60 credits) D24010
The Research Project is normally undertaken within the Plant and Crop Sciences Division.
This module consists of the completion and write-up of project laboratory work, with submission in August. Recent research projects carried out by our MSc students include
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Introduction of disease resistance into ornamentals and cereals
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Increased shelf-life for vegetable crops
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dwarfing of species for commercial improvement
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chloroplast transformation, tissue culture and secondary products
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micropropagation and cryopreservation
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genetic mapping/positional cloning of male sterility genes in Arabidopsis
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functional analysis of genes impacting on plant tolerance to toxic minerals
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studies on the molecular basis of self-incompatibility.
For images of some recent project topics please click here.
Career Opportunities
A significant proportion of graduates from the MSc in Plant Genetic Manipulation proceed to higher degree (PhD) studies leading to postdoctoral research careers; others establish careers as Research Assistants/Experimental Officers in agro-industry academic and/or research institutes or secure administrative/technical positions in the biological sciences.
Evaluation
Details of how this course is assessed.
Admission Requirements
Recognised honours (or equivalent) degree in a biological science or allied discipline which provides sufficient background for the course. Relevant workplace experience may, in some circumstances, be accepted as qualification for entry.
International students: Language requirements
Students who have been offered a place on the MSc in Plant Genetic Manipulation degree course : more information.
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