Advanced Plant Breeding and Improvement

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2016:

170 hours

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Lectures/case studies and projects are used to illustrate the steps involved in taking knowledge from research laboratory or breeding trials and producing and releasing novel crop varieties. This subject will include a small research project in an area chosen by each student.

The objectives of this subject are to extend the participant’s ability to:

• Understand the significance of different breeding systems
• Comprehend many of the concepts and issues involved in developing new crop varieties through the use of conventional and genetic modification techniques understand the use of biotechnology to complement and enhance conventional breeding methodologies
• Design breeding strategies for the improvement of crop plants
• Communicate scientifically in both oral and written formats
• Have an in-depth understanding of regulatory and commercialization pathways for genetically modified food crops from the farm gate to market plan and execute experiments

• A one-hour mid-semester exam worth 20%
• A 1250 word written project report due Week 12 worth (25%)
• An Oral research presentation due approximately Week 9 worth 15%
• A two-hour exam to be held in the end-of-semester exam period worth 40%

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.