Advances in Molecular Plant Science

The integration of molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics, next-generation sequencing, genome editing and cell biology has had an enormous impact on plant science in recent years. This course will present current understanding in several key areas and demonstrate how conceptual and technical advances provide new insights in plant biology and new approaches for crop improvement and agriculture. Two introductory lectures will be given on plant structure and function prior to the major topics spanning the seven topics listed in the activity summary. Each topic will be presented by researchers from the Research School of Biology or CSIRO Agriculture and Food who are recognised research leaders in an area covered by their lecture topic. BIOL3177 is an advanced course that requires a basic understanding in one, or preferably more, of the areas of molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics, cell biology or plant structure and function. Honours Pathway Option (HPO) Entry to this option will be subject to the approval of the course conveners. Students who take this option will be required to present a report on a research paper. The report will reduce the assessment values of the seven Lecture Module Exams (i.e. assessments that replace a final end of semester exam).