Applied Plant Science and Biotechnology

Meeting future global demands for a range of plant-based resources including foods, fuel and pharmaceuticals will depend on the application of plant science and technological innovations to create novel systems and products. This begins with an introduction to the principles of biotechnology enabling students to understand how plants can be utilised in biotechnical applications. You will study the key biological principles that underlie developments in biotechnology including an understanding of use of plant physiological processes to support plant tissue culture and genetic transformation to enable plants to yield desirable characteristics. The techniques and wide ranging applications of these processes will be explored and the benefits and concerns for human health and the environment will also be explored. You can then develop further knowledge of a technological development of particular interest to them, providing you with the opportunity to explore and critically evaluate key concepts and issues and the role of commercial  production horticulture, reviewing scientific, socio-economic and technical aspects. This will build on knowledge developed in the Principles of Plant Physiology and Plant Propagation module.

  1. Explain and evaluate the fundamental aspects of plant tissue culture and biotechnology in relation to plant physiology and cellular processes.
  2. Identify and explain practical principles and applications underpinning the process of plant cell and tissue culture techniques.
  3. Explain and evaluate the role of new technology in the future of sustainable horticultural production to support commercial success for an identified scientific and/or technological innovation.
  4. Evaluate the ethical, environmental and economic implications of developments in horticultural technology within the context of commercial production horticulture.
  5. Present findings to demonstrate the ability to form critical arguments and demonstrate critical thinking.