Genetic Improvement

Code:

CA4002

Acronym:

CA4002

Keywords
Classification	Keyword
OFICIAL	Agrarian Sciences

Instance: 2020/2021 - 1S

Active?	Yes
Responsible unit:	Department of Geosciences, Environment and Spatial Plannings
Course/CS Responsible:	Master in Agricultural Engineering

Cycles of Study/Courses

Acronym	No. of Students	Study Plan	Curricular Years	Credits UCN	Credits ECTS	Contact hours	Total Time
M:EAGR	13	Study plan from 2018	1	-	6	42	162

Teaching language

Suitable for English-speaking students

Objectives

Knowing the importance of the genetic component in plant production and animal performance.

Teaching methods (experimental design and field layout) to reduce environmental variation, to allow effective genetic selection.

Demonstrate ways of using molecular markers for screening of the genetic material in order to limit environmental impact.

Teaching methods of differential selection for sexually reproducing species (self-pollinating and cross-pollinating plants) and asexual reproducing species, taking into account the different ways to limit the influence of the environment. Knowing how to use the classical and molecular biological methods for improving the genetic component.

Become proficient in the use of the international databases (eg NCBI - National Centre for Biotechnology Information) to design primers that allow the diagnosis of characteristics that may have an impact on production, recognize the existence or absence of genes interest, for the identification of species / varieties (authentication), identification of genetically modified products, recognition of genes responsible for specific diseases, among other applications.

Having knowledge of the methods of conservation of genetic resources in plants and animals, understand the potential and limitations of various existing methods, meet the leading banks in national and international germplasm.

Understand the difference (and conflict) between selection and genetic variability.

 

Learning outcomes and competences

In the first two chapters the student will learn the importance of genetic variability in the selection and breeding of plants and animals.

In the third chapter the student will learn the methods of selection for different types of plants.

In the last chapter the student will learn the use of molecular markers: primer design, optimization of PCR and sequence analysis.

Working method

Presencial

Pre-requirements (prior knowledge) and co-requirements (common knowledge)

Genetics and Molecular and Celular Biology.

Program

1. Introduction.

Importance of the genetic component in the performance of crops and animals

 

1. Genetic variability

Importance of preserving genetic diversity in plants and animals.

Strategies utilized to increase genetic variability.

Techniques utilized to preserve the genetic variability in plants and animals.

National and international institutions specialized in the preservation of genetic resources.

 

1. Classical methods of selection utilized in plant breeding

Sexual propagation in self and cross pollinated species.

Asexual propagation species

Hybrid seed production.

 

1. Assessment of characteristics with molecular markers

Discrimination of cultivars.

Diagnosis of diseases in plants and animals.

Authenticity of food products.

Search for genetically modified organisms.

Mandatory literature

Jonh Mullo Poehlman; Breeding Crops

Teaching methods and learning activities

Lectures: exposure of themes based on the use of different supporting materials (slides, multimedia, internet).

Practical classes:DNA extraction and PCR. Phylogenetic analysis. Bioinformatic tools and software. Emasculations and crosses in plants in the greenhouse. Presentation and discussion of selected scientific articles by the students.

 

keywords

Natural sciences

Evaluation Type

Distributed evaluation with final exam

Assessment Components

designation	Weight (%)
Exame	75,00
Trabalho laboratorial	25,00
Total:	100,00

Amount of time allocated to each course unit

designation	Time (hours)
Estudo autónomo	49,00
Frequência das aulas	49,00
Total:	98,00

Eligibility for exams

It is mandatory to attend practical classes.

Calculation formula of final grade

Classification = final written examination (75%)
+ the report (25%)
Students must have a minimum of 10 marks in report to be admitted to the final exame.

To pass, the student must have 10 marks in the final examination.

Examinations or Special Assignments

n/a

Internship work/project

n/a

Special assessment (TE, DA, ...)

n/a

Classification improvement

The improvement of the classification will be done based on the 15 marks only.

Observations

Main Bibliography:

scientific articles will be indicated every class as well as in different internet sites.

Classical Handbooks:
Crops Breeding, John Mull Poehlman
Principles of Crop Improvement. N. W. Simmonds


Attendance of students
I will be available for students every tuesday from 2pm to 4 pm or by appointment upon request by the students.