Program Overview

Program Overview

The University of Copenhagen offers a Master's program in Agriculture and Biotechnology, with a course focused on Molecular Plant-Microbe Interactions.

Course Description

This course provides an overview of the biology of host-microbe interactions at the molecular level, covering topics such as:

• Bacterial pathogenicity and pathogenicity mutants
• Fungal pathogenicity: toxins and tissue destruction
• Microbial trophic strategies (e.g., biotrophy, necrotrophy)
• Symbiotic and virus interactions with plants
• Molecular and biochemical basis of plant defence mechanisms
• Disease resistance through transgenic plants and new strategies for resistance breeding
• Genomics, microarrays, and virus-induced silencing (VIGS)
• Genetic basis of disease resistance
• Plant immunity, effector molecules, and mechanisms of hypersensitive reactions (HR)
• Induced resistance, elicitation, and signal transduction pathways
• Mutants in Arabidopsis: understanding signal transduction pathways in plant defences
• Counter adaptations: suppressors and detoxification of secondary metabolites
• Symbiosis and microbial stress tolerance

Learning Outcomes

After completing the course, students should be able to:

• Give an overview of the mechanisms by which plants respond and protect themselves against pathogens
• List cellular signal transduction mechanisms in plants and microorganisms
• Describe the molecular mechanisms used by pathogens for overcoming host defences
• Have an understanding of the continuum from mutualistic symbiosis to necrotrophy
• Explain how the above topics are studied experimentally
• Interpret primary data from research articles relating to these molecular interactions and apply the knowledge to new situations in biology
• Discuss the potential of biotechnological and plant breeding technologies for developing disease-resistant plants
• Consider the ethical aspects of the use of different approaches (e.g., transgenic) for disease problems associated with plant protection and put these into perspective
• See the potential for industrial processes using novel molecules derived from plant-microbe interactions

Literature

The course uses review articles and primary literature, with further information available on Absalon.

Recommended Academic Qualifications

Knowledge of Molecular Biology, Genetics, and Microbiology is recommended, with academic qualifications equivalent to a BSc degree.

Teaching and Learning Methods

The course includes lectures, journal clubs, and colloquia.

Workload

The workload is distributed as follows:

• Lectures: 40 hours
• Class Instruction: 40 hours
• Preparation: 104 hours
• Theory exercises: 18 hours
• Exam: 4 hours
• Total: 206 hours

Feedback

Feedback is provided in different forms, including written and oral feedback for journal clubs and a written mock exam exercise.

Exam

The exam is a written examination, 4 hours under invigilation, with all aids allowed. The course has been selected for ITX exam, and the University will make computers available to students taking on-site exams.

Marking Scale

The marking scale is a 7-point grading scale, with no external censorship and one internal examiner.

Re-exam

The re-exam is an oral exam if less than 10 students are registered.

Course Information

• Language: English
• Course code: LBIK10202U
• Credit: 7.5 ECTS
• Level: Full Degree Master
• Duration: 1 block
• Placement: Block 2
• Schedule: C
• Course capacity: No limitation
• Study board: Study Board of Natural Resources, Environment and Animal Science
• Contracting department: Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences
• Contracting faculty: Faculty of Science
• Course Coordinators: Mari-Anne Newman