On this course, you’ll gain an overview of a range of modern techniques and methodologies that underpin contemporary biomolecular plant sciences.
You’ll also apply your knowledge to an extended practical investigation in the form of a laboratory-based mini-project, involving practical training in a range of modern molecular biology and protein engineering techniques such as gene cloning, PCR, mutagenesis, protein expression, protein purification and analysis.
A module on plant biotechnology will address current topics such as the engineering of plants, development of stress-tolerant crop varieties and techniques for gene expression and gene silencing through reading discussion and critical analysis of recent research papers.
You’ll learn from the research of international experts in DNA recombination and repair mechanisms and their importance for transgene integration and biotechnological applications; plant nutrition and intracellular communication; and the biosynthesis, structure and function of plant cell walls.
A complementary module will look at how these different technologies and topics can be applied to crop science and sustainable agriculture.
You’ll also explore the wide range of approaches used in bio-imaging and their relative advantages and disadvantages for analysing protein and cellular function. Bioinformatics is crucial to plant science research and you will take a module introducing you to relevant tools and approaches.
In the final part of the course you'll choose and undertake an independent laboratory-based research project on a specific topic in plant science. You’ll receive extensive training in experimental design, the practical use of advanced techniques and technologies, data analysis and interpretation, and will be assigned a research project supervisor who will support and guide you through your project.
Modules
Year 1
Compulsory modules
- Bioimaging
- Topics in Plant Science
- Practical Bioinformatics
- Plant Biotechnology
- Crop Science & Sustainable Agriculture
- MSc Bioscience Research Project Proposal
- Research Planning and Scientific Communication
- Advanced Biomolecular Technologies
- Protein Engineering Laboratory Project
- Bioscience MSc Research Project
