Course: Plant Biotechnology and Genetics credits: 5

Course code
BOVH25PLBIOTECH
Name
Plant Biotechnology and Genetics
Study year
2025-2026
ECTS credits
5
Language
English
Coordinator
D. den Os
Modes of delivery
  • Assignment
  • Guest lecture
  • Lecture
  • Project-based learning
  • Tutorial
Assessments
  • Plant Biotechnology and Genetics - Other assessment

Learning outcomes

  • Using scientific literature and textbooks, you will explore how existing genetic variation in plants (cultivars, breeding lines, landraces, wild varieties, etc.) and induced genetic variation (mutagenesis, genetic modifications, etc.) are applied in plant breeding and report on this in an oral presentation to classmates. 

  • You translate a research question from the working field regarding the breeding of a cultivar through a process of screening and selection, using selection via DNA markers or genome-wide association methods, and you draw up a Plan of Action (PvA) for this purpose in accordance with the guidelines provided. 

  • You will investigate the market opportunities of the new cultivar, also considering the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations (UN) and process this research into a simplified business plan according to the guidelines provided and present this orally to several stakeholders. 

  • You explore the ethical aspects of modern plant breeding technology and actively participate in an ethical discussion on this subject.

Content

The production of agricultural products such as vegetables, fruits, plants, seeds etc. is important for the Netherlands. For example, after the USA, the Netherlands exports the second largest amount of seed potatoes. In 2024 approximately 20 billion euros of fresh products were exported. Plant biotechnology can contribute to current and future societal problems. For example, for sustained food production the development of crops that are  more tolerant to diseases and changing environmental conditions by plant-breeding are needed. Next to this, contributions to a biobased economy for the replacement of fossil fuels, development of techniques for precision-agriculture, and usage of plants as chemical factories are important plant biotechnological applications.  

In this course you will familiarize yourself with different aspects of plant-breeding in biotechnological applications including the genetics of plant-breeding. Furthermore, within a project group, you will be challenged to develop your own plant biotechnological startup by writing a business plan and presenting it. Developing your own ideas concerning plant biotechnological startups will be encouraged. Nowadays it is still not allowed to have genetically modified plants as food in the European Union. Within the module there will be an ethical discussion on plant biotechnology related topics concerning genetically modified food. 

Included in programme(s)

School(s)

  • Institute for Life Science & Technology
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