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| Semester | spring semester 2021 |
| Course frequency | Every spring sem. |
| Lecturers | Diana Santelia (diana.santelia@unibas.ch, Assessor) |
| Content | Genetically modified plants (GMOs) were first released in the field in 1996. Since then, a fierce battle has raged between supporters and opponents of genetic engineering. The most recent blow was the verdict from the European Court of Justice ruling that plants which genome has been modified with the CRISPR-Cas system are also classified as GMOs. In contrast to the general public, which welcomed the verdict, most plant scientists consider it a clear misjudgment. It was once again the (genetic) technology to be assessed and not the final product. Conventional plant breeding methods and CRISPR-Cas can produce identical genetic changes. However, plants which are produced via conventional breeding are only subject to variety protection (and thus can be grown almost unregulated), while plants produced via CRISPR-Cas, being classified as a GM plants, cannot be cultivated in Europe. The Green Biotechnology course deals with: (i) Concept and molecular basis of conventional plant breeding methods in comparison to genetic engineering methods to improve agronomically relevant traits in plants, (ii) Current and future applications of green biotechnology and assessment of their potential risks for the people and the environment; (iii) Current political and social debate about GMOs and genome editing. |
| Learning objectives | At the end of the course, the students are able to: (i) Understand the molecular differences between conventional plant breeding and genetic engineering methods; (ii) Describe genetic engineering applications and their potential risk; (iii) Formulate opinions about green biotechnology in the current political and social scenario. |
| Bibliography | Lecture documentation can be downloaded by registered studens on ADAM (see weblink). |
| Weblink | https://adam.unibas.ch |
| Language of instruction | English |
| Use of digital media | No specific media used |
| Interval | Weekday | Time | Room |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14-täglich | Tuesday | 16.15-18.00 | - Online Präsenz - |
| Comments | Online on Zoom. |
| Date | Time | Room |
|---|---|---|
| Tuesday 09.03.2021 | 16.15-18.00 | - Online Präsenz -, -- |
| Tuesday 23.03.2021 | 16.15-18.00 | - Online Präsenz -, -- |
| Tuesday 13.04.2021 | 16.15-18.00 | - Online Präsenz -, -- |
| Tuesday 27.04.2021 | 16.15-18.00 | - Online Präsenz -, -- |
| Tuesday 11.05.2021 | 16.15-18.00 | - Online Präsenz -, -- |
| Tuesday 25.05.2021 | 16.15-18.00 | - Online Präsenz -, -- |
| Tuesday 01.06.2021 | 16.15-17.00 | Botanik, Hörsaal 00.003 |
| Monday 07.06.2021 | 10.00-10.45 | Botanik, Hörsaal 00.003 |
| Modules |
Courses: Master's Studies Ecology (Master's Studies: Ecology) Courses: Master's Studies Plant Science (Master's Studies: Plant Science) Electives Bachelor Biology: Recommendations (Bachelor's Studies: Biology) |
| Assessment format | continuous assessment |
| Assessment details | written exam, 45 min - details to be announced |
| Assessment registration/deregistration | Reg.: course registration, dereg: cancel course registration |
| Repeat examination | no repeat examination |
| Scale | 1-6 0,5 |
| Repeated registration | as often as necessary |
| Responsible faculty | Faculty of Science, studiendekanat-philnat@unibas.ch |
| Offered by | Integrative Biologie |