| Semester | spring semester 2023 |
| Course frequency | Every spring sem. |
| Lecturers | Klaus Schläppi (klaus.schlaeppi@unibas.ch, Assessor) |
| Content | Plants associate with a multitude of microorganisms that collectively function as a microbiome. The plant microbiome supports its host with many vital services such as growth promotion, nutrient homeostasis and biotic and abiotic stress resistance. A major scientific challenge is to uncover the molecular basis by which host-microbe and microbe-microbe interactions structure the microbiota and how they contribute to their functioning. In this course you learn the state-of-the art tools of current plant microbiomics, including systematic decomposition followed by rational reconstruction and manipulation of microbiomes in gnotobiotic conditions. You will learn how such reductionist approaches allow to disentangle the inherent complexity of microbiomes and what are their challenges and limitations. A key element of this course is to explore the current frontier of plant-microbiome research and to identify the big questions of plant microbiome research. The course is a combination of input lectures (methodologies and background to the biological topics) and student presentations of selected research studies that exemplify methodological biological advances. These article presentations will present the basis for critical discussion of research findings and challenges and limitations of current methods. |
| Learning objectives | Students … … are updated with the current knowledge of plant microbiome biology. … are familiar with the state-of-the-art methodology of microbiome research. … learn about approaches of microbiome decomposition and reconstruction for establishing causality. … practice logical thinking, scientific discussion and critical assessment of research studies. |
| Language of instruction | English |
| Use of digital media | No specific media used |
| Interval | Weekday | Time | Room |
|---|
No dates available. Please contact the lecturer.
| Modules |
Courses: Master's Studies Plant Science (Master's Studies: Plant Science) Doctorate Botany: Recommendations (PhD subject: Botany) |
| Assessment format | continuous assessment |
| Assessment details | Assessment (Pass/Fail): Active participation Attendance: 5/7 events completion of presentation assignment |
| Assessment registration/deregistration | Reg.: course registration, dereg: cancel course registration |
| Repeat examination | no repeat examination |
| Scale | Pass / Fail |
| Repeated registration | as often as necessary |
| Responsible faculty | Faculty of Science, studiendekanat-philnat@unibas.ch |
| Offered by | Integrative Biologie |