PLNT*6260 Advanced Plant Genetics I

course node page

The following description is for the course offering in Fall 2019 and is subject to change. It is provided for information only. The course outline distributed to the class at the beginning of the semester describes the course content and delivery, and defines the methods and criteria to be used in establishing the final grades for the course.
 

A lecture and discussion course examining the underlying principles of genetics and the recent advances in plant genetics. Topics include: structure of the genome, experiments to measure and experimentally describe phenotypes, population structures, and molecular basis of inheritance of a phenotype.

Instructors:

Teaching Assistant:

Credit Weight:

0.50

Course Level:

  • Graduate

Academic Department (or campus):

Department of Plant Agriculture

Campus:

Guelph

Semester Offering:

  • Fall

Class Schedule and Location:

Class meeting times will be arranged by participants.

Learning outcomes:

Specific Learning Outcomes:
By the end of this course, you should be able to:
  1. Demonstrate familiarity with core quantitative genetics theory.
  2. Estimate genetic attributes using different data types from a number of experimental designs.
  3. Identify the molecular basis of quantitative trait variation.
  4. Better present work, discuss current research, and perform data analyses.

Lecture Content:

Class time will be a combination of hands-on practice, discussion, and lecture. Lecture content will predominately come from quantitative genetics and statistics texts.

Labs & Seminars:

Course Assignments and Tests:

Assignment or test Contribution to final mark
Quizzes 60%
Presentation of method and use 30%
Class participation 30%

Final examination:

There is no final exam for this course.

Course Resources:

Required and recommended texts for theory and practice will be provided during the course of the semester. Most genetics concepts are covered in Introduction to Quantitative Genetics by Falconer and Mackay and in Breeding for Quantitative Traits in Plants by Bernardo.

Course Policies:

Grading Policies:

Missed quizzes and deadlines will be penalized at 10% per day unless prior arrangements with the instructor had been made.

Course Policy on Group Work:

NA

Course Policy regarding use of electronic devices and recording of lectures:

Electronic recording of classes is expressly forbidden without consent of the instructor. When recordings are permitted they are solely for the use of the authorized student and may not be reproduced, or transmitted to others, without the express written consent of the instructor.

Other Course Information:

University Policies

Academic Consideration

When you find yourself unable to meet an in-course requirement because of illness or compassionate reasons, please advise the course instructor in writing, with your name, id#, and e-mail contact. See the academic calendar for information on regulations and procedures for Academic Consideration:

Academic Misconduct

The University of Guelph is committed to upholding the highest standards of academic integrity and it is the responsibility of all members of the University community, faculty, staff, and students  to be aware of what constitutes academic misconduct and to do as much as possible to prevent academic offences from occurring.

University of Guelph students have the responsibility of abiding by the University's policy on academic misconduct regardless of their location of study; faculty, staff and students have the responsibility of supporting an environment that discourages misconduct. Students need to remain aware that instructors have access to and the right to use electronic and other means of detection. Please note: Whether or not a student intended to commit academic misconduct is not relevant for a finding of guilt. Hurried or careless submission of assignments does not excuse students from responsibility for verifying the academic integrity of their work before submitting it. Students who are in any doubt as to whether an action on their part could be construed as an academic offence should consult with a faculty member or faculty advisor.

The Academic Misconduct Policy is detailed in the University Calenders:

Accessibility

The University of Guelph is committed to creating a barrier-free environment. Providing services for students is a shared responsibility among students, faculty and administrators. This relationship is based on respect of individual rights, the dignity of the individual and the University community's shared commitment to an open and supportive learning environment. Students requiring service or accommodation, whether due to an identified, ongoing disability or a short-term disability should contact the Student Accessibility Services (SAS), formerly Centre for Students with Disabilities (CSD), as soon as possible.

For more information, contact CSD at 519-824-4120 ext. 56208 or email sas@uoguelph.ca or visit the Student Accessibility Services website: http://www.uoguelph.ca/csd/.

Course Evaluation Information

Your ratings and comments are important.  Course evaluation data are used to assess and enhance the quality of teaching and student learning at the University of Guelph.  Student course ratings and comments are used as an important component in the Faculty Tenure & Promotion process, and as valuable feedback to help instructors improve their teaching effectiveness and to improve the delivery of the course.

Your responses will not affect your grade.  Course evaluation data are distributed to individual instructors after final grades have been submitted to the Registrar, following the completion of each academic semester.

Please be honest, respectful, constructive and thorough.  Instructors and review committees place great value on student course ratings and read all comments provided in course evaluations. It is helpful to provide comments on the strengths of the course, in addition to the areas for improvement.  Please refrain from personal comments unless they relate to teaching and learning.

Click here for the University of Guelph Course Evaluation System