ÐÂÀ˲ÊƱ

Course Outlines

PLANT SC 3200WT - Plant Breeding III

Waite Campus - Semester 1 - 2021

Genetic manipulation in plants has underpinned improvements in productivity and has enhanced sustainability of farming systems worldwide. As well, plant genetic diversity is fundamental to understand adaptation in natural systems. This course introduces the fundamental concepts of plant breeding and plant adaptation that are applicable to agricultural and natural systems. Extensive industry engagement is also undertaken as part of the course curriculum where students connect with industry leaders in the plant breeding discipline, whether in broad-acre cropping (e.g. wheat, barley, canola, faba bean breeding) or horticulture (e.g. almond breeding). The topics covered include: genetic diversity in relation to adaptation, productivity, pest and disease resistance and end-use quality; strategies for setting breeding objectives and maximising selection and improvement of key traits; breeding methodologies for self or cross pollinated plants.

Open All
  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code PLANT SC 3200WT
    Course Plant Breeding III
    Coordinating Unit School of Agriculture, Food and Wine
    Term Semester 1
    Level Undergraduate
    Location/s Waite Campus
    Units 3
    Contact Up to 6 hours per week
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange Y
    Assumed Knowledge ANIML SC 2501WT & PLANT SC 2510WT or equivalent
    Assessment Terminology test, student blogs, oral presentation, major written report, final exam
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Professor Jason Able

    Course Timetable

    The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from .

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    The anticipated knowledge, skills and/or attitude to be
    developed by the student are:

    1. Describe sources and types of genetic variation and
    explain their importance for plant improvement.

    2. Describe the progression of stages within a modern breeding
    programme from the setting of breeding objectives, through the development and
    implementation of breeding strategies to the commercialisation of plant
    varieties and the protection of intellectual property.

    3. Describe methods that are used in plant breeding.

    4. Locate, analyse, evaluate and synthesise information
    relevant to plant breeding.

    5. Judge which plant breeding methods are appropriate for
    specific objectives and situations.

    6. Formulate and justify a plan for the application of plant
    breeding methods to achieve a specific objective.

    7. Carry out specific plant breeding activities, such as
    selection of parental germplasm, observation and recording of phenotypic
    variation and selection among progeny.

    University Graduate Attributes

    This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

    University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s)
    Deep discipline knowledge
    • informed and infused by cutting edge research, scaffolded throughout their program of studies
    • acquired from personal interaction with research active educators, from year 1
    • accredited or validated against national or international standards (for relevant programs)
    		 1, 2, 3
    Critical thinking and problem solving
    • steeped in research methods and rigor
    • based on empirical evidence and the scientific approach to knowledge development
    • demonstrated through appropriate and relevant assessment
    		 4, 5, 6
    Teamwork and communication skills
    • developed from, with, and via the SGDE
    • honed through assessment and practice throughout the program of studies
    • encouraged and valued in all aspects of learning
    		 2, 3, 4
    Career and leadership readiness
    • technology savvy
    • professional and, where relevant, fully accredited
    • forward thinking and well informed
    • tested and validated by work based experiences
    		 7
  • Learning Resources
    Required Resources
    Students will be required to use MyUni
    Recommended Resources
    While not deemed essential, a list of recommended resources
    include:

    Writing guide: The following booklet provides a useful guide
    on written communication in science:

    Cargill, M. & Bellotti, M. 2004, Written Communication
    in the Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences, The University of ÐÂÀ˲ÊƱ,
    ÐÂÀ˲ÊƱ.



    Recommended textbook:

    Acquaah, G. 2007, Principles of Plant Genetics and Breeding,
    Blackwell Publishing, Malden.

    A dictionary of terms:

    Schlegel, R.H.J. 2003, Encyclopedic Dictionary of Plant
    Breeding and Related Subjects, Haworth Press, New York.

    Other books: These books are also available in the Waite Library:

    Halloran, G.M., Knight, R., McWhirter, K.S. & Sparrow,
    D.H.B. 1979, A Course Manual in Plant Breeding. Australian Vice-Chancellors’
    Committee.

    Sleper, D.A. & Poehlman, J.M. 2006, Breeding Field
    Crops, Blackwell, Iowa.

    Chrispeels, M.J. & Sadava, D.E. 2003, ‘Plants, genes and
    crop biotechnology’. Jones and Bartlett, Boston.

    For some of the practicals (field trips), University cars
    will be used to transport the students to and from the activity

    Online Learni