Search result: Catalogue data in Spring Semester 2019
Biology Master | ||||||
Elective Major Subject Areas | ||||||
Elective Major: Plant Biology | ||||||
Elective Compulsory Master Courses | ||||||
Number | Title | Type | ECTS | Hours | Lecturers | |
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551-0140-00L | Epigenetics | W | 4 credits | 2V | A. Wutz, U. Grossniklaus, R. Paro, R. Santoro | |
Abstract | Epigenetics studies the inheritance of traits that cannot be attributed to changes in the DNA sequence. The lecture will present an overview of different epigenetic phenomena and provide detailed insight into the underlying molecular mechanisms. The role of epigenetic processes in the development of cancer and other disorders will be discussed. | |||||
Objective | The aim of the course is to gain an understanding of epigenetic mechanisms and their impact on the development of organisms, regenerative processes or manifestation of disease. | |||||
Content | Topics - historical overview, concepts and comparison Genetics vs. Epigenetics - Biology of chromatin: structure and function, organization in the nucleus and the role of histone modifications in processes like transcription and replication - DNA methylation as an epigenetic modification - Inheritance of epigenetic modifications during cell division: cellular memory - Stability and reversibility of epigenetic modifications: cellular plasticity and stem cells - Genomic imprinting in plants and mammals - X chromosome inactivation and dosis compensation - position effects, paramutations and transvection - RNA-induced gene silencing - The role of epigenetic processes in cancer development or cell aging | |||||
551-0138-00L | Regulation of Plant Primary Metabolism | W | 2 credits | 1V | S. C. Zeeman | |
Abstract | Plants are the primary producers of our ecosystem. This course will survey the pathways of plant metabolism. Emphasis will be placed on the mechanisms of carbon dioxide assimilation, carbohydrate metabolism, and the regulation of metabolic fluxes. The course will also highlight the classical and state-of-the-art research methods. | |||||
Objective | The aim of the course is to confer a broad understanding of plant metabolism, to give insight into the methods of plant biology research, and to promote critical evaluation of scientific literature. | |||||
Content | The course will include a combination of lectures and coursework/active-learning exercises (e.g. research paper presentations) | |||||
551-0224-00L | Advanced Proteomics For master students from the 2nd semester on, also doctoral candidates and post docs. | W | 4 credits | 6G | R. Aebersold, L. Gillet, M. Gstaiger, A. Leitner, P. Pedrioli | |
Abstract | Goal of the course is to analyze current and newly emerging technologies and approaches in protein and proteome analysis with regard to their application in biology, biotechnology and medicine. Format: Introduction by instructor followed by discussions stimulated by reading assignments and exercises. | |||||
Objective | To discuss current and newly emerging technologies and approaches in protein and proteome analysis with regard to their applications in biology, biotechnology, medicine and systems biology. | |||||
Content | Block course teaching current methods for the acquisition and processing of proteomic datasets. | |||||
Prerequisites / Notice | Number of people: Not exceeding 30. Students from ETHZ, Uni Zurich and University of Basel Non-ETH students must register at ETH Zurich as special students Link | |||||
751-4802-00L | System-Oriented Management of Herbivorous Insects II | W | 2 credits | 2G | D. Mazzi | |
Abstract | The focus is on capacity building to judge pest management in the face of economic, ecological and social demands. A wide spectrum of management approaches will be elaborated and discussed, ranging from natural antagonists, natural and synthetic products to physical and genetic tools, as well as innovative research advances. | |||||
Objective | The students acquire an understanding of current and potential future methods to manage pest organisms in agro-ecosystems, as well as a sound scientific background to evaluate the options in the face of conflicting requirements from economics, ecology and the society. In addition, they will gain skills to use scientific reports to construct an argument, and to defend their position in a debate. | |||||
Lecture notes | The presentations will be made available. | |||||
Literature | Recommendations for further reading are given in the course. | |||||
Prerequisites / Notice | The first part of the course, held in the HS, is not a prerequisite for the understanding of the second part. | |||||
751-5110-00L | Insects in Agroecosystems | W | 2 credits | 2V | C. De Moraes, M. Fenske, D. Lucas Gomes Marques Barbosa | |
Abstract | This class will focus on insect-plant interactions in agroecosystems, and how the unique man-made agricultural community effects insect populations leading to pest outbreaks. Key concepts in pest prediction and management will be discussed from an ecological perspective. | |||||
Objective | At the end of this course, students will understand what biotic and abiotic factors contribute to pest outbreaks, why some modern pest management techniques have failed over time, and the trade-offs associated with the use of different pest control methods. Our approach will allow students to apply their knowledge to a variety of pest management situations. Additionally, students will learn about current research goals in agroecology and how these goals are being addressed by scientists engaged in agricultural research. | |||||
Content | The focus of this course will be on understanding how the ecologies of agricultural systems differ from natural ecosystems, and how these difference affect the population dynamics of insect pests and natural enemies. Each section of the course is centered around a basic ecological, biological or engineering theme such as host shift, physiological time, or sampling techniques. Different management techniques will be discussed, as well as the ecological basis behind why these techniques work and why they sometimes fail. The role of insects in spreading economically important plant diseases will also be discussed. Recent advances in research will also be addressed throughout the course and reinforced with periodic readings of primary literature. | |||||
Lecture notes | Provided to students through ILIAS | |||||
Literature | Selected required readings (peer reviewed literature, selected book chapters). | |||||
751-4904-00L | Microbial Pest Control | W | 2 credits | 2G | J. Enkerli, G. Grabenweger, S. Kuske Pradal | |
Abstract | This lecture provides conceptual as well as biological and ecological background on microbial pest management. Methods and techniques applied to develop and monitor microbial control agents are elucidated. | |||||
Objective | To know the most important groups of insect pathogens and their characteristics. To become familiar with the basic steps necessary for the development of microbial control agents. To understand the techniques and methods used to monitor field applications and the procedures involved in registration of products for microbial pest management. | |||||
Content | Definitions and general terms used in microbial control are presented. Biological and ecological aspects of all arthropod-pathogenic groups (virus, bacteria, fungi and nematodes) as well as their advantages and disadvantages in relation to biocontrol are discussed. Particular emphasis is put on hypocrealean and entomophthoralean fungi. Examples are used to demonstrate how projects in microbial control can be set up, how pathogens can be applied and how efficacy, non-target effects, persistence and dissemination are monitored. Furthermore, the necessary steps for product development, commercial aspects and registration requirements are discussed. | |||||
Lecture notes | Lecture notes comprising the basic aspects will be provided. | |||||
Literature | Additional literature will be indicated in the lecture | |||||
751-4505-00L | Plant Pathology II | W | 2 credits | 2G | B. McDonald | |
Abstract | Plant Pathology II focuses on disease control in agroecosystems based on biological control, pesticide applications and breeding of resistant crop cultivars. The genetics of pathogen-plant interactions will be explored in detail as a basis for understanding the development of boom-and-bust cycles and methods that may be used to prevent the evolution of pathogen virulence and fungicide resistance. | |||||
Objective | An understanding of the how biological control, pesticides and plant breeding can be used to achieve sustainable disease control. An understanding of the genetic basis of pathogen-plant interactions and appropriate methods for using resistance to control diseases in agroecosystems. | |||||
Content | Plant Pathology II will focus on disease control in agroecosystems based on biological control, pesticide applications and breeding of resistant crop cultivars. The genetics of pathogen-plant interactions will be explored in detail as a basis for understanding the development of boom-and-bust cycles and methods that may be used to prevent the evolution of pathogen virulence and fungicide resistance. Lecture Topics and Tentative Schedule Week 1 Biological control: biofumigation, disease declines, suppressive soils. Week 2 Biological control: competitive exclusion, hyperparasitism. Week 3 Chemical control: History of fungicides in Europe, fungicide properties, application methods. Week 4 Fungicide categories and modes of action, antibiotics, fungicide development, fungicide safety and risk assessment (human health). Week 5 Resistance to fungicides. Genetics of fungicide resistance, ABC transporters, risk assessment, fitness costs. FRAC risk assessment model vs. population genetic risk assessment model. Week 6 Genetics of pathogen-plant interaction: genetics of pathogens, genetics of plant resistance, major gene and quantitative resistance, acquired resistance. Flor's GFG hypothesis and the quadratic check, the receptor and elicitor model of GFG, the guard model of GFG. Week 7 Resistance gene structure and genome distribution, conservation of LRR motifs across eukaryotes. Genetic basis of quantitative resistance. QTLs and QRLs. Connections between MGR and QR. Durability of QR. Week 8 Genetic resistance: Costs, benefits and risks. Week 9 Non-host resistance. Types of NHR. NHR in Arabidopsis with powdery mildews. NHR in maize and rice. Avirulence genes and pathogen elicitors. PAMPs, effectors, type-III secretion systems, harpins in bacteria. Fungal avirulence genes. Week 10 Easter holiday no class. Week 11 Sechselauten holiday no class. Week 12 Host-specific toxins. GFG for toxins and connection to apoptosis. Fitness costs of virulence alleles. Diversifying selection in NIP1. Week 13 Boom and bust cycles for resistance genes and fungicides and coevolutionary processes. Pathogen genetic structure and evolutionary potential. Genetic structure of pathogen populations in agroecosystems, risk assessment for pathogen evolution and breeding strategies for durable resistance. Week 14 Resistance gene and fungicide deployment strategies for agroecosystems. Week 15 Genetic engineering approaches to achieve disease resistant crops. | |||||
Lecture notes | Lecture notes will be available for purchase at the cost of reproduction. | |||||
Literature | Lecture notes will be available for purchase at the cost of reproduction. | |||||
Prerequisites / Notice | Plant Pathology I provides a good preparation for Plant Pathology II, but is not a prerequisite for this course. |
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