Antia Rodriguez-Villalon: Catalogue data in Autumn Semester 2019

Name Dr. Antia Rodriguez-Villalon
FieldPlant Development Biology
DepartmentBiology
RelationshipAssistant Professor

NumberTitleECTSHoursLecturers
551-0120-00LPlant Biology Colloquium (Autumn Semester)
Only compulsory for Master students who started their Master in Autumn Semester 2017 or later.

This compulsory course is required only once. It may be taken in autumn as course 551-0120-00 "Plant Biology Colloquium (Autumn Semester)" or in spring as course 551-0120-01 "Plant Biology Colloquium (Spring Semester)".
2 credits1KC. Sánchez-Rodríguez, W. Gruissem, A. Rodriguez-Villalon, O. Voinnet, S. C. Zeeman
AbstractCurrent topics in Molecular Plant Biology presented by internal and external speakers from accademia.
Learning objectiveGetting insight into actual areas and challenges of Molecular Plant Biology.
Contenthttp://www.impb.ethz.ch/news-and-events/colloquium-impb.html
551-0205-00LChallenges in Plant Sciences Information
Number of participants limited to 40.
2 credits2KS. C. Zeeman, M. Paschke, A. Rodriguez-Villalon, C. Schöb, J. Vorholt-Zambelli, A. Widmer, further lecturers
AbstractThe colloquium introduces students to the disciplines in plant sciences and provides integrated knowledge from the molecular level to ecosystems and from basic research to applications, making use of the synergies between the different research groups of the PSC. The colloquium offers a unique chance to approach interdisciplinary topics as a challenge in the field of plant sciences.
Learning objectiveMajor objectives of the colloquium are:

introduction of graduate students and Master students to the broad field of plant sciences
promotion of an interdisciplinary and integrative teaching program
promotion of active participation and independent work of students
promotion of presentation and discussion skills
increased interaction among students and professors
ContentChallenges in Plant Sciences will cover the following topics:
Chemical communication among plants, insect and pathogens.
Specificity in hormone signaling.
Genetic networks.
Plant-plant interactions.
Resilience of tropical ecosystems.
Regulatory factors controlling cell wall formation.
Chlorophyll breakdown.
Innate immunity.
Disease resistance genes.
Sustainable agroecosystems.
551-0311-00LMolecular Life of Plants6 credits4VS. C. Zeeman, K. Bomblies, A. Rodriguez-Villalon, C. Sánchez-Rodríguez, O. Voinnet
AbstractThe advanced course introduces students to plants through a concept-based discussion of developmental processes that integrates physiology and biochemistry with genetics, molecular biology, and cell biology. The course follows the life of the plant, starting with the seed, progressing through germination to the seedling and mature plant, and ending with reproduction and senescence.
Learning objectiveThe new course "Molecular Life of Plants" reflects the rapid advcances that are occurring in the field of experimental plant biology as well as the changing interests of students being trained in this discipline. Contemporary plant biology courses emphasize a traditional approach to experimental plant biology by discussing discrete topics that are removed from the context of the plant life cycle. The course will take an integrative approach that focuses on developmental concepts. Whereas traditional plant physiology courses were based on research carried out on intact plants or plant organs and were often based on phenomenological observations, current research in plant biology emphasizes work at the cellular, subcellular and molecular levels.

The goal of "Molecular Life of Plants" is to train students in integrative approaches to understand the function of plants in a developmental context. While the course focuses on plants, the training integrative approaches will also be useful for other organisms.
ContentThe course "Molecular Life of Plants" will cover the following topics:

Plant genome organization and evolution
Plant functional genomics and systems biology
Plant genome engineering and editing
Seed development and embryogenesis
Root apical meristem: structure, function and hormone regulation
Shoot apical meristem: structure, function and hormone regulation
Mobilization of seed reserves
Heterotrophic to autotrophic growth
Chloroplast biogenesis and light perception
Photosynthetic and central carbon metabolism
Integration of carbon and nitrogen metabolism
Principles of RNA silencing
MicroRNAs: discovery and modes of action
RNA silencing and pathogen defense
RNA silencing movement, amplification and trans-generational silencing
Plants and the environment
Plant-pathogen interactions: pathogen attack, first layers of plant defense and plant responses
Senescence
551-0351-00LMembrane Biology Information Restricted registration - show details
Number of participants limited to 18.

The enrolment is done by the D-BIOL study administration.
6 credits7GV. Korkhov, Y. Barral, U. Kutay, A. Rodriguez-Villalon, G. Schertler
AbstractThe course will introduce the students to the key concepts in membrane biology and will allow them to be involved in laboratory projects related to that broad field. The course will consist of lectures, literature discussions, and practical laboratory work in small groups. Results of the practical projects will be presented during the poster session at the end of the course.
Learning objectiveThe aim of the course is to expose the students to a wide range of modern research areas encompassed by the field of membrane biology.
ContentStudents will be engaged in research projects aimed at understanding the biological membranes at the molecular, organellar and cellular levels. Students will design and perform experiments, evaluate experimental results, analyze the current scientific literature and understand the relevance of their work in the context of the current state of the membrane biology field.
Lecture notesNo script
LiteratureThe recommended literature, including reviews and primary research articles, will be provided during the course
Prerequisites / NoticeThe course will be taught in English. All general lectures will be held at ETH Hoenggerberg. Students will be divided into small groups to carry out experiments at ETH or at the Paul Scherrer Institute. Travel to the Paul Scherrer Institute will be by public transportation.