In this block course, students actively participate in ongoing research projects on plant metabolism and are tutored by doctoral students and postdocs. The theoretical background of the projects is provided in a lecture series. Finally, students discuss their projects and results during an interactive poster session.
Learning objective
Through supervision in small groups (either individually or in groups of two) students learn to conduct experiments in molecular plant biology, interpret the results, record them and communicate them to peers. Students also gain an insight into the larger context of their projects and how they are planned in the longer term.
Content
Participation in a project from the following list is possible: 1) Photosynthesis: How is photosynthesis regulated and how is photoassimilated carbon distributed in plants? 2) Biology of chloroplasts: How do chloroplasts develop and how is their function coordinated with that of the whole cell? 3) Starch biosynthesis and degradation: How are complex, semi-crystalline starch granules produced from monosaccharides and how are they broken down again to release energy?
Lecture notes
No script
Literature
Descriptions of the possible projects including individual reading suggestions will be handed out beforehand.
Competencies
Subject-specific Competencies
Concepts and Theories
assessed
Techniques and Technologies
assessed
Method-specific Competencies
Analytical Competencies
assessed
Decision-making
fostered
Media and Digital Technologies
assessed
Problem-solving
assessed
Project Management
fostered
Social Competencies
Communication
assessed
Cooperation and Teamwork
assessed
Leadership and Responsibility
fostered
Self-presentation and Social Influence
fostered
Sensitivity to Diversity
fostered
Negotiation
fostered
Personal Competencies
Adaptability and Flexibility
fostered
Creative Thinking
assessed
Critical Thinking
assessed
Integrity and Work Ethics
fostered
Self-awareness and Self-reflection
fostered
Self-direction and Self-management
assessed
Performance assessment
Performance assessment information (valid until the course unit is held again)
Repetition only possible after re-enrolling for the course unit.
Additional information on mode of examination
Assessments will be based on 1) performance in the lab and the lab-book 2) a journal club presentation 3) a presentation or poster describing your project, and 4) a brief oral exam based on the lectures accompanying the practical work.
Students are obliged to be present throughout the block course. Cancellation: If you have to deregister from a course that has been assigned to you (just emergency reasons), please notify in written the course coordinator at least four weeks before the course starts, for courses in the 1st quarter, a cancellation period of one week applies. The study secretariat D-BIOL must also be informed (email CC to studies@biol.ethz.ch) so that the enrollment is deleted. Otherwise the course is considered as "failed".
Performance assessment as a semester course