Module: Self/Non-self-Recognition in Plants
CSB 1020H/F, Teaching Section LEC 0106
Coordinators: Professors Daphne Goring and Keiko Yoshioka
Offered: Fall 2024 session for six weeks on Sept. 11th and 25th, Oct. 2nd, 16th, 23rd, and 30th.
Weight: One module (0.25 FCE)
Time: Wednesdays 1 pm – 3 pm
Location: St. George campus, Earth Sciences Centre, Room TBA
Enrolment: Limited to 9 students
Seminar topics:
Week 1: Introductory lecture and reading assignments.
Weeks 2-6: Students presentations and discussion (2 presentations/week, 1 on week 6)
Week 6: Summary Discussion
Description:
The molecular and cellular basis of self/non-self-recognition is an active area of research for a number of key biological processes in plants. This module focuses on two broad areas: self/non-self-recognition in pollen-pistil interactions (compatible pollen acceptance, incompatible pollen rejection) and plant-microbe interactions (immunity, beneficial interactions). In this seminar course, students will investigate the current knowledge of self/non-self-recognition of plants. The course will provide a forum for an interactive discussion between the instructors and students and will be based on a selection of current high impact primary research papers.
Evaluation:
Each student will present a PowerPoint style presentation based on an assigned topic using a selection of primary research papers. A written summary on one key research article will also be due at the end of the module. The written summary on the primary research article will follow a format similar to a Science Perspective/Nature News & Views/Cell Preview which not only explains and provides context of the research to a broader audience, but also poses questions and future directions for this research. Students are expected to read all papers and participate in all discussions. However for each presentation, two students will be assigned the task of asking questions and leading the discussion.
Grading: 50% Presentation (one presentation per student on a primary research paper)
25% Leading discussions/Participating in discussions
25% Written Summary
Pre-requisites for module: undergraduate courses in molecular and cell biology
Reading materials: TBA
Website: Quercus
Last updated on August 9th, 2024