Undergraduate Course: Fungi and Plant Pathology (PLSC10004)
Course Outline
| School | School of Biological Sciences |
College | College of Science and Engineering |
| Credit level (Normal year taken) | SCQF Level 10 (Year 4 Undergraduate) |
Availability | Not available to visiting students |
| SCQF Credits | 10 |
ECTS Credits | 5 |
| Summary | This courses covers both molecular mechanisms of plant pathogen response and practical applications in the defence of crops. |
| Course description |
This courses is part-taught with SRUC, and covers both molecular mechanism of plant pathogen response and practical applications in the defence of crops. It covers a fungi as plant pathogens with examples from worldwide agriculture, characteristics of plant parasitic fungi and the diseases they cause. Methods of isolation and identification, chemical and non-chemical control.
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Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
| Pre-requisites |
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Co-requisites | |
| Prohibited Combinations | |
Other requirements | None |
| Additional Costs | Notepads |
Course Delivery Information
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| Academic year 2025/26, Not available to visiting students (SS1)
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Quota: 0 |
| Course Start |
Semester 1 |
Timetable |
Timetable |
| Learning and Teaching activities (Further Info) |
Total Hours:
100
(
Lecture Hours 22,
Seminar/Tutorial Hours 12,
Supervised Practical/Workshop/Studio Hours 10,
Summative Assessment Hours 2,
Programme Level Learning and Teaching Hours 2,
Directed Learning and Independent Learning Hours
52 )
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| Assessment (Further Info) |
Written Exam
0 %,
Coursework
100 %,
Practical Exam
0 %
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| Additional Information (Assessment) |
Disease Leaflet 50%
Poster Presentation 50% |
| Feedback |
Within 15 days |
| No Exam Information |
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Exploring fungi as plant pathogens, with examples from global agriculture, examining the characteristics of plant-parasitic fungi and the diseases they cause. The course also covers methods for isolating and identifying these fungi, as well as chemical and non-chemical control strategies.
- Be able to critically evaluate the molecular and cellular mechanisms underpinning plant immune responses, including pattern-triggered immunity (PTI), effector-triggered immunity (ETI), and systemic acquired resistance (SAR). Demonstrate the ability to integrate genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic data to investigate plant¿pathogen interactions, and apply this knowledge to propose innovative strategies for crop protection.
- Learning to evaluate and synthesise ideas and concepts about modern plant biology.
- Developing skills in scientific communication, including report writing and oral presentation.
- Improving critical thinking and autonomous working.
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Additional Information
| Graduate Attributes and Skills |
The University of Edinburgh has identified six key areas of ability (outlined below) that you should develop throughout your university experience to enhance your employability in the 21st century. These attributes extend beyond academic knowledge and evolve at every stage of your degree. Below is an overview of how this course specifically supports the development of these skills.
Knowledge and Understanding:
All parts of the course contribute to your knowledge, but the lectures in particular provide a foundational framework upon which these attributes are built. As a research-led institution, the University exposes you to cutting-edge information and ideas as you progress through your degree. This course offers a comprehensive exploration of plant biology, with a particular focus on fungi as plant pathogens. You will study examples from global agriculture, the characteristics of plant-parasitic fungi, and the diseases they cause. Additionally, the course covers methods of fungal isolation and identification, as well as both chemical and non-chemical control strategies. By the end of the course, you will have developed a deep understanding of plant function, backed by numerous examples from contemporary scientific literature.
Research and Enquiry:
This course enhances your research and inquiry skills through the recommended reading of books, research papers, and electronic resources. Practical reports and oral presentations will help you refine these skills and formulate your own insights into the subject. Familiarity with databases like PubMed (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/) will aid you in exploring current and historical scientific debates in a meaningful context, laying the foundation for hypothesis-driven analysis.
Personal and Intellectual Autonomy:
By preparing for poster presentation through reading and research, you will learn to synthesize your own perspectives, develop well-reasoned arguments, and refine your scientific judgment. Multiple feedback sessions are provided, allowing you to express your views on the topics discussed. These experiences will enhance your ability for lifelong, independent learning.
Communication:
Developing effective communication skills is crucial for interacting constructively with others and conveying balanced, informed scientific opinions. Throughout the course, you will practice oral presentation skills, both by giving and listening to short talks. Constructive feedback from both staff and peers will help you refine these abilities.
Personal Effectiveness:
Organizing and summarizing information in a flexible and accessible way are key aspects of personal effectiveness. Planning, time management, and self-reflection are central to success. The course timetable highlights key submission dates, encouraging you to manage your time effectively. These skills are not only vital for this course but also for maximizing your overall academic success at the University.
Technical and Practical Skills:
For a scientific career, it is essential to understand not only the conceptual basis of experiments but also to develop the practical skills needed for employability. This course includes a laboratory component designed to prepare you for this. You will gain experience in plant molecular biology techniques, data handling, and basic molecular techniques such as PCR. The lab skills you acquire¿critical observation, investigation, interpretation, accurate recording, and data analysis¿will serve you well in future employment. |
| Additional Class Delivery Information |
This course is delivered in 11 lectures, divided into two blocks of teaching, with corresponding and complementary practicals, tutorials, and student talks. |
| Keywords | PLSCFungiPP |
Contacts
| Course organiser | Dr Beatriz Orosa Puente
Tel:
Email: Beatriz.Orosa@ed.ac.uk |
Course secretary | Dr Edward Dewhirst
Tel: (0131 6)50 8649
Email: edewhirs@ed.ac.uk |
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