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551-0359-00L 6 Credits BSC D-BIOL
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Plant Biochemistry

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Samuel C. Zeeman, Dr. Barbara Pfister
Number of participants limited to 15. The enrolment is done by the D-BIOL study administration. General safety regulations for all block courses: -Whenever possible the distance rules have to be respected -All students have to wear masks throughout the course (keep reserve masks ready) -The installation and activation of the Swiss Covid-App is highly encouraged -Any additional rules for individual courses have to be respected -Students showing any COVID-19 symptoms are not allowed to enter ETH buildings and have to inform the course responsible
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:36:22

Abstract

In this block course, students actively participate in ongoing research projects on plant metabolism and are tutored by doctoral students and postdocs. In a lecture series, the theoretical background of the projects is provided. Finally, students discuss their projects and results during a poster session.

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?

Resources

Lecture Notes

No script

Literature

Descriptions of the possible projects including individual reading assignments will be handed out beforehand.

Learning Materials (Links)

General Information

Language
English
Levels
BSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
graded semester performance
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.

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
practical/laboratory course Plant Biochemistry
Permission from lecturers required for all students. Block course in the 3rd quarter of the autumn semester
  • Tue 13:15-17:00 (LFW D 12)
  • Wed 08:15-17:00 (LFW D 12)
  • Thu 08:15-17:00 (LFW D 12)
  • Fri 08:15-17:00 (LFW D 12)
100 h semesterly

Offered In