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551-0368-00L 6 Credits BSC D-BIOL , D-CHAB

Genome Editing of Plants for Research and Society

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Samuel C. Zeeman, Dr. Simon Bull
Number of participants limited to 10. The enrolment is done by the D-BIOL study administration.
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-06-03 00:14:04

Abstract

This course focusses on the role of current genome editing techniques, including CRISPR-Cas, in fundamental molecular plant biology research, the implementation for crop improvement, and the impact and considerations for society.

Objective

Students will gain hands-on experience of genome editing techniques in plant species used for fundamental research in model species as well as globally important crops. The students will gain training in laboratory-based experimentation, complemented with discussions and presentations about the evolution of genome editing in crops, the impact on society and our food systems. Students will be expected to present and discuss their research findings.

Content

Students will discuss current literature, perform laboratory-based experiments, including on ongoing research projects, as well as gaining further insight to these subjects via lectures and presentations. The experimental work during the course will incorporate methods such as cloning, sequencing and analysis, CRISPR-Cas assays, and biochemical and molecular techniques, as required.

Resources

Lecture Notes

None

Literature

Necessary literature will be discussed and provided at the beginning of the course.

Learning Materials (Links)

General Information

Language
English
Levels
BSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
graded semester performance
Student performance will be assessed based on (i) participation in discussion groups and presentations, (ii) completion of the full blockcourse, (iii) oral presentation in small groups.Only the main examiners are listed.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 [email protected]) so that the enrollment is deleted. Otherwise the course is considered as "failed".

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
practical/laboratory course Genome Editing of Plants for Research and Society
Permission from lecturers required for all students. Block course in the 2nd quarter of the spring semester.
  • Tue 12:45-16:30 (HPT B 71)
  • Wed 07:45-16:30 (HPT B 71)
  • Thu 07:45-16:30 (HPT B 71)
  • Fri 07:45-16:30 (HPT B 71)
  • 25.03 Date 08:00-13:00 (HPI F 16)
100 h semesterly

Offered In