Complementos formativos Doctorado en Biología Vegetal

Applicants with admission profile 1 do not have to undertake training complements. Applicants with admission profile 2 should complete a maximum of 21 ECTS of training complements if they cannot accredit the skills and prior knowledge established in section 3.1. The students should complete those training complements in the first year; they are subjects from the master’s degree in Biotechnology and Biology of Plant Stress.

(https://www.um.es/web/estudios/masteres/biologia-plantas).

Training complement No. 1: Biotechnological basis for plant improvement (6 ECTS) (See)

This should be completed by students who cannot accredit skill 1: know how to carry out plant biotechnology techniques or how to apply them to improve plant production.

Training complement No. 2: Physiological, biochemical and cellular techniques to analyse oxidative stress in plants (3 ECTS) (See)

This should be completed by students who cannot accredit skill 2: know how to apply physiological, biochemical and cellular techniques to analyse oxidative stress.

Training complement No. 3: Plant physiology under climatic stress (6 ECTS) (See)

This should be completed by students who cannot accredit skill 3: know the different types of stress or the response of plants to stress, as well as how to apply methods to assess the stress status in plants.

Training complement No. 4: Methodological strategies to improve abiotic stress tolerance of soil (3 ECTS) (See)

This should be completed by students who cannot accredit skill 4: know how to identify the reasons and consequences of abiotic stress which are harmful for the production of species that are of agricultural interest, and be able to design methodological strategies to improve tolerance.

Training complement No. 5: Plant pathophysiology (3 ECTS) (See)

This should be completed by students who cannot accredit skill 5: know the basic foundations of plant-pathogen interactions that cause diseases (fungi, bacteria, and viruses).

Further information about the above-mentioned academic complements that students may need to take is included below:

Training complement No. 1: Biotechnological basis for plant improvement (6 ECTS)

This should be completed by students who cannot accredit skill 1: know how to apply plant biotechnology techniques or how to apply them to improve plant production.

Students will take the following subject: Biotechnological basis for plant improvement

Study period and credits: 1st semester / 6 ECTS

Learning aims:

C1.- To learn techniques of “in vitro” crops and how to develop practical trials, in order to demonstrate the different hypotheses related to this topic.

C2.- To improve plants without gene modification.

C3.- To improve plants using genetic transformation.

C4.- To learn the basis and methods to improve plant production.

C5.- To learn the regulations and socio-economic aspects of marketing transgenic plants.

Learning outcomes:

To know the concept and the methodological basis of “in vitro” crops of plant material.
To know the techniques for vegetative propagation.
To know genetic transformation strategies in plants, from a physiological perspective.
To know the basis and methods for plant improvement and production.
To understand and correctly use the scientific terminology related to this topic.
To know the practical trials that can be carried out to demonstrate the different hypotheses related to this topic.

Training activities with their content in ECTS, their teaching-learning methods and their relationship with the competencies to be acquired:

Lectures: 55-70 % ECTS

In the lectures, the main concepts of this subject will be explained supported by audiovisual materials. It also includes independent work from the students.

With this training activity, the student will acquire the following competencies: C1, C2, C3, C4, C5.

Practical classes: 15-30 % ECTS

These practical classes will take place in the laboratory following all the established protocols. Students will use the equipment available and will resolve practical matters. The activities will be registered in reports.

With this academic activity, the student will acquire the following competencies: C1, C2, C3, C4, C5.

Tutorials: 5-15 % ECTS

Depending on the type of task, the tutorials could be individual or in groups.

Once student progress is verified, the tutorials will be used for advising students on how to achieve all the required competencies.

ICTs and the virtual platform will be used for communicating with professors. This would help the student to resolve any issues that may arise.

With this academic activity, the student will acquire the following competencies: C1, C2, C3, C4, C5.

Assessment procedure:

The skill achieved in the theoretical and practical knowledge will be assessed by classroom presentations (75-85 %)

The evolution of the acquiring of the established competencies will be monitored in the practical sessions and tutorials. The skill in organisation and fulfilment of tasks; analytical skills; and participation will be valued (20-25 %)

Brief outline of the course contents:

Lectures

Introduction to the “in vitro” plant cropping
Characteristics of a biotechnological laboratory
“In vitro” growing of plant tissues and organs
Growing plant calluses
Organogenesis
Embryogenesis
Vegetative propagation using in vitro growing of woody species
Production of virus-free plants
Production of haploid plants
Protoplasts
Production of transgenic plants
Uses of genetic manipulation in plants
Legal and socio-economic aspects of marketing transgenic plants

Practical classes

Calluses inducement and subcultivation
Organogenesis from pith of tobacco stem
Plant micropropagation
Transformation of plant material by Agrobacterium

Training complement No. 2: Physiological, biochemical and cellular techniques to analyse oxidative stress in plants (3 ECTS)

This should be completed by students who cannot accredit skill 2: know how to apply physiological, biochemical and cellular techniques to analyse oxidative stress.

Students will take the following subject: Physiological, biochemical and cellular techniques for the analysis of oxidative stress in plants

Study period and credits: 2nd semester / 3 ECTS

Learning aims:

C1.- To understand and follow laboratory protocols

C2.- To interpret and understand experimental results

C3.- To organise results and submit them in writing

C4.- To do literature searches related to experimentation

C5.- To do an oral presentation of study results

C6.- To identify the variables that show oxidative stress in plants at a cell and biochemical level

Learning outcomes:

To know the theoretical basis of oxidative stress and its implication in cell systems under abiotic stress conditions
To know certain techniques used for the analysis of oxidative stress
To demonstrate initiative in the laboratory practice
To understand laboratory protocols and put them into practice
To organise experimental results and submit them correctly
To do literature searches through scientific databases
To work in a team in the laboratory
To work following a code of good practices in the laboratory (safety, handling and management of waste)

Training activities with their content in ECTS, their teaching-learning methods and their relationship with the competencies to be acquired:

Lectures: 10-15 % ECTS

In the lectures, the main concepts of this subject will be explained supported by audiovisual materials. The professor will encourage students’ participation and will suggest some articles linked to the units so that the student is able to prepare an oral presentation of one of them.

With this academic activity, the student will acquire the following competencies: C6.

Practical classes: 70-75 % ECTS

Practical classes will take place in the CEBAS (CSIC) laboratories and in the RSS (Research Support Services) of the University. In groups, students should explain the results obtained in their practices and write a scientific article about one of the tasks performed.

With this academic activity, the student will acquire the following competencies: C1, C2, C3, C4.

Tutorials: 5-10 % ECTS

The tutorials will be used for advising the students, either individually or in groups, on how to achieve all the required competences.

With this academic activity, the student will acquire the following competencies: C2, C3.

Oral presentation: 5-10 % ECTS

An oral presentation of a research paper will be carried out.

With this academic activity, the student will acquire the following competencies: C3, C4, C5.

Student assessment:

Attendance to lectures, practical classes, etc.: 60 %
Practical classes and oral presentation: 40 %

Brief outline of the course contents:

Lectures

Antioxidant systems and ROS in the adaptation to abiotic stress
New signalisation systems and redox regulation
Signalisation root-aerial part
Anatomy and cell biology of abiotic stress

Practical classes

Production of cell organelles
Preparation of samples for light and electron microscopy
Confocal laser microscopy
Antioxidant measure by HPLC
Use of bibliographic database as a tool for writing scientific articles

Academic complement No. 3: Plant physiology under climatic stress

Students will take the following subject: Plant physiology under climatic stress

Study period and credits: 1st semester / 6 ECTS

Learning aims:

C1.- To understand the different responses of plants to water stress and highlight cell and molecular basis of those responses.

C2.- To design strategies on agricultural plants to improve their tolerance against water deficit and to improve the type of irrigation in order to make the best use of water.

C3.- To understand the responses of plants to light and high/low temperature stress and to establish molecular mechanisms of acclimation and adaptation in plants.

C4.- To find similarities and differences in the responses of plants to water deficit and light and high/low temperature stress.

C5.- To understand responses of plants to stress caused by xenobiotic products and to indicate possible mechanisms of detoxification for each one of them.

C6.- To apply methods of assessment of stress conditions in plants.

Learning outcomes:

To know how to search, choose and interpret Spanish or English information in bibliographical sources.
To have a general knowledge about stress, responses and mechanisms related to plants.
To know different strategies of plant resistance, its responses and the biochemical mechanisms involved, under drought conditions.
To know all types of agricultural irrigation in plants in order to make the best use of water.
To understand responses of plants against excessive visible light and to understand energy dissipation mechanisms.
To understand the damage caused in plants by high and low temperatures, including adaptations and tolerance mechanisms.
To understand the effects of xenobiotic products, such as weed-killers and air pollutants on plants.
To understand the effects that the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and climate change have on plants.
To use methods to assess indicators of abiotic stress conditions in plants.
To use the terminology of this field of study correctly.

Teaching methods:

Lectures: 65-75 % ECTS

In the lectures, the main concepts of this subject will be explained supported by audiovisual materials. Students may ask questions about the topics, resolve them and the professor can guide the students in their research.

With this academic activity, the student will acquire the following competencies: C1, C2, C3, C4, C5.

Practical classes: 8-10 % ECTS

Practical classes will take place in the laboratory. The students should work in small groups and discuss the results of their experiments.

With this academic activity, the student will acquire the following competencies: C6.

Visits to experimental plots: 2-4 % ECTS

In this activity, the students will go to plots with different types of irrigation, where they will measure the water potential in plants and soils.

With this academic activity, the student will acquire the following competencies: C2, C6.

Tutorials: 10-12 % ECTS

In the tutorials, students can ask questions, request specific bibliography or other information they consider relevant to the subject.

With this academic activity, the student will acquire the following competencies: C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6.

Student assessment:

Attendance to lectures, practical classes and field trips: 20 %
Practical classes and their submission or oral presentation: 15 %
Continuous assessment and/or a final test: 65 %

Brief outline of the course contents:

Lectures

Unit 1. General considerations of plant stress
Unit 2. Water deficit and drought tolerance
Unit 3. Best use of water in agriculture
Unit 4. Light stress
Unit 5. High temperature stress
Unit 6. Low temperature stress
Unit 7. Pollution caused by xenobiotic products
Unit 8. Anthropogenic global climate change and its effects on plants

Practical classes

Practice No. 1. Changes in chlorophylls and carotenoids induced by stress
Practice No. 2. Determination of water potential in leaves
Practice No. 3. Determination of water potential in soils
Practice No. 4. Free proline quantification, which accumulates by different stresses
Practice No. 5. Visits to experimental plots with different types of irrigation

Academic complement No. 4: Methodological strategies to improve abiotic stress tolerance of soil (3 ECTS)

Students will take the following subject: Methodological strategies to improve tolerance against abiotic stress of soil.

Study period and credits: 2nd semester / 3 ECTS

Learning aims:

C1.- To identify the causes and consequences of abiotic stresses which have a negative impact on the production of species of agricultural interest.

C2.- To choose useful plant species for each scenario of heavy metal contamination.

C3.- To differentiate the effects induced by ionic, nutrient, and osmotic stress caused by abiotic stress in plants.

C4.- To choose the best strategies to improve the tolerance against abiotic stress.

C5.- To be able to understand, carry out results and plan research papers.

Learning outcomes:

To know the response of plants to abiotic stress and the different tolerance mechanisms depending on certain factors (species, level of stress, plant development status, etc.).
To assess the different phytotechnologies to remediate contaminated soils.
To know the methods used to assess the levels of abiotic stress in plants.
To know the determination techniques to physiological, genetic, and molecular responses in plants under stress.
To know the different omic-tools that are now available to progress in the tolerance against abiotic stress.

Training activities with their content in ECTS, their teaching-learning methods and their relationship with the competencies to be acquired:

Lectures: 50-60 % ECTS

In the lectures, the main concepts of this subject will be explained supported by audiovisual materials. Students may ask questions and the professor can resolve them and guide the students in their research, etc.

With this academic activity, the student will acquire the following competencies: C1, C2, C3, C4.

Practical classes: 25-30 % ECTS

Learning diagnostic techniques, crop preparation techniques and the analysis of the materials needed for carrying out the objectives. We will visit plant growth chambers (in vitro and in vivo) and the greenhouse to observe the effects stress in plants.

With this academic activity, the student will acquire the following competencies: C3, C4, C5.

Tutorials: 6-9 % ECTS

In the tutorials, students will resolve all their doubts and will receive specific bibliographic articles or references. The professor will also advise the students about any topics they may bring up.

With this academic activity, the student will acquire the following competencies: C5.

Seminars: 8-12 % ECTS

Students will prepare an oral presentation of a specific topic and then present it in the classroom using audiovisual means.

Furthermore, they will write a report on the topic, including all the bibliographic references used.

With this academic activity, the student will acquire the following competencies: C5.

Student assessment:

Attendance to practical classes and lectures will be monitored and participation regarding the theory topic or the methodology and questions in the practical classes will be valued. The global knowledge acquired by the end of the subject as a whole will be assessed. The preparation of a specific topic, and the writing of a report with its oral presentation will weigh heavily on the final mark.

Brief outline of the course contents:

Lectures

Unit 1. Pollution caused by heavy metals
Unit 2. Ionic stress induced by salinity
Unit 3. Nutrient stress induced by salinity
Unit 4. Osmotic stress caused by different abiotic stress
Unit 5. Homeostasis or repair of damages caused by different abiotic stress

Practical classes

Practice No. 1. Effects that abiotic stress has in plants
Practice No. 2. Preparation of nutrient solutions for the crop
Practice No. 3. Analysis of heavy metals in soils and plants
Practice No. 4. Preparation of culture means to assess in vitro the tolerance against stress
Practice No. 5. Analysis of inorganic and organic solutes in plants
Practice No. 6. Assessment and characterisation of the level of osmotic stress in plants
Practice No. 7. Phenotyping and molecular characteristics of mutants

Training complement No. 5: Plant pathophysiology

This should be completed by students who cannot accredit skill 5: know the basic foundations of plant-pathogen interactions that cause diseases (fungi, bacteria, and viruses).

Students will take the following subject: Plant pathophysiology

Study period and credits: 1st semester / 3 ECTS

Learning aims:

C1.- To know the fundamental basis of the relationship between plants and pathogens that cause diseases (fungus, bacteria and virus).

C2.- To understand the concept of plant disease and its symptoms.

C3.- To understand the mechanisms and strategies used by sensitive and resistant plants against pathogens.

C4.- To detect physiological changes in plants when pathogens, herbivorous microorganisms or parasitic plants alter their primary or secondary metabolism.

C5.- To isolate and characterise molecules with biological activity and to assess metabolic activity.

C6.-To design and apply bioassay and biocontrol techniques.

C7.- To perform research, design experiments and interpret the results.

Learning outcomes:

To have the ability to use the theoretical and practical skills achieved.
To be able to organise and plan Research Reports.
To correctly use laboratory techniques such as: electrophoresis and chromatography, and to use spectrophotometer, centrifuges, weighing scales and optical microscopes.
To detect defence responses against pathogens and to identify the results of the defence responses.
To design and carry out physiological tests and to interpret the results. To suggest possible pathologies according to the changes found, if applicable.
To write research papers, interpret results, make research decisions and work in a team.

Training activities with their content in ECTS, their teaching-learning methods and their relationship with the competencies to be acquired:

Lectures: 45-50 % ECTS

The professor will explain the main concepts supported by ICTs. Students can participate by asking questions, asking for information, etc.

The lectures aim to give the students basic knowledge about pathophysiology so that they can continue learning and look for information about that topic in the future.

With this academic activity, the student will acquire the following competencies: C1, C2, C3, C4.

Practical classes: 20-35 % ECTS

These practical classes will take place in the laboratory. Students will work in small groups in a system of cooperative learning. The practices will be linked to the lectures and students will work with biological materials and with physiological analysis tools.

With this academic activity, the student will acquire the following competencies: C5, C6, C7.

Tutorials: 5-10 % ECTS

The tutorials could be online or face-to-face. Students may ask all the questions they have about the subject or the papers they have to submit, as well as specific bibliography and any other relevant information. In addition, the professor will monitor the student’s work -individually or in groups- and will help them with the online tasks.

With this academic activity, the student will acquire the following competencies: C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C7.

Seminars: 10-20 % ECTS

The seminars will be face-to-face. The professor will explain more specific topics in the classroom. Therefore, the students can participate by asking questions, etc. In addition, the students must prepare an oral presentation in groups about a topic assigned by the professor. For this, students should consult international journals in English.

With this academic activity, the student will acquire the following competencies: C1, C2, C3, C4.

Student assessment:

Assessment of the learning will serve the purpose of checking competency acquisition through the following:

Attendance to lectures and attendance to practical classes (40 %)
Written seminar report (accuracy in the content, submission and oral presentation) (30 %)
Tutorials (development of lectures and practical classes) and final exam (global knowledge acquired) (30 %)

Brief outline of the course contents:

Lectures

Unit 1.- Plant-pathogen interactions: plant diseases and symptoms.
Unit 2.- Pathogens: types of pathogens and pathogens as biological weapons.
Unit 3.- Plant defence genes: structural and chemical defence. Plant defence mechanisms and types of resistance.
Unit 4.- Pathophysiology: Effects of pathogens on plant physiology. Changes in plant hormones.
Unit 5.- Pathogen control. Types and biocontrol. Antagonistic microorganisms.
Unit 6.- Nitrosative stress. Nitric oxide (NO). Production and detection methods of defensive reactions.
Unit 7.- Stress caused by herbivores: plant toxins and their effects on animals. Detoxification
Unit 8.- Plant interactions: mechanisms and ability to interfere. Allelopathy.

Practical classes

Analysis of phytoalexins
Bioassay of fungitoxicity of phytoalexins
Biocontrol testing
Nitric Oxide assay
Toxin assays