Forest genetics II: Genetic breeding of forest tree species

Course Information
TitleΔασική γενετική ΙΙ: Γενετική Βελτίωση Δασοπονικών Ειδών / Forest genetics II: Genetic breeding of forest tree species
Code61Υ
FacultyAgriculture, Forestry and Natural Environment
SchoolForestry and Natural Environment
Cycle / Level1st / Undergraduate
Teaching PeriodSpring
CommonNo
StatusActive
Course ID600019449

Programme of Study: PPS Tmīmatos Dasologías kai Fysikoý Perivállontos (2020-sīmera)

Registered students: 62
OrientationAttendance TypeSemesterYearECTS
Compulsory CoursesCompulsory Course635

Class Information
Academic Year2023 – 2024
Class PeriodSpring
Faculty Instructors
Weekly Hours5
Class ID
600231461
Course Type 2021
Specific Foundation
Course Type 2016-2020
  • Scientific Area
  • Skills Development
Course Type 2011-2015
Specific Foundation / Core
Mode of Delivery
  • Face to face
Erasmus
The course is also offered to exchange programme students.
Language of Instruction
  • Greek (Instruction, Examination)
  • English (Instruction, Examination)
  • French (Instruction, Examination)
Prerequisites
General Prerequisites
Knowledge on plant morphology, forest botany, forest soil science, forest ecology and forest genetics that is offered via the obligatory courses of previous semesters is facilitating the better understanding of the topics taught in the specific course.
Learning Outcomes
1. Understanding of the geographic variaiton and the variation of natural forest tree populations - training on assessment methods 2. Training on putting together and executing tree breeding programs 3. Training on establishin genetic trials, evaluation of results and capitalization on the results for the establishment of production plantations 4. Knowledge and training on advanced generation breeding strategies - structure and management of breeding populations 5. Applications of genomics and molecular markers for marker assisted selection 6. Understanding of the applications of genetic engineering on forest trees
General Competences
  • Apply knowledge in practice
  • Retrieve, analyse and synthesise data and information, with the use of necessary technologies
  • Adapt to new situations
  • Make decisions
  • Work autonomously
  • Work in teams
  • Work in an international context
  • Work in an interdisciplinary team
  • Respect natural environment
  • Advance free, creative and causative thinking
Course Content (Syllabus)
Introduction - Breeding objectives and programmes. Variation of species, populations, stands – research methods, Variation within populations – quantifying genetic variation , genetic diversity in forest trees, factors promoting genetic diversity within populations, mating systems in forest trees, spatial and temporal genetic structure within populations, practical implications of within population diversity, Geographic Variation – Races, Clines and Ecotypes, Provenances – terminology and meaning of the term in genetic improvement. Provenance research, Evolutionary genetics – divergence, speciation, hybridization. Tree Improvement Programs, Scope and structure of tree improvement programs, Breeding cycle, Genetic gain and economic value of tree improvement programs, Base populations – Species, hybrids, Seeds sources and Breeding Zones. Phenotypic mass selection – direct and indirect selection, selection for multiple traits. Methods of genetic gain estimation. Genetic testing – types, objectives and functions of genetic tests, Mating designes, Field designs, Test implementation. Methods for meeting immediate needs for improved seed, Seed Orchards (clonal and seedling Cos), Family Forestry, Clonal Forestry, Genetic diversity considerations in deployment options. Genomics – discovery and functional analysis of genes (structural, functional, comparative genomics, Bioinformatics and databases), Concepts of Marker-Assisted Selection (MAS), Indirect selection based on markers linked to QTLs, Direct selection based on genes coding for target traits, Marker-assisted Breeding, Genetic Engineering – target traits for genetic engineering, direct and indirect gene transfer methods, Regeneration and Transformation, Applications of genetic engineering in forest trees, transgene expression and stability, Commercialization, Regulation and Biosafety.
Keywords
Geographic variation, Evolutionary Genetics, Breeding Programs, Genetic Trials, Deployment of improved material, Advanced generation breeding strategies, Genomics, Molecular markers, Genetic engineering
Educational Material Types
  • Notes
  • Slide presentations
  • Multimedia
  • Book
Use of Information and Communication Technologies
Use of ICT
  • Use of ICT in Course Teaching
  • Use of ICT in Laboratory Teaching
  • Use of ICT in Communication with Students
Description
Lectures by using modern technologies and the internet applications/platforms. Use of educational videos, use of internet and interactive quizzes during the laboratory courses. Communication with the students via the course webpage in the elearning AUTh educational platform, as well via the platform of digital secretariat. Also, communication of students and instructors is always taking place via electronic mail. Educational material is uploaded on the elearning platform.
Course Organization
ActivitiesWorkloadECTSIndividualTeamworkErasmus
Lectures391.3
Seminars200.7
Laboratory Work260.9
Fieldwork200.7
Reading Assigment150.5
Tutorial250.8
Exams50.2
Total1505
Student Assessment
Description
Weekly tests on the material taught during the laboratory courses. Final written exam that includes multiple choice questions and solving of problems on the topics taught in the laboratory courses. Success in the laboratory exams is a prerequisite for taking the exam on the course that includes only questions requiring long answers.
Student Assessment methods
  • Written Exam with Multiple Choice Questions (Formative, Summative)
  • Written Exam with Short Answer Questions (Formative, Summative)
  • Written Exam with Extended Answer Questions (Formative, Summative)
  • Oral Exams (Formative, Summative)
  • Written Exam with Problem Solving (Formative, Summative)
Bibliography
Course Bibliography (Eudoxus)
Τ. White, T. Adams, D. Neale, 2009. Δασική Γενετική. Επιστημονική Επιμέλεια-απόδοση στα ελληνικά Α. Σκαλτσογιάννης, Δ. Ζαραγκότας. Εκδόσεις ΕΜΒΡΥΟ. ISBN 978-960-8002-52-4
Last Update
06-07-2023