91̽»¨

The course is an electable course in biology at basic level. The course can be part of the bachelor programs in biology and molecular biology. The course is also offered as a separate course.

The course can be part of the following programmes: 1) Bachelor's Programme in Biology (N1BIO) and 2) Bachelor's Programme in Molecular Biology (N1MB1)

Alternative 1: Completed basic courses in biology comprising 60 credits in the subject areas of cell biology, molecular genetics, evolution, botanical and zoological physiology,2/3 ecology and biodiversity and systematics, or equivalent, of which at least 45 credits must be approved. In addition, English B is required.

Alternative 2: The following courses must be completed: ES1201, Environmental 91̽»¨s: Natural 91̽»¨, 15 credits, ES1300, Natural Resource Management, 15 credits, ES1305, Pollutants effects and dispersal on Biological Systems, 15 credits, ES1220 Ecology and evolution for environmental scientists, 15 credits and one of the following three courses: BIO900, Cell Biology, 15 credits, BIO906, Molecular Genetics and Evolution, 15 credits, BIO283, Conservation Ecology in Water Environments, 15 credits, or an equivalent basic course in environmental science with a scientific focus. At least 60 of 75 credits must be approved.

Alternative 3: 90 hp of 120 hp in courses on the initiall two years of the Marine 91̽»¨ Bachelor’s program at GU should be approved.

For all alternatives, applicants must also prove their knowledge of English corresponding to English 6/English B from Swedish upper secondary school. For more information, see English language requirements on Universityadmissions.se.

This course is devoted to physiology of plants, cyanobacteria and algae from the cellular to the organismal level. The emphasis is on the environmental influence on basic physiological processes, such as photosynthesis, nutrient uptake and metabolism, reproduction, senescence and programmed cell death. Responses to abiotic stress (nutrient limitation, salinity, cold, heat, excess light, high CO2) and related adaptations are included. Practical laboratory work examines how plants and algae respond to environmental stress. The course is highly interactive. In addition to lectures and laboratory work, students discuss selected relevant research articles in a group and write individual assignments. Literature project work on a related topic chosen by the students themselves and presentations to fellow students are also included in the course.

After completion of the course the student is expected to be able to:

Knowledge and understanding

• Demonstrate knowledge of basic physiological concepts in plants, algae and cyanobacteria.
• Demonstrate knowledge of physiological mechanisms used by plants, algae and cyanobacteria as responses to changes in the environment, with respect to tolerance, acclimation, adaptation and metabolic responses.

Skill and abilities

• Compare the physiological mechanisms and responses of plants, algae and cyanobacteria to changes in the environment.
• Discuss scientific literature in the field of plant physiology.
• Orally present research articles and own project to fellow students.

Judgment and approach

• Choose relevant scientific studies and critically evaluate the importance of research during preparation of own project.

The course is given in the form of group discussions and lab practicals, and is finalized by a project assignment. The compulsory elements of the course are group discussions, practicals, and project work (as shown by the course schedule).

The course is given in English.

Examination takes place through active participation in group, presentation of results from laboratory work in groups, and individual project work (as shown by the course schedule).

Group discussions: Compulsory active participation, oral presentation in a group, and individual written assignments. 5 hp.

Laborations: Compulsory participation, and oral presentation in a group. 5 hp.

Project work: Written and oral presentation of individual literature review, opposition against another student's project. 5 hp.

The assessment of the different parts is based on predetermined criteria, which will be presented during the course.

A student has the right to change examiner after failing twice on the same exam, if possible. A written request must be sent to the Department.

The grading scale for group discussions and laborations comprises: Pass (G) and Fail (U). The grading scale for project work comprises: Pass with Distinction (VG), Pass (G) and Fail (U). Pass on the full course requires Pass on all parts, VG on the full course requires VG on the project work.

The grades of Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with Distinction (VG) are awarded based on the following final grade scheme: 0-59% = U; 60-84% = G; 85-100% = VG.

A written course evaluation is made available to students at the end of the course. The evaluation should be submitted no later than one week after the end of the course. A summary of the course evaluation is presented on the course CANVAS page. A summary of the course evaluation and information about any changes made are presented for the next course.