Admission requirements
None
Contact information
Coordinator: Prof.dr. J. Memelink
Email: j.memelink@biology.leidenuniv.nl
Description
Plants defend themselves against pests and diseases with a so-called innate immune system, which is found in all multicellular organisms. Vertebrates have acquired in addition the so-called adaptive immune system, which depends on antibodies. Innate immunity has evolved in plants, resulting in a wide diversity of defense mechanisms adapted to specific threats (including herbivores and pathogens). The course will deal with the different defense mechanisms, their biochemical and molecular genetic mode of action, their efficiency and durability, their physiological and ecological costs for the plant, their evolution, heritability and plasticity, as well as with research topics and applications that use functional genomics, metabolomics and genetic modification.
Learning goals
Course objectives:
The objectives are to get familiar with the plant immune system by practicing reading primary scientific literature, discussing scientific articles and orally presenting one or two specific scientific topics. Depending on the number of participants, writing a critical review may also be a part of the assignments.
Final qualifications:
Participants are familiar with critically reading scientific papers published in top journals.
They are able to ask critical questions.
They have experience in making a powerpoint presentation about a scientific topic, in orally presenting it, and in answering questions about that topic.
They have an understanding of the state-of-the-art knowledge about the mechanisms governing plant immunity and of the main concepts current in the research field.
Timetable
Once a week (Wednesday) at the end of the day (15.30-18.30) in the 2nd semester (starting beginning of March). The detailed schedule depends on the number of participants and will be finalized after the first session. Typically the course will run from March to and including June, with weekly sessions from 15.30-17.00 and from 15.30-18.30 (depending on the number of participants).
Mode of instruction
Reading selection of original research papers. Oral presentation of one of the topics. Emphasis is on critical reading, discussion and oral presentations by the participants.
Assessment method
Oral presentation, discussion and, depending on participant number, a short written report.
Blackboard
Blackboard is used for communication and course material.
Reading list
Research papers will be posted on blackboard at the start of the course.
Registration
Via USIS and enroll in Blackboard
Exchange and Study Abroad students, please see the Prospective students website for more information on how to apply.