MSc Plant Biotechnology - A513
1.
Objectives
Plant biotechnology offers significant economic and environmental opportunities, including
the potential to play a key role in increasing agricultural production and improving food
security. As concerns about genetically modified crops have increased, biotechnology and
technology transfer have come to the forefront of media coverage and governmental policies
as such issues clearly have implications on the life of every citizen around the world.
This Programme aims to give graduates an opportunity to broaden their knowledge in Plant
Biotechnology by equipping them with an understanding of the concept and principles of
agricultural biotechnology. This course will promote professional development of graduates
in Agriculture by providing the student with an understanding and hands-on experience of the
different disciplines within the realm of plant biotechnology.
On completion of this Programme, learners will be able to:





2.
develop their understanding of the different scientific disciplines related to plant
biotechnology;
discuss the applications of molecular biology and biotechnological methods used by
agricultural researchers;
have an understanding of the methods used to manipulate the DNA molecule, and the
methods used in obtaining gene products;
develop the necessary skills to manipulate DNA, RNA and proteins within the
laboratory, and perform such techniques if provided with a protocol; and
discuss the ethical, legal and societal implications of plant biotechnology.
General Entry Requirements
At least a Second Class Honours degree from a recognised University, GPA not less than 2.50, or
alternative qualifications acceptable to the University of Mauritius.
3.
Programme Requirements
4.
A Degree in Agriculture or allied fields.
General and Programme Requirements – Special Cases
The following may be deemed to have satisfied the General and Programme requirements for
admission:
5.
(i)
Applicants who do not satisfy any of the requirements, as per Regulations 2 and 3
above but submit satisfactory evidence of having passed examinations, which are
deemed by the Senate to be equivalent to any of those listed.
(ii)
Applicants who do not satisfy any of the requirements, as per Regulations 2 and 3
above but who in the opinion of Senate, submit satisfactory evidence of the capacity
and attainments requisite to enable them to pursue the programme proposed.
Programme Duration
Master’s Degree (FT):
Master’s Degree (PT):
Postgraduate Diploma (FT):
Normal [Year(s)]
Maximum [Years]
1
2
1
2
4
2
Postgraduate Diploma (PT):
2
4
6.
Credits per Year: Minimum 12 credits subject to regulation 5.
7.
Minimum Credits Required for the Award of
Master’s Degree:
36
Postgraduate Diploma: 24
Breakdown as follows:
Master’s Degree:
8.
Core Taught
Modules
Project
Electives
24 credits
12 credits
-
Assessment
Each module will carry 100 marks and will be assessed as follows (unless otherwise
specified):
Assessment will be based on a written examination of 2-hour duration for 3-credit modules
and
3-hour duration for 6-credit modules, carrying a weighting of 70%, and continuous
assessment carrying 30% of total marks. Continuous assessment will be based on practical
classes in and outside the laboratory, case studies, Problem-Based Learning, visits, studentled seminars, literature based research and/or assignments, and should include at least 1 class
test.
For a student to pass a module, a minimum of 30% should be attained in both the Continuous
Assessment and Written Examination, with an overall total of a minimum of 40% in that
module.
Each module will carry 6 credits, except modules AGRI 6001Y(1), AGRI 6002Y(1) and the
Project. Modules AGRI 6001Y(1) & AGRI 6002Y(1) will carry 3 credits and will be taught
over one semester; the Project will carry 12 credits.
There will be a compulsory class test for all modules taught over a semester at the end of the
semester of the given academic year. Written examinations for all the modules, whether
taught over one semester or one academic year, will be carried out at the end of the year.
Submission Deadlines for Dissertation:


9.
First Draft: End of July in the Final Year.
Final Copy: Last working day of August in the Final Year.
Important Note
The rules as stipulated in this Programme Structure and Outline Syllabus will replace all other
rules and regulations.
10.
List of Modules
Code
Module Name
Hrs/Yr
L+P
Credits
CORE MODULES
AGRI 6001Y(1)
AGRI 6002Y(1)
AGRI 6003Y(1)
AGRI 6004Y(1)
AGRI 6005Y(1)
AGRI 6000Y(1)
11.
Research Methods & Experimentation
Advanced Molecular Biology
Advanced Plant Science and Molecular
Breeding
Microbial Genetics and Genetic Engineering
Advanced Plant Tissue Culture
Project
30+30
45+0
75+30
3
3
6
75+30
75+30
-
6
6
12
Hrs/Yr
L+P
30+30
45+0
75+30
Credits
75+30
75+30
-
6
6
12
Hrs/Yr
L+P
30+30
45+0
75+30
Credits
Hrs/Yr
L+P
75+30
Credits
75+30
-
6
12
Programme Plan - MSc Plant Biotechnology
Full-Time:
YEAR 1
Code
Module Name
AGRI 6001Y(1)
AGRI 6002Y(1)
AGRI 6003Y(1)
Research Methods & Experimentation
Advanced Molecular Biology
Advanced Plant Science and Molecular
Breeding
Microbial Genetics and Genetic Engineering
Advanced Plant Tissue Culture
Project
AGRI 6004Y(1)
AGRI 6005Y(1)
AGRI 6000Y(1)
3
3
6
Part-Time:
YEAR 1
Code
Module Name
AGRI 6001Y(1)
AGRI 6002Y(1)
AGRI 6005Y(1)
Research Methods & Experimentation
Advanced Molecular Biology
Advanced Plant Tissue Culture
3
3
6
YEAR 2
Code
Module Name
AGRI 6003Y(1)
Advanced Plant Science and Molecular
Breeding
Microbial Genetics and Genetic Engineering
Project
AGRI 6004Y(1)
AGRI 6000Y(1)
6
Total: 36 credits
12.
Outline Syllabus
AGRI 6000Y(1) - PROJECT
The project provides an opportunity for the students to undertake and contribute to a piece of original
research work, in an area related to plant biotechnology. The students are required to design an
experiment (or investigation, survey or other means) to test a hypothesis or proposition, to plan and
execute the research work, to evaluate the outcomes and draw valid conclusions.
The research work is carried out individually, under guided supervision. To support the project work,
the Faculty has prepared a document on: Project Guidelines for MSc Degree.
AGRI 6001Y(1) - RESEARCH METHODS & EXPERIMENTATION
Methods of research and experimentation in Agriculture. Data Collection and Organisation.
Experimental design and data analysis in crop production. Regression models and analysis. Use of
statistical software for data processing. Principle component analysis. Survey Methodology and
Scientific Communication.
AGRI 6002Y(1) - ADVANCED MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
Gene structure and organisation. Expression and transmission of genetic information. Control of gene
expression. Basic immunology. Monoclonal antibodies, serodiagnostics and vaccines.
AGRI 6003Y(1) - ADVANCED PLANT SCIENCE AND MOLECULAR BREEDING
Plant mineral nutrition. Assimilation of inorganic nutrients. Transport phenomena in plant. Seed
physiology and plant reproduction. Plant development and plant growth analysis. Molecular and
Biotechnological methods of pest management. Genomics and characterisation of whole genomes;
genetic mapping techniques; mutations and their consequences on phenotypes; Traditional and
modern plant breeding techniques; Biometrical genetics; Quantitative trait loci; Genetic variation and
molecular biology underlying key traits; maintenance, selection and use of germplasm resources;
biochemical and molecular techniques used in breeding program.
AGRI 6004Y(1) - MICROBIAL GENETICS AND GENETIC ENGINEERING
Plant/pathogen interactions. Application of molecular biology in disease detection and
characterisation of pests and pathogens. Plant virology.
Principle of gene cloning. Recent developments in genetic engineering. Manipulating plant genomes,
methods of plant cell transformation, Designer Genes and Transformation Technologies. Transgenic
plants crop improvement.
An overview of ethical controversies about biotechnology and specific ethical issues in plant, animal,
and human biotechnology. Regulatory and ethical aspects of genetics: eugenics, genetic testing and
screening, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), GMO Act (2004), legal protection and
intellectual property rights, recombinant DNA and biosafety. Commercialisation of Transgenic Plants
including field trials and release of transgenic crops; regulations, consumer acceptance and
commercial aspects (intellectual property and use of patents).
AGRI 6005Y(1) - ADVANCED PLANT TISSUE CULTURE
Micropropagation techniques in horticulture and crop improvement; Protoplast and haploid cultures;
Somatic and cytoplasmic hybridization; Genetic manipulation of crop plants; Secondary product
synthesis by plant tissue cultures; Elicitation and immobilization techniques; Development and use of
cell lines for specific purposes; Mutagenesis and selection in vitro; Commercial and technical
perspectives.