Fundamentals of Genetics

the Genetic and Molecular Biological Approach to Biology; single-gene inheritance; independent assortment of genes; mapping eukaryote chromosomes by recombination; gene interaction; transcription, processing and translation of RNA in Eukaryotes; regulation of eukaryotic gene expression; genomes and genomics; large-scale chromosomal changes; gene isolation and manipulation; population genetics; inheritance of complex traits.

Population and Quantitative Genetics

Life on earth shows immense variation, both in phenotypes and the underlying genotypes. Population and quantitative geneticists address questions such as where this variation comes from, how it is maintained, and how it can be used. This course introduces seminal models and concepts that deal with the dynamics of genetic variation, and applies these to

Soil-Plant Relations

Plant roots absorb water and nutrients from the root medium. The bio-availability of these growth factors is determined by a variety of biological, physical and chemical processes and properties. The plant itself affects these processes and soil properties in its rhizosphere. The interactions between the plant and its root environment represent the core of theory

Modelling Functional Diversity in Crop Production

The last century, agriculture has been characterised by control and specialization: monocrops being grown with intensive use of fertilizers and pesticides. But environmental concerns, disease and pest resistance to pesticides and finite availability of resources call for a change in strategy. Diversity both in terms of utilizing different crop species and in combining different ecology-based

Genetic Analysis Trends and Concepts

This advanced course explains the most important genetic concepts to unravel and understand complex biological phenomena. We in detail explain the genetic processes underlying variation and its inheritance and their relevance with respect to evolution. We center our course around three main themes: Mutation, recombination and (epi-)genetic transmission. All three themes are both cause and

Regulation of Plant Development

A unique feature of plants is the fact that environmental factors play a crucial role in their development. In this course, molecular, cell biological, and physiological aspects of plant developmental processes will be discussed. We will cover several conceptual frameworks for the development of plant cell types and organs. The focus will be on how

Germplasm and Seed Technology (online)

This course introduces students to a number of important aspects of plant breeding, such as the process of domestication, germplasm development and the importance of gene banks. Also, important practical aspects on bringing a cultivar to the market are discussed, such as breeders’ rights and patents, and the design of seed and plant production programs.

Ziekte en Afweer van Plant en Dier

In dit blok gaan we in op de vragen: Wat zijn (planten)ziekten en plagen? Hoe werkt het immuunsysteem van planten en dieren zoals de mens? De behandelde thema’s zijn: Verschillende klassen van ziekteverwekkers (schimmels, oömyceten, bacteriën, parasitaire planten, nematoden, virussen, en herbivoren), De mechanismen waarmee deze organismen planten binnen dringen, de plantenafweer omzeilen en/of onderdrukken,

Moleculaire Celbiologie en Genetica

In deze inleidende cursus biologie worden de algemene principes behandeld die ten grondslag liggen aan het leven op aarde. Alle biologische organismen zijn opgebouwd uit cellen. Cellen zijn de kleinste functionele eenheid van leven en hun eigenschappen worden bepaald door fysische en chemische wetmatigheden. Tussen cellen en de omgeving bestaat een wisselwerking. Cellen nemen signalen